Josiah Lamp, director of Housing and Community Development at Chautauqua Opportunities Inc., spoke to the Rotary Club of Jamestown recently.

The organization’s mission is to fight poverty by empowering people to build assets and reach economic independence. Lamp directs programs that include homelessness prevention, homeownership and housing rehabilitation. He serves as president of the Chautauqua County Homeless Coalition and president of the Board of Directors for the New York State Rural Housing Coalition. He has 15 years of experience in non-profit management with a B.A. from Wheaton College and an M.A. in Community Development and Planning from Clark University. He lives in Fredonia with his wife Erin, and their three children.

Lamp shared homelessness statistics for the past eight years with the Rotary members, showing significant increases in several categories. He announced the coming women’s shelter on Lafayette Street that will be called HOPE HAVEN.

It will provide housing for 18 women in 12 rooms that will be completely remodeled to provide mostly private, secure, facilities, each with a bathroom, kitchen and living room in addition to a bedroom. The common areas on the first floor will house a community room, laundry, and offices for 24-hour staff.

Guests will be short-term, staying only one to two months.

Lamp answered many questions posed by audience members.