An apparent homeless person with a cart and German Shepherd is seen in the bushes next to Golden Age Apartments Tuesday morning. The presence came after police had warned others about trespassing and overnight stays in the area. Residents have reported an increase of activity, including open drug use and other disturbances on private property. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH — Businesses near the Norwich YMCA and Golden Age Apartments are grappling with a new overnight homeless presence in the area.

Police have been contacted over disturbances that included open drug use and people staying overnight in bushes next to a senior living facility. One woman who lives near the area said she felt unsafe.

Another person involved told The Evening Sun that several homeless people arrive at the properties at about 8 p.m. at night, starting at least a week ago and were observed on security footage.

Police were called after the group began openly using drugs on the property.

After responding the Norwich City Police explained the city had a new influx of homeless who were not yet used to the area, leading to recent complaints.

The train tracks near the area is monitored by cameras and trespassing is prosecuted. The business and groups near the train tracks are not strangers to incidents and have called police dozens of times in recent years over similar complaints. Many businesses have spent large sums of money on upgrading their downtown security as a result of the homeless issues in Norwich.

In one video shared from last week you can see three people taking turns using drugs on the sidewalk near city hall.

Local residents said they were told by police the group was new to Norwich. The officer explained that city parks are closed after dark and officers spoke to the group, discussing places where they should not stay.

One homeless person asked about going to churches, and the officer advised against them going near schools.

Despite the warnings, on Tuesday morning at least one person appeared to be still staying at the site, towing a cart and a German Shepherd. When asked to leave, they departed peacefully.

The rise in recent incidents in the area comes as homelessness has risen sharply across the broader Chenango County region.

An analysis from the New York State Comptroller’s Office showed homelessness in Chenango, Broome, Otsego, Delaware, Cortland, Tioga counties, and the City of Binghamton is up nearly 35 percent since 2024.

The study found homelessness in what it labeled “Continuum of Care” region encompassing Chenango and other counties increased nearly 35% between January 2024 and January 2025.

Statewide homelessness declined 7.9% over the same period, driven primarily by a decline in New York City.

The Chenango region ranked fourth highest among the state’s 25 Continuums of Care for growth in homelessness.

Seventeen regions saw increases, with 11 reporting growth of more than 10%. The figures are based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Point-in-Time Count.

The issue has already prompted increased discussion among local agencies. A July housing conference at Norwich High School brought together multiple Chenango County organizations to discuss homelessness and possible collaborative responses.

Chenango County has no homeless shelter and has historically relied on hotels to house people eligible for emergency assistance through the Department of Social Services. County officials have also raised concerns over rising temporary-placement costs associated with homelessness.

The W.R.A.P. Center operated through Catholic Charities of Chenango County opened on June 1 at 1 O’Hara Drive, in Norwich. It was created to respond to homelessness, addiction, and mental health struggles in Chenango County.

The W.R.A.P. Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its name stands for Warmth, Recovery, Assistance and Hope.