ELMIRA, NY – Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler will be leading interviews with the public to measure homelessness in our community. The interviews will be focused on where individuals slept during one specific “point-in-time,” Thursday, January 22, 2026.
This Point-In-Time Study (PIT) will be conducted in a five-county region and is part of US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) funding and in partnership with CARES, Inc.
A Point-In-Time Study is a coordinated effort within a specific region to count the number of people experiencing homelessness during a specific one-day point in time. HUD requests this information to better understand and address homelessness at a national level. Because of this PIT Study, federal funds could be used to address homeless issues specifically within our region. Therefore, Catholic Charities’ funding is directly tied to the completion of this study.
Suzi Fritz, Director of Emergency Services states, “It is important to draw attention to the funding needs of our communities to ensure service availability for our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Catholic Charities’ Staff will be organizing interviews in Chemung and Schuyler Counties utilizing the help of community organizations, non-profits, and local food pantries. If you think you know where individuals are staying who might be homeless, please call 607-734-4898 during business hours and leave a message with the location. After hours, please call 607-732-5954.
In 2025, there were 771 distinct individuals who experienced homelessness and received services in Chemung County (211 individuals were under the age of 18). In Schuyler County, 53 individuals experiencing homelessness received services.
Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Department of Social Services, is operating the Warming Station and the Homeless Shelter at 160 High Street in Elmira, NY. Anyone in need of shelter or a place to get warm is welcome to come to the Homeless Shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals can meet with staff to find out what options are available for them. Meals and coffee are provided as well as warm clothing, hats and gloves as needed. Anyone in need of the Warming Station is able to come inside without the need to complete paperwork.
For community members interested in helping, Catholic Charities is specifically in need of grocery gift cards, personal hygiene items, hats, gloves, hand/feet warmers and bus tokens.
Donations of items may be sent to Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center (380 S Main St, Elmira, NY), Monday-Friday from 8:30 am—4:00 pm or The Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry (112 10th St, Watkins Glen, NY) Tuesday & Friday: 9 am—2 pm, Thursday: Noon—4 pm. Monetary donations may be made online at www.CatholicCharitiesCS.org (designate Homeless Services) or you may mail a check to 215 East Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901.
About Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler: Catholic Charities provides support to individuals and families in our community to help them live a more self-reliant life. They specialize in emergency services and housing support. As part of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities agencies are serving twelve Western New York counties, from the Southern Tier to Rochester. For more information on services, please visit ccdor.org, www.CatholicCharitiesCS.org, or call 607-734-9784.