BUFFALO, N.Y. — The number of people experiencing homelessness in Western New York has increased by 24%, according to local service providers, who say the rise is straining already limited shelter capacity and highlighting a growing need for expanded resources.
“Rates have been climbing. I feel like we’re seeing a lot of first-time homeless individuals,” said Kaitlin Price, executive director of Little Portion Friary in Buffalo.
Price said the increase reflects what staff members are seeing daily at the shelter, where demand consistently exceeds available space…