JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Chuck Barnes is concerned about homelessness in Jamestown.

"We can't wrap our minds around all the things that have caused it and how long it's going to persist,” said Barnes. “I'm concerned because I know people are hurting.”

What You Need To Know

  •  Chautauqua County homeless numbers released following Point-In-Time count

  •  The City of Jamestown recently declared a state of emergency following the increase in encampments 

  • Several community members associated with the homeless colaition met to address solutions to the issue

Barnes was one of several who attended Chautauqua County's Homeless Coalition meeting Tuesday, comprised of state and federal leaders, as well as dozens of member organizations discussing a number of shelter projects in the works and services offered.

Leaders also revealed the latest Point-In-Time count, a snapshot of the number of homeless taken last Wednesday, with 160 in shelters and 55 living on the streets. About half agreed to speak with volunteers.

"We gathered a lot of information through the survey that we did that really can help us to how we can better serve those who are experiencing homelessness," said Josiah Lamp, housing director, Chautauqua Opportunities.

Encouraged by the turnout, leaders say part of a larger challenge is the lack of housing in communities across the nation.

"From California to Oregon to New York state, if we can model how we work together as a continuum of care, as a community, we hope that will be successful and other communities can learn from that," said Lamp.

Despite recent negative comments between Chautauqua Opportunities and the city, at times at odds over how the issue is being handled, Mayor Kim Ecklund says the recent state of emergency and eviction notices were for the health and safety of the residents.

She says there was full compliance, with many getting the services they need. The county also reported 21 homeless seeked services on Monday.

"We are seeing outreach. We are seeing success. Some want it, some don't. Some need a little push, some need different avenues. And all these agencies are working together to do that," said Ecklund.

She says despite the public criticism, there are long-term initiatives and short-term solutions to the problem.

"We may not always agree on the avenue, but there is no doubt in my mind that all of these agencies and the city and the county all want a better Jamestown and want these people to have the services and the housing they deserve,” said Ecklund.

Barnes, meanwhile, is offering solutions of his own, while calling for a compassionate community.

"Because I think we're one step away from being in that same situation,” he said. “Because life does change from day-to-day and we don't know what's going to happen to any of us.”