Emergency Warming Center & Code Blue Shelter Services Holiday Hours

Published on December 23, 2024

emergency shelter map location 300 N. Tioga St Ithaca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Tompkins County Holiday Hours for Wintertime Warming Center Services and Code Blue Emergency Shelter 

(Ithaca, N.Y., December 23, 2024) – Tompkins County would like to remind the community of Wintertime Warming Center Services and Code Blue Emergency Shelter hours and locations for the upcoming holidays. We implore service providers and community members to direct anyone in need of shelter or experiencing other emergent needs to access these services.  

Wintertime Warming Center Services on Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25, 2024) and New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1, 2025) 

  • The Department of Social Services (DSS), 320 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Street (Ithaca), will be closed. 

  • Code Blue Emergency Shelter at 300 North Tioga Street (Ithaca) will be open all day (24hrs) to serve as both the daytime warming center and emergency overnight shelter.  

Wintertime Warming Center Services and Code Blue Emergency Shelter Regular Hours  

During regular business hours (8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday), anyone looking to access Code Blue shelter should first go to DSS (320 W. MLK Jr. Street) or call (607) 274-5348, to start the intake process. If unable to go to DSS first, please arrive at the Code Blue building (300 N. Tioga St, Ithaca) between the hours of 7:00pm-10:00pm to complete an intake process.  

The Code Blue building offers a warming center space Monday-Friday, 4:00pm-7:00pm. The Code Blue building’s Emergency Shelter operates Monday-Friday, 7:00pm-8:00am. The Code Blue building’s warming center is open all day (24hrs) on weekends and holidays. Clients may access both warming center services and Code Blue shelter.  

When the facility is not operating, clients will be asked to utilize other community facilities for warmth, including the DSS/Human Services Building Lobby at 320 W. MLK Jr. Street (Ithaca).  

For information about hot meals, warming centers and other needs or services, please dial 211 (or call toll-free at 877-211-8667) to speak with the 211 Tompkins/Cortland helpline. 

To learn more about available emergency shelter during winter months (Code Blue), visit: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Social-Services/Emergency-Assistance  

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