Tompkins County to Operate Code Blue Shelter at Temporarily Repurposed Space

Tompkins County will Repurpose Vacant Office Building, Hire Staff to Manage Code Blue Shelter          

(September 11, 2024, Ithaca, N.Y.) -- Tompkins County will temporarily repurpose a vacant County-owned building on 300 North Tioga St, Ithaca to shelter individuals experiencing homelessness under the Code Blue program for 2024/2025. The building, formerly a bank branch, will be refurbished to allow for temporary use as an emergency congregate shelter.

Code Blue is a New York State-mandated program that provides funding for counties to provide shelter during the cold weather months when temperatures are 32°F or below with wind chill. The program has historically run from November-April. Locally, the program was previously managed by a contracted shelter provider. A warming center to provide temporary relief from extreme winter weather will also be available during the Code Blue program season.

Tompkins County will post to the Human Services website employment opportunities for several positions to operate the shelter and serve clients. Code Blue program supervisors and program workers will work various shifts from 7pm-7am at this site as well as a local warming center. Individuals with interest and/or experience serving people in need and providing care and support are encouraged to apply.

If a person is in need of shelter, the Department of Social Services has information posted at:  https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/dss/emergencyservices or persons should go to the Department of Social Services at 320 West Martin Luther King Jr./State St, Ithaca, NY during the hours of 8:30-4:00pm or by calling, 607-274-5680.

St. John’s Community Services continues to be the Temporary Housing Assistance shelter provider and offers the Friendship Center which provides restrooms, and an emergency food pantry during business hours at their site at 618 W Martin Luther King Jr./State St, Ithaca. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In July Tompkins County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Code Blue Shelter services. No viable proposals were received, resulting in Social Services deciding to manage the program on behalf of the county. In addition to the Code Blue program changes, Tompkins County is prepared to use emergency procurement to procure additional capacity and supportive services through the end of the Code Blue program season.

Tompkins County continues to plan for a new emergency shelter to be constructed in the City of Ithaca. A new shelter facility would be a NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)-certified facility that will operate 365 days a year to serve up to 100 individuals experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. The facility will serve as a centralized hub for area service providers, providing access to direct services without the need for transportation to other facilities.

Tompkins County is proceeding with its plans to construct the Center of Government encompassing the County-owned properties at 300 and 308 N. Tioga St. This temporary use of the building for shelter is not anticipated to delay the project. The project is currently in the design/schematic phase.

Community members interested in staying updated on Tompkins County’s efforts to address homelessness are encouraged to sign up for a newsletter on the topic that will provide periodic updates and accurate information.