homeless

A proposed funding agreement with Cornell University will be taken up again for consideration at a special council meeting scheduled for Oct. 11.

"They’re leaving a place they consider to be their home and all of their belongings are in their home but their homes aren’t as secure as our homes are," said Deb Wilke.

This is the second time Danks Burke has challenged O’Mara to represent the 58th senate district. Geographically, the district is the largest in the state senate.

“Not only is a homeless encampment a violation of that homeless person’s dignity, it’s also a public health threat.”

Volunteers are now helping people to set up new shelters and move belongings.

The idea for the blankets was inspired by a hospital in Florida, but, in the winter weather of Upstate New York, the group is making theirs thicker and the need is greater.

The point-in-time count is done every year and is a requirement for some federal funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The number of people living on the streets and in shelters in a three-county area is down 6% in the calendar year that ended in September.

"We’re actually seeing the biggest increases in the number of families who are facing homelessness. So, typically that would look like a young single mom with 2 or 3 young children."