On average, Executive Director Cherie Rowland and the St. Susan Center serve about 175 meals a day to the local homeless population in Jamestown, N.Y. Over the past two weeks, that number has been rising.

"We saw 305 meals that we served yesterday," Rowland said.

On Thursday, the City of Jamestown declared a state of emergency, indicating that nearly 300 unauthorized people are camping on public and private land.

"This surge has led to an alarming rise in illegal activities and public disturbances that are deeply troubling in this community," said Mayor Kimberly Ecklund in an address Friday afternoon on the city's Facebook page.

On East Third Street downtown, Hector Alverio, owner of Hot Spot Café, says he notices the problem trending in the wrong direction.

"They're coming in from all over the place, but you know, something has to be done," Alverio said. "It has to be done now because if not, forget it. It's gonna get worse."

Encampments along the Chadakoin River have forced the city to ask for "government assistance" to help them combat the issue. Two Jamestown natives, however, are trying to take matters into their own hands.

"I want [the city] to talk to me," said Paul Martinez.

Martinez says he is blessed to be alive, and his biggest motivation is his own personal journey to recovery. He hopes to see other take a similar path to a better future.

"There's only one way to help people: somebody that's like them," Martinez said. "I am like them."

Jeananne Strohauer has walked along the camps for two years, taking care of what she calls her "family."

"My friend, Angie, has to walk from the Clarion all the way on 86 to 4th street just to get help. The woman's had a stroke and can barely walk," Strohauer said,. "Get the community together and come talk to somebody. Stop shunning them, stop stereotyping."