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Council proclaims Veterans Week; county updates Code Blue shelter access and schedule
Summary
Council read and committed to a proclamation recognizing Veterans Week and heard county updates about Code Blue shelter activation, access instructions and a planned congregate shelter opening Nov. 24 run by Volunteers of America.
The Ithaca Common Council read a proclamation recognizing Veterans Week and invited county officials to offer details for countywide observances and shelter operations.
In a brief presentation following the proclamation, a county legislator noted the county's near-final budget timeline and provided details about Code Blue emergency-shelter activation in cold weather. The county emphasized that Code Blue nights (when overnight shelter is mandated for temperatures below freezing) are being announced day-by-day and provided clear instructions for people seeking shelter:
- During business hours: contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) or visit the DSS office (DSS phone cited in meeting materials). - After 5 p.m.: call the sheriff's nonemergency line to be connected to the on-call DSS person who will assist in shelter placement.
The county representative also said a congregate Code Blue facility operated by Volunteers of America was on track to open by Nov. 24 and, once open, would operate 24/7 for the season.
Why it matters: Code Blue activation provides a direct pathway to emergency shelter on very cold nights. Council asked staff to help publicize the activation steps and to coordinate with county and nonprofit partners for outreach.
Public events: The county representative additionally announced a noon Veterans Day observance at HWS (ISCCO College) and a Veterans Expo later in the week to connect veterans with services.
Ending: The council presented the proclamation and agreed to circulate it to county partners; the administration and county committed to ensuring that outreach channels (DSS and county sheriff nonemergency line) are widely publicized while Code Blue remains active.
