Homelessness Rises 12.2% Across Utica-Rome Region as Local Communities Face Growing Housing Crisis

UTICA, N.Y. — Homelessness increased by 12.2% across the Utica-Rome, Oneida County and Madison County region, according to a newly released report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office.

The increase comes despite an overall statewide decline in homelessness and highlights the growing housing challenges facing many communities outside New York City.

According to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York’s homeless population declined by 7.9% between the January 2024 and January 2025 federal point-in-time counts. However, homelessness increased in 17 of the state’s 25 regional Continuums of Care, including the region covering Utica, Rome, Oneida County and Madison County.

The report found that 11 regional areas experienced increases of more than 10%, showing that homelessness remains a growing concern across much of Upstate New York.

Death Reported During Utica Encampment Sweep

The release of the state report follows a tragic discovery at a homeless encampment in Utica.

On July 20, 2026, Utica Police officers were assisting Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies with a sweep of an encampment off Burrstone Road when they found an individual lying on the ground.

Police reported that the person was deceased. The incident was reported by the Utica Police Department and local news outlets. No arrests connected to the encampment sweep have been confirmed.

The discovery has drawn additional attention to the dangerous conditions faced by people living outdoors, including exposure to extreme weather, medical emergencies and limited access to health care, shelter and other essential services.

Construction Begins on 102 Affordable Apartments

State and local leaders are also moving forward with a major affordable and supportive housing project in Utica.

On July 23, 2026, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction on THRIVE Cornhill, an approximately $80 million development featuring 102 affordable apartments in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood.

The project will consist of two newly constructed buildings and will include affordable housing, supportive services and community spaces.

Nineteen apartments will be reserved as supportive housing for eligible seniors with disabilities and young adults transitioning out of foster care. The development is also expected to include two community centers offering health, wellness, recreation, employment and social services.

State officials said the development is designed to expand access to stable housing while supporting the continued revitalization of the Cornhill neighborhood.

Homelessness Increasing Outside New York City

While the statewide homeless population declined, the comptroller’s report showed that the improvement was largely driven by reductions in New York City.

Many regions outside the city experienced significant increases, placing additional pressure on local governments, shelters, nonprofit organizations and emergency-service providers.

Housing advocates have argued that addressing homelessness requires more than clearing encampments. Long-term solutions often include additional affordable housing, emergency shelter capacity, mental-health care, addiction treatment, rental assistance and employment support.

The 12.2% regional increase shows that homelessness is becoming a more visible and urgent concern across Oneida and Madison counties.

As the THRIVE Cornhill project moves forward, local leaders will continue facing questions about whether housing and support services can expand quickly enough to meet the region’s growing needs.

CNYOnline.com Local News will continue following developments involving homelessness, affordable housing and support services throughout the Mohawk Valley.