From left, the Director of the County’s Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services Carmelo Hernandez, and Chautauqua County Execuitve PJ Wendel.
The county’s point person on mental health recently attended a meeting to learn more about potential ways to house the homeless.
Carmelo Hernandez, Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene and Social Services director, recently told The Post-Journal that he is still working to find options to deal with the county’s growing homeless population — though that population seems to be growing largely in the Jamestown area.
“In a continued effort to address homelessness in our communities, I will be attending a meeting next week to learn more about prospective developments of homeless shelters. These resources reflect our dedication to providing safe and stable housing options for all in need, regardless of the season,” said Hernandez. “We will continue to explore and implement effective solutions to ensure that no individual or family in our community is left without shelter and support.”
Hernandez reiterated past statements that the issue isn’t just securing housing, but dealing with underlying issues that contribute to homelessness. Often, there are mental health or addiction issues that lead to homelessness – though some of the homeless The Post-Journal has spoken with prefer their current situation.
“At Chautauqua County’s Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the homeless population in Jamestown, and all of Chautauqua County. We are actively seeking to facilitate new developments and initiatives to address the ongoing needs of our homeless community,” said Hernandez. “Our goal is to ensure that emergency housing is accessible throughout the year, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our department and our dedicated partners.”
County government agencies are the responsible organizations mandated by state law with housing homeless people and families during extreme weather conditions.
The two recognized state designations for emergency housing and sheltering calls are Code-Blue and Code-Red. Code-Blues designations happen during winter month nights, when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below, including wind-chill, between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. Code-Reds designations have two levels of classification. Level 1 is reserved for days from noon to 8 p.m. when forecasted elevated temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for one day or more, and temperatures are forecasted to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher at any point for two consecutive days or more. A Level 2 classification occurs when forecasted high temperatures reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit or more for any duration or are forecasted to reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit for four days or more, and is in effect continually for the duration of the extreme heat.
Hernandez said emergency housing is provided through several facilities that include:
– Budget Inn – Falconer
– Chautauqua Opportunities (COI) – three Homeless Houses (one in Jamestown and two in Dunkirk)
– Econo Lodge – Fredonia
– Dunkirk Motel – Dunkirk
– Quality Inn – Falconer
– Clarion Pointe – Jamestown
– Thruway Holiday Hotel – Westfield
– UCAN City Mission – Jamestown (Men only)
– Salvation Army Agnes Home – Anew Center for victims of Domestic Violence
– Eagles Nest – Respite for those with mental health needs, operated by Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME).
– Chautauqua County Safe House (run by COI), which houses runaway and homeless youth,
However, Hernandez said that some services may be available to assist those with housing challenges outside of Code-Blue or Code-Red destinations.
“Persons who are facing eviction or are homeless are encouraged to go to their local Department of Social Services office to see if they are eligible for assistance. The local DSS coordinates with Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. to screen individuals to determine their eligibility for homeless services in the county,” he said.