Homeless Camp Evicted From Park In This New York City

Homelessness is becoming a more significant problem in big cities every single day. As America continues to dig out from the impacts of the pandemic and rising inflation, it's becoming more complicated daily for people to find safe and affordable housing. No matter what local governments try, the issues continue to reoccur.

The issues aren't limited to large cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City; many medium and small cities across America are struggling to help the significant percentage of the area's population that falls into the housing insecure category.

Government Officials In Buffalo, New York, Remove Homeless Encampment From Downtown

If you spend any time in or around downtown Buffalo, you have seen firsthand how pervasive the homeless problem is. At any time, you will see dozens of people living on the street, either in local parks, under highway overpasses or finding other places for shelter like building atriums and parking lots.

The problem has become so apparent that the City evicted a homeless encampment from Fireman's Park in downtown Buffalo.

Fireman's Park, located between North Division and South Division streets in the heart of Buffalo's Central Business District, became home to dozens of tents, which housed several homeless people. Reporters from WKBW-TV were on site at the park as folks attempted to determine their next steps after Buffalo Police and other city workers removed their tents and belongings.

Many of the people who were homeless in the park have complained that there are not enough services available to help them. At the same time, city officials have countered that resources are available and people must seek out and accept the assistance.

Buffalo Has A Big Homeless Problem

According to data from the Homeless Alliance of Western New York, the local Continuum of Care provider, there are more than 7,000 households in Western New York that are consistently dealing with homelessness in the region.

The data collected shows that a large percentage of homeless people in the region have mental health disorders, along with substance abuse concerns. However, that is not the only reason why people in Western New York may experience homelessness.

READ MORE: Rental Evictions Still A Problem In Western New York

Erie County led the state in rental evictions for all of 2023 and a few months in 2024. Couple that with rising rent costs, and many families across Western New York are finding it more difficult to find safe and affordable housing.