Binghamton Launches Plan to End Street Encampments
The city is pairing encampment clearances with housing subsidies and intensive support for residents who move indoors.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Binghamton has launched a strategy to permanently shut down street homelessness encampments on riverfronts and public property. The first phase is funded with $500,000 from the city's general fund and $500,000 in federal money, in conjunction with Community Solutions.
Why it matters
Street homelessness has been growing in recent years, prompting the city to shift toward a model that moves people into housing rather than relocating tents. Residents in Binghamton and across Broome County will see enforcement and outreach changes in public spaces.
The first phase is funded with $500,000 from Binghamton's general fund and $500,000 in federal money, for $1,000,000 total. The source material does not report how many people or encampments the phase will cover, or how long it will run.
The players
Community Solutions
A nonprofit partner working with Binghamton on the initiative's launch.
Catholic Charities of Broome County
A regional social services provider that will receive city funding to administer housing subsidies for encampment residents.
Rebecca Rathmell
A Binghamton city councilmember connected to the city's council deliberations on the initiative.
The details
Street outreach teams work encampment-by-encampment to move people from tents into homes, with caseworkers providing mental health and substance use treatment. After clearing, the Department of Public Works removes debris and city police enforce permanent closure of public spaces to camping.
Timeline
Recent years: street homelessness growth prompted the new strategy.
Wednesday: city council is expected to consider legislation approving a contract with Catholic Charities of Broome County.
Market Landscape
Binghamton's plan follows the housing-first model, which prioritizes placing people in permanent housing before addressing other needs. Its pairing of enforcement with housing subsidies reflects a broader municipal shift away from encampment relocation alone.
Residents near Binghamton's riverfronts and public spaces may see encampment clearances and stricter enforcement against camping. Housing subsidies and outreach may connect individuals to indoor residences rather than relocating their tents.
The takeaway
Binghamton's approach ties enforcement to housing placement, so residents should expect changes in both outreach and public-space rules as the first phase proceeds.
What happens next
City council is expected to consider the Catholic Charities contract legislation on Wednesday.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Philanthropy in Binghamton.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM.
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