Tompkins County moves quickly to find shelter operator and identify navigation-hub site ahead of HHAP deadline

Tompkins County officials told the legislature on June 17 they are working to finalize a provider for shelter operations and to secure a site for a joint CodeBlue and navigation hub as the county prepares a Homeward Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) application.

County Administrator Corso O'Confi said staff visited at least one bidder earlier that day and planned another visit in Binghamton. "We're very impressed with what they have," Corso said. "Our hope is to be able to settle on a provider hopefully by mid July and start the process of getting them on board for us to get our HHAP application in."

Corso said the county is also in discussions with property owners about a location for a joint navigation hub/CodeBlue site and is evaluating usability and renovation needs. "We've identified the location," he said, "and we're in discussion with the owners of that location and also evaluating the usability of that location as well."

Nut graf: County staff are accelerating procurement and site negotiations to meet anticipated HHAP deadlines and to establish year-round shelter and navigation services ahead of the colder months.

Details: The county said it separated the process into identifying a partner for facilities/site needs and a separate procurement for service delivery, given the time-sensitive application window. Officials also said they are coordinating with the city on the joint navigation hub.

Next steps: Staff expect to select a shelter operator by mid-July and proceed with renovation planning if a site is secured; the county will finalize and submit an HHAP application once a provider and site plan are in place.