Editor, OBSERVER:

I am writing to express my concern regarding the exclusion of key organizations from recent discussions on homelessness in Chautauqua County, as reported in two recent OBSERVER articles. Specifically, Chautauqua Opportunities and members of the Homeless Coalition were not included, despite their essential role in developing the Hope Haven Women’s Shelter and providing vital rehabilitation and rehousing services.

Developing solutions without input from those working daily on this issue is a significant oversight. Furthermore, situating services at the former Gowanda Correctional facility in Erie County — over 35 miles from both Jamestown and Dunkirk — risks isolating individuals from their communities and creating obstacles to successful rehousing.

Effective solutions require direct participation from the experienced organizations currently addressing homelessness in our county.

During a 2024 meeting, Chautauqua County Social Services administrators noted that placing individuals in motels without on-site support is a multifaceted problem, worsened by the fact that they are currently understaffed.

Submitting a proposal to the state based solely on discussions between elected officials, without consulting necessary stakeholders, suggests the required groundwork has not been completed.

For our community to succeed, it is essential that elected officials engage in practical collaboration rather than operating in isolation.

SUSAN PARKER,

Former Chautauqua County Legislator,

Fredonia