I’ve never been homeless, though I once did share a two-bedroom apartment with eight people, which may technically qualify.
Unfortunately, many people have been and continue to be in St. Lawrence County, which has long had an “invisible” homeless problem.
In recent years though, the curtain has been pulled back.
Last year, we saw numerous reports of a growing homeless population in the Ogdensburg area.
The problem was exacerbated by the county’s drug problem and led to human waste and needles becoming a common sight in the city’s parks.
I recently spoke with officials in Ogdensburg who said that while the homeless population has not been as visible this year as it was last year, it’s still larger than it once was.
St. Lawrence County’s massive geography combined with its low population makes providing services particularly expensive and difficult to administer.
There are many organizations that offer some services, but navigating the path to public assistance tends to be a deterrent to many who need help the most.
I don’t have up-to-date numbers on the county’s homeless population, but I feel confident in saying I doubt it’s improved significantly since a story I wrote some time ago.
In a 2016 report, it was estimated that as many as 1,000 people were living homeless in St. Lawrence County.
A 2013 report noted that more than 223 families had sought help for shelter from the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services.
According to the state Education Department, 533 children from pre-K through grade 12 in St. Lawrence County’s 17 school districts were counted as homeless at some point during 2014-15.
Most, 485, found shelter by “doubling up” with relatives or friends of their parents.
Five were sheltered for a time in a hotel or motel.
Thirty-eight were “sheltered” in a “primary nighttime residence” other than a hotel or motel, or a friend or relative’s home.
Five were “unsheltered,” staying in cars, parks,…
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