Independent evaluation finds Sunflower Houses cut recidivism and emergency service calls; researchers recommend stable county funding

Independent researchers Dr. Paula Ioannide and Dr. Charlie Willison presented the final assessment of the Sunflower Houses transitional housing pilot on July 16 and recommended that Tompkins County provide ongoing budget support to stabilize the program and expand wraparound services.

Why it matters: The Sunflower Houses pilot provides low‑barrier transitional housing and intensive case management to people returning from incarceration or experiencing chronic homelessness. Researchers said the program reduced re‑arrest/rebooking events for residents while in program, increased health‑care access and likely reduced calls for emergency response services.

Key findings: The researchers summarized quantitative and qualitative findings from the 2021–2024 pilot: - Program size and model: Sunflower Houses operates small three‑bedroom units serving roughly 12 residents at a time with wraparound services provided by the Ultimate Reentry Opportunity…