Agencies go out to count local homeless population, offer help

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Albion village trustee Tim McMurray and Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, walk along the railroad tracks in Albion between Main Street and West Academy Street. They are among several agency and government leaders out today trying the measure the homeless population in the community.

Allport also is offering gift cards to Tops, as well as snacks, blankets and gloves.

McMurray said most people drive by people who are homeless or see them in stores or the public library and don’t pay them much notice. He recently saw a homeless man at the Walmart in Albion washing his clothes in the bathroom sink.

Allport said there is more public awareness of a growing homeless crisis in the county, especially since an overnight warming center open last month at Christ Church, the Episcopal congregation on Main Street in Albion. Hoag Library is a warming center earlier in the day.

A “code blue” is declared when the temperature hits 32 degrees or colder and the warming center opens as an option for people who are homeless.

The Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Community Action of Genesee & Orleans, Hands 4 Hope ministry, and Independent Living Center all have people out today trying to measure the homeless population.

The data will be sent to the Homeless Alliance of Western New York. Allport said she is hopeful the Homeless Alliance will put more resources into Orleans County, including opening a shelter to help the local homeless people.

The Orleans County Department of Social Services reported the homeless population soared in 2023. The placements were at 90 in November, with DSS staff trying to find motel rooms or other temporary housing for homeless.

Jami Allport stands outside Hoag Library today. The library serves as a warming center when it is open.

Allport said there are many misconceptions about people who are homeless. Some of them have jobs but don’t make enough for a down payment and to cover rent and other expenses.

People will sleep outside often are in makeshift tents made out of tarps, carrying a change of clothes and their possessions in bags or a backpack.

Allport admires the ingenuity of people who are homeless, who are constantly pushing to survive.

“They are working 24-7, figuring out where they will sleep and eat,” she said. “They are far from lazy.”