Frequently Asked Questions:

Where do I go if I am homeless?

We are here to help you. During regular business hours, report to the Samaritan Center, 380 South Main Street, Elmira New York 14904 (Monday – Friday 8:30am -4:00pm). During after-hours (4:00pm -8:00am) and on the weekends, report to the Homeless Shelter located at 160 High Street, Elmira New York 14901. Upon arrival, you will meet with a worker to review your housing needs, social supports, and potential resources to divert you from homelessness. Diversion is a strategy that prevents homelessness for people seeking shelter, by helping them identify immediate alternate housing arrangements, and if necessary, connecting them with services to help them return to permanent housing.

What will I need to do if I stay in a shelter?

If you are not able to be diverted from emergency housing at point of entry, we will work with you to complete a Temporary Assistance application. You will also be required to meet with an examiner to complete a face-to-face interview. A worker will be assigned to you and will work closely with you to develop an Independent Living Plan. The goal behind the Independent Living Plan is to evaluate your current needs and establish a plan to address those needs/barriers. You will continue to meet with your worker on a biweekly basis, updating your Independent Living Plan as needed and reviewing permanent housing options.

What do I do if I can’t pay my rent or get behind in my rent?

If you are facing eviction, or the threat (risk) of eviction, please report to the Department of Social Services, located at 425 Pennsylvania Ave, Elmira NY to meet with a worker to assess your emergency need. You will be required to complete a LDSS -2921 Temporary Assistance application and complete a face-to-face interview. The sooner you act, the sooner we can assist to resolve your emergency. We are here to help you.

What is the Chemung County Homeless and Housing Task Force?

The Chemung County Homeless Housing Task Force (HHTF) is led by Catholic Charities. The HHTF is a committee affiliated with the NY 501 STEPS Board 501 – STEPS Committees & Board | CARES of NY, Inc. (caresny.org) and CARES of NY Inc. CARES of NY Inc. is a non-profit organization that empowers communities to end homelessness through community planning, program data, supportive housing, and awareness building. CARES acts as a collaborative applicant for several NY Continuum of Care areas, one of which is the NY 501 Southern Tier Entry to Programs and Services (STEPS). STEPS covers 5 counties, including Chemung. The mission of the NY-501 STEPS Regional Continuum of Care is to identify persons in the region, and assess the needs of those persons, who are either homeless or most at risk of becoming homeless, and to channel the resources and efforts of public and private community agencies to strategically plan and meet the needs of these individuals in a collaborative fashion. The STEPS Board meets regularly. This short infographic gives an overview STEPS CoC - One Pager (caresny.org) . The STEPS Board has many committees, one of which is the Housing Task Force.  Each of the five counties who participate in STEPS have a housing task force committee. These committees are responsible for monitoring, planning, advocating, and executing such initiatives as are necessary to shape local written policy and muster resources to assure the adequate provision of shelter and supportive services – and to integrate these measures into the overall regional strategic plan. 

What was the Advisory Committee on Homelessness in Chemung County?

In September 2024, a temporary Advisory Committee on Homelessness was created. Though this temporary committee formally ended in September 2025, Chemung County continues to work closely with community partners to collaborate on addressing homelessness across the county.  Those community partners include, but are not limited to:

• City of Elmira
• Elmira City School District 
• Catholic Charities Catholic Charities Chemung / Schuyler | Stronger Together
• AIM Independent Living Center Home
• His Haven His Haven is Offering Hope To Communities...
• Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. (EOP) Programs | cseop
• Learn More about our partners

Where can I learn more about a program doing street homeless outreach?

Safe Options Support (SOS) Program

The Safe Options Support (SOS) Program addresses the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness on the street, in places not meant for human habitation, and individuals placed in temporary shelter settings. The program offers direct linkages to services that address their immediate needs and provides support during the transition from street homelessness to stable housing.

The SOS team utilizes a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to meet people where they are in the community. A Critical Time Intervention (CTI)-based case management model, which is a time-limited, evidence-based service that helps vulnerable individuals during periods of transition, is used to address needs. The SOS team consists of licensed behavioral health clinicians, case managers, and peer specialists from Monroe Plan for Medical Care.

Services Offered:

• Focused outreach and canvassing
• Resolution of immediate needs, including providing essential items such as food, water, clothing, blankets, and other necessary hygiene supplies
• Expanding the circle of care by making connections to a wide range of resources and informal supports, including legal services, employment assistance, financial counseling, educational opportunities, skill-building, and linking to social and recovery-oriented support services
• Linkage to behavioral health, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use, and physical healthcare providers
• Liaison between inpatient and outpatient providers to ensure continuity of care, pre- and post-discharge
• Completion of SPOA supportive housing application, housing interview preparation, placement, assistance with gaining transitional and permanent housing, community integration, and ongoing support
• Physical health education and coaching on health, hygiene, and wellness
• Assistance with identification documents, benefits, and entitlements, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, and Social Security

Make a Referral:

Phone: 866.255.7969
Email: sos@monroeplan.com
Referral Form

What is Code Blue?

Code Blue Warming Station

Code Blue is an emergency initiative activated during periods of extreme cold weather to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from life-threatening conditions. It ensures access to safe, warm shelter for anyone exposed to the dangers of freezing temperatures. Chemung County declares code blue when the overnight temperatures drop below 32 degrees, including wind chill.  

The Warming Station in Chemung County is operated by Catholic Charities at 160 High Street Elmira, NY 14901 (Community Kitchen) and is available to individuals from 8:00pm -8:00am. 

Contact Social Services