The number of people using emergency shelters and safe haven shelters in Chautauqua County is going up. At the same time, the length of those stays is getting longer.

Members of the Chautauqua County Homeless Coalition met virtually earlier this week, with part of the meeting including a comparison of 2022-23 statistics with 2023-24 numbers. The average length of stay in both emergency shelters and safe havens has notably increased, suggesting that individuals are facing prolonged hardships that prevent them from transitioning to more permanent housing solutions.

Amanda Straight, director of housing and community development at Chautauqua Opportunities Inc., said enrollment in emergency housing or safe haven shelters increased from 783 individuals in 2022-23 to 870 in 2023-24. The average bed night stay rose from 60.84 to 112.20, while the median length of stay increased from 37 to 77 during the same period.

Straight said while the overall duration of homelessness is increasing, the trend of longer stays and more use of emergency shelters stems from various factors, including rising rental prices, a shortage of affordable apartments and housing options, and a limited number of landlords willing to rent to individuals who have experienced homelessness in the past — often referred to as those who’ve “burned bridges.” Other challenges include larger family sizes, property conditions, mental health issues and substance abuse.

The Homeless Coalition also collected data showing how many people have left homelessness and moved into permanent housing within six, 12, and 24 months. Between 2022 and 2023, a total of 210 individuals became homeless within two years of leaving palliative care or a shelter. However, in the following year, 2023-2024, this number more than doubled, with 343 people experiencing homelessness again within a two-year period. When looking at returns to homelessness within shorter timeframes, 28 individuals fell back into homelessness within six months in 2022-2023, compared to 43 in 2023-2024. In terms of those who returned to homelessness within 12 months, there were 13 reported in 2022-2023, with nine returning to homelessness within 12 months in 2023-24. Katricia Nutting, the dedicated City Mission case manager for the United Christian Advocacy Network (UCAN), said several individuals have not only secured stable employment during their stay but are also receiving the keys to their new apartments soon.