
Catholic Charities’ Homeless Shelter
Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler will be conducting 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 23, 2025.
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 conducting interviews in Chemung and Schuyler Counties utilizing the help of community organizations and local food pantries. If you think you know where individuals are staying who might be homeless, please call 607-317-5759 and leave a message with the location.
In 2024, there were 1,638 distinct individuals who experienced homelessness and received services in Chemung County (331 individuals were under the age of 18). In Schuyler County, 77 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.