The Chautauqua County Homeless Coalition promotes a coordinated response to assist people experiencing homelessness in Chautauqua County, New York. As the designated Continuum of Care (NY-514) for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Coalition and its members work together to provide housing and supportive services to the unhoused. Our goal is to assist people make the next step towards safety and stable housing.
Because people experience homelessness in different ways, the resources linked on this page are listed by categories of assistance.
Important Numbers
911 – Life threatening emergencies, including life threatening medical emergencies
211 – 24/7/365 connection to community resources across WNY – non-emergency resources for connection to basic needs and human service agencies
988 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – mental health and crisis support available 24/7 nationwide
Street Outreach
The Homeless Coalition coordinates a Street Outreach team to visit homeless encampments and other locations where people are unhoused. Street outreach workers can provide harm reduction services, identify barriers to housing, and make referrals to emergency shelter or supportive services.
If you are aware of a location in Chautauqua County that could benefit from Street Outreach, please contact the Street Outreach team at: 716-951-6100
Emergency Shelter
People experiencing homelessness are advised to go to the Department of Social Services for placement in an emergency shelter.
Other Shelter Options include:
The Code Blue Shelter by ROME– shelter for all individuals when the temperature is below 32 degrees
Text CODEBLUECHQ to 898211 to opt in to Code Blue Alerts
UCAN City Mission – emergency shelter for single men
The Salvation Army Anew Center – emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic violence
The Chautauqua County Safe House – emergency shelter for youth who are 17 or under
Homeless Prevention
Households who have received a written eviction notice from their landlord, can go to the Department of Social Services for assistance. DSS may be able to assist or refer to other organizations who provide homeless prevention services, including:
Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
Catholic Charities - Jamestown
Legal Assistance of Western New York (LawNY)
Supportive Housing
Many local organizations provide permanent or transitional housing with supportive services to people who are experiencing homelessness. While housing openings are usually limited, people experiencing homelessness are encouraged to place their names on the waitlists for housing programs that would benefit them.
Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL)
Recovery Options Made Easy (ROME)
Organizations that work with local landlords to provide temporary rental assistance include:
Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.- for individuals and families
Food
Food resources include food pantries, soup kitchen, food vouchers, packed lunches/dinner, etc. The link below can be filtered by need, zip code, city and/or distance
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I’m currently homeless?
If you are currently homeless, or know someone who is, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to the Department of Social Services
110 East 4th Street, Jamestown, NY 14701
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Or call (716) 661-8200
15 W. Lucas Avenue, Dunkirk, NY 14048
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Or call (716) 363-3500
Step 2: Fill out an application
If eligible, a shelter placement will be offered
Can I access emergency shelter after-hours?
Yes. If you find yourself without shelter after 4:30 pm, call the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office at (716) 753-4232. The Sheriff’s Office has an agreement with the Department of Social Services to place people experiencing homelessness in temporary shelter. If you receive an after-hours placement from the Sheriff’s Office, you must contact DSS during the next business day.
