Homelessness problem worsens in SLC, DSS and Step by Step is making progress with help

CANTON — Homelessness continues to be a growing problem in St. Lawrence County, leading a number of people to use the county’s heating center in Ogdensburg.

Department of Human Services Commissioner Joseph Seeber briefed county lawmakers at the Dec. 16 Services Committee meeting.

According to Seeber’s annual statistics, the number of individual placements amounted to 346 over the year.

He noted that some people were placed multiple times throughout the year, while others only received placement once.

A total of 34 families numbering 99 people were also assisted by DSS over the past year, he said.

When individuals and families interact with DSS and receive internships, they are also eligible for benefits, he said.

While providing resources to those who may find themselves homeless is a top priority for the county, Seeber said some people may not be willing to accept such help.

“We have a number of people who are refusing services, some have unresolved mental health issues,” Seeber said.

This causes complications for DSS in many cases, he said.

Seeber noted that when referring an individual or family to services, it’s up to them to make a choice.

“It has to be voluntary, we can’t refer them to services without their participation,” he said.

This is where the Ogdensburg Warming Center comes into play for many.

From November 8 to 30, 92 visits were recorded in the establishment. Twelve people regularly frequent the space, Seeber said.

From December 1 to 15, those numbers increased to 84 visits, with the same dozen people continuing to use the space.

Seeber said these numbers are partly due to lower temperatures at night, but being able to have a shower, clean clothes and a hot meal also play a big role.

Seeber said Step by Step is often able to make referrals for those who come to the center, but that’s not always the case.

St. Lawrence County and Step by Step entered into a partnership last winter to help people stay warm during the winter, given the growing number of homeless people across the city.

The center is located in Step By Step’s Lincoln School Apartment complex.

Those who need help can stay there every day from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., officials said.

Legislator Jim Reagen wondered what the problem might be in getting them all housing.

“With these 12 people, what is the problem finding them in accommodation? he asked.

“They want warmth and a free meal, but they want, in their minds, to maintain their independence,” Seeber responded.

Reagen asked if it would be possible to offer help if they posed a danger to themselves, but Seeber said the criteria is “very broad” and makes it difficult to take action.

“Unless they say they intend to harm themselves or others, it’s very difficult to do anything,” Seeber said.

Legislator Rita Curran also addressed the topic, saying the definition of homeless has changed in recent years.

She said that with the new state law, homelessness is no longer a crime that necessarily allows for police intervention.

“We can’t make them go anywhere. They have the right to be homeless in New York State,” she said.

Curran said those who often find themselves homeless want to maintain their independence and essentially need to know how to get out of the cold as temperatures drop.

“That’s all they need to show.” There’s not much else we can do,” she said.

Those with questions in the Ogdensburg area can call 315-393-1980.