JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Late last month, the City of Jamestown declared a State of Emergency due to almost 300 people across the city living in public spaces.
The dire living conditions in what the city has called "unauthorized encampments" displayed scattered belongings and discarded needles littered public areas, including trails along the Chadakoin River. Conditions that city officials described as a "public health crisis."
To date, city officials say they have successfully completed one encampment cleanup in the area around and including Ransom Alley, but the homelessness crisis remains.
Chautauqua Opportunities Inc., works with the city as a partner to address homelessness in the city. They're now calling for a more compassionate response to the issue.
"We did not support that move and we thought that it was more appropriate to do a strategic planning type event and plan what is best for our community" said Diane Hewitt-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at COI.
The organization is instead calling for what they say is "a plan that is solution based, respectful and allows those experiencing homelessness to maintain their dignity".
"As much as we would all like everybody to have a place to live, the immediate needs would be increased shelter beds, and more available, affordable housing, and we can achieve that by working together so that's what our hopes are," said Amanda Straight, Deputy Director of housing and community development.
In a statement released today, the office of Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund expressed disappointment in recent statements made by COI.
The city said in part: "We had hoped for their assistance and cooperation in gathering data, sharing facts, engaging in meaningful collaboration, and working together to find solutions to addressing the homeless crisis in Jamestown."
Discussions continue next week. The Continuum of Care will be meeting at 10 a.m. at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown to review data collected by COI and further discuss strategies to address homelessness.