City announces comprehensive approach to address growing encampments while providing services to vulnerable population

The City of Utica launched a comprehensive initiative this week to address the growing homeless encampment crisis, targeting sites on Lincoln Avenue, State Street, and Oriskany Street while coordinating with service providers to ensure displaced individuals receive necessary support and resources. This multi-faceted approach represents the city’s most significant response to mounting public health and safety concerns surrounding unsheltered homelessness in the region.

Strategic Response to Public Health Emergency

City officials designated the homeless encampments as a “public health, safety, and community wellness issue” requiring immediate intervention. The designation reflects growing concerns about sanitation, safety, and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

“As we identify locations within Utica, we are coordinating with our local municipal and private sector partners who serve individuals in need,” Utica city officials stated in their official announcement.

The city’s approach emphasizes collaboration rather than simple displacement, working with established service providers to ensure people receive appropriate assistance during the transition process.

Coordinated Outreach and Service Provision

Rather than implementing sudden clearances, Utica provides a 7-to-10-day notice period to individuals living in the encampments. This advance warning allows time for outreach workers to connect with residents and identify appropriate services and housing options.

The notice period serves multiple purposes:

• Allows service providers to conduct individual assessments
• Provides time to locate available housing or shelter beds
• Enables collection of personal belongings and important documents
• Creates opportunities for voluntary compliance rather than forced removal

Partnership with Established Service Organizations

The city’s initiative involves close coordination with key organizations serving Utica’s homeless population. The Utica Hope House and Rescue Mission of Utica play central roles in providing immediate assistance and long-term support services.

Celia Bogan, executive director of the Utica Hope House, emphasized the complexity of homelessness issues: “We recognize that homelessness is a complex issue and respect both the city’s role in maintaining safety and cleanliness and the importance of ensuring that encampment residents are treated with dignity and compassion.”

Mayor’s Direct Appeal to Community

Mayor Mike Galime has taken a direct approach in addressing community concerns about homelessness, including a social media video highlighting the ongoing challenges. “If you’re giving people money on the street corner, this is where your tax dollars end up,” Galime stated while showing cleanup efforts at one encampment site.

The mayor’s message reflects frustration with what he sees as well-intentioned but counterproductive assistance that may inadvertently support behaviors that lead to encampment formation rather than addressing underlying causes of homelessness.

Daily Operational Challenges

“Clearing out the encampments is a ‘day to day’ effort,” according to Mayor Galime’s recent statements. This ongoing nature of the problem highlights the complexity of addressing homelessness through enforcement alone without comprehensive support services.

The city’s approach recognizes that sustainable solutions require addressing root causes rather than simply moving people from one location to another.

Service Provider Response and Capacity Issues

Local service providers face significant capacity constraints that complicate efforts to house displaced individuals. The Morrow Warming Center reports running out of space within 10 minutes of sign-in each night, illustrating the shortage of available beds relative to demand.

Pastor Mike Ballman, executive director of the Morrow Warming Center, identified the core challenge: “The big problem is affordable housing.” His organization provides not just shelter but also comprehensive services including clothing, food, and social support through facilities like music rooms, art studios, and community kitchens.

Dispelling Misconceptions About Homeless Population

Service providers work to combat negative stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness. “There’s so many myths and misinformation and negative stereotypes…that they’re all drug users and that they’re all mentally ill,” Ballman explained. “That’s really not the case at all.”

These misconceptions often influence public policy discussions and community attitudes toward homeless individuals, potentially hindering effective solutions.

Law Enforcement Perspective on Homelessness

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol emphasized the law enforcement community’s obligation to help people in need. “When someone’s homeless, we need to learn their story and see if we can provide them with the services, even if they’re folks who won’t take those services.”

This perspective reflects a shift toward viewing homelessness as a social services issue rather than primarily a criminal justice matter, emphasizing the importance of connecting people with appropriate resources.

Balanced Approach to Public Safety

“You need to move slowly, because there are many people in the homeless population who need services. And we have an obligation to help them,” Sheriff Maciol noted, recognizing the complexity of addressing homelessness while maintaining public safety.

Community Resources and Support Options

The city’s initiative coincides with efforts to promote available resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Key organizations include:

Utica Rescue Mission (293 Genesee Street) – Provides emergency shelter, addiction recovery programs, and supportive housing services. The organization recently held its 33rd annual “Mission of Hope” fundraiser, demonstrating sustained community support.

Utica Hope House (112 South Street) – Offers comprehensive services including case management, housing assistance, and daily support services. Open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Morrow Warming Center (500 Plant Street) – Provides overnight shelter, meals, clothing, and community programming including music and art therapy spaces.

Call to Action for Community Involvement

The coordinated response to Utica’s homelessness crisis requires sustained community support beyond government action. Residents can contribute through donations to service providers, volunteering opportunities, and supporting policy initiatives that address affordable housing shortages.

The city’s current initiative represents a crucial step toward addressing visible homelessness while maintaining focus on the underlying causes that create housing insecurity throughout the Mohawk Valley region.