Eviction warning notices began appearing at various points of known homeless encampments Thursday afternoon around the city. Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund, estimates that between 200 to 300 homeless and unhoused individuals have erected make-shift shanties across the city, and are not using programs and services to better their situations. It’s been almost a month since Ecklund declared an emergency declaration in Jamestown, and while there has been a slight decrease in the homeless in Brooklyn Square, there has remained a consistent homeless presence in the area.

According to the posted notice to vacate, encampment residents have until Monday to leave the area with their property. Anything not taken will be considered abandoned and disposed of and sites cleaned. More than 14 contact numbers for agencies who can assist with transitional easement also appeared at the bottom of the notice.

The city’s notice directs homeless people to the county Social Services Department, county Mental Hygiene Department, Salvation Army, UCAN City Mission and Chautauqua Opportunities. Contact information is also listed for the Chautauqua Center, Evergreen Health Association, Mental Health Association, Love INC., SafePoint Lighthouse, Recovery Options Made Easy, Chautauqua Works, Infinity Resources and St. Susan Center.

“We need boots on the ground near the viaduct and riverwalk,” said City Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At Large. “It’s one thing to have the programs and services, but it’s another thing for people to access them.”

Two of the more than 20 formal eviction notices the city has placed at known homeless encampments throughout the city Thursday afternoon. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

In response to the growing crisis, Ecklund declared a state of emergency on July 25, after more than two years of the homeless population growing in Jamestown. Ecklund has said that the growing concerns for the health, safety and sanitation of not only the homeless, but government workers and passers-by as well, is just as important.

“Individuals residing in encampments frequently contend with mental health issues and substance abuse, leading to hazardous behaviors such as the improper disposal of needles and defecation on public properties, including in the Chadakoin River. This situation exposes city employees-ranging from Police Officers and Firefighters to staff from the Department of Development, Public Works, Parks, and Sanitation-to dangerous conditions daily, including the handling of thousands of carelessly discarded needles and human waste,” she said. “The improper disposal of needles significantly heightens the risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. These needles are found in public spaces, parks, and residential areas, posing a serious hazard to residents, city workers, and visitors who might accidentally come into contact with them. Additionally, the accumulation of human waste along the Riverwalk and public pathways further aggravates the situation, as human feces may contain various pathogens, including bacteria such as salmonella and e. coli, viruses like Hepatitis A and Norovirus and intestinal parasites.”

According to Rodney “Ruddy” White, representatives from the government have started to work their way along the Riverwalk to provide an entryway or pathways into programs and services offered.

“Some nice people came down here the other day, I’m not sure who they’re with, but they helped us fill out some forms to get assistance with housing and food,” he said. “I’ve been living down here for six months and it sucks.”

When White was asked about his past he responded talked about coming to Jamestown from Warren, needing a ride to Dunkirk to visit his aunt or aunts, and that he needed food.

Several homeless individuals are still encamped along the Riverwalk, despite a Thursday afternoon warning from city officials to vacate the area. More than 20 eviction notices have been posted at various known encampments across Jamestown. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

Ecklund, in her emergency declaration, asked city residents to direct their assistance to structured programs

The Post-Journal reached out to county officials to see if the county had resources or rooms available for homeless residents the city is trying to move.

“No one will be refused services for the unhoused or homeless,” said Justin Gould, county public information officer. “We’re working hand-in-hand with the city to bring services and programs to those in need.”

Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. said earlier this week it was starting a point in time count throughout the entire county starting Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Continuum of Care will be meeting at 10 a.m. at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown to review the data collected, and to continue a community discussion on strategies to address homelessness.

Russell said one solution, to him, is evident – more boots on the ground.

“I hope we have social workers, mental health workers and counselors who specialize in drug and alcohol addictions going down to the encampments and bringing the service right where they’re needed. For those who don’t want services or treatment, and choose to live this way, then we will have to use the court system. They’re breaking the law. I’m not without compassion or empathy, but you can’t force someone to want to get better or to seek treatment.”