homelessness

Homelessness rates have increased by almost 200 percent in New York's Southern Tier over the past 15 years. A new team of outreach workers is trying to support people who live outside in the mostly rural region.

Housing advocates and organizers gathered in downtown Binghamton Saturday, handing out hot food, warm clothes, and harm reduction supplies like fentanyl test strips and the overdose-reversing drug naloxone.

The county’s only year-round shelter, operated by St. John’s Community Services, closed last month.

Elmira residents packed the city courthouse Monday night. Many were against the measure and asked the city not to pass it.

The law would have placed fines on people in "unauthorized campsites" of up to $1,000 and one year in jail, depending on the number of violations. Oftentimes, the campsites in question are created by people who are homeless.

The Binghamton City Council passed legislation last week to include people facing homelessness as a protected group under the city’s anti-discrimination laws.The legislation prohibits local institutions, landlords and employers from denying services to residents because of their housing status.

A new dormitory-style homeless shelter opened in Elmira Wednesday and will house up to 47 individuals—both men and women. It offers beds, locked storage, meals, laundry and showers, along with services to find permanent housing.

The staff member filmed using a chokehold on a client is no longer employed at St. John’s Community Services.

The Addiction Center of Broome County wants to open a “warming center” to provide shelter for homeless residents when temperatures go below freezing. But some local business owners are against the plan.

The expansion would have allowed construction of 12 additional cottages. The proposal received stiff pushback from some Newfield residents and elected officials.