A resolution submitted by a legislator proposing a Homeward Bound reunification program (doc ID 13472) was introduced for discussion at the Aug. 6 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature’s Housing & Economic Development Committee. The resolution was moved by a committee member and seconded, but the mover later withdrew the motion after committee debate and at the chair’s suggestion so staff could report back to the committee.

Proponents described the idea as offering a voluntary option to people experiencing homelessness who have ties elsewhere: the sponsoring legislator said the program "is just an option ... we're saying, you know, would you like to reunite with your circle of people?" praising similar programs used in other cities. The sponsor also suggested a smaller start‑up allocation, saying, "I don't think it needs to be $50,000; I think there's an extra 0 in there. So $5,000 to start would be fine." (comment attributed to the sponsor during the meeting.)

Opponents and many committee members raised substantive concerns. Several members argued the proposal could conflict with a Housing First approach, noting that offering travel before providing shelter and services could be detrimental to people with chronic mental illness, substance use disorder, or family estrangement. A county official said existing state temporary assistance rules allow travel assistance in certain cases: "this is coming through the state and state reg so it's not ... coming through the county," which committee members noted as a distinction between a locally funded gift and state‑administered temporary assistance.

Committee members repeatedly requested more information on several points: how often temporary assistance travel is used now; which clients would be eligible (for example, exclusions for people on parole or probation were discussed); what follow‑up supports would be available at the destination; and whether the county would verify that a receiving family or network could provide stable supports. Libby Korman (coordinator/analyst referencing coordinated entry data) provided a quick snapshot showing roughly two‑thirds of recent coordinated‑entry entrants listed a last permanent address in Tompkins County, with many of the remainder from neighboring counties and a small number from other states.

After discussion, the committee agreed to withdraw the motion and asked staff from the Department of Social Services and the Human Services Coalition (or other partners) to report at a future HED meeting on existing reunification or travel resources, utilization rates, and program eligibility so the committee can consider whether and how to pursue a local program. The withdrawal leaves the resolution off the committee agenda pending further research and potential future revision.