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New Code Blue shelter operators report early successes and protocols to county committee
Summary
Voices of Opportunity/VOA and Code Blue managers told the committee their Cherry Street shelter is 24-hour staffed, accommodating pets with screening, following donation and infection-control protocols, and providing holiday meals and gifts; legislators praised early operations and asked follow-ups on facilities and capacity.
Representatives from Ithaca Housing & Shelter Services/VOA provided the Human Services Committee with an early operations update Dec. 15 on the Code Blue shelter at Cherry Street.
Lisa Barrett (Ithaca Housing & Shelter Services director) and Jay (program manager, Code Blue) said the shelter has welcomed guests since opening, is staffed 24 hours, and has instituted intake protocols to assess pets and any infection-control risks (used items are laundered per protocol). They said one guest currently has a dog and staff try to accommodate small pets after screening; large or multiple animals may require case-by-case decisions to avoid overcrowding or operational problems.
Barrett described security practices, staff handling of intoxicated guests, holiday food and gift plans (donated meals and stockings), and procedures for accepting donations (preferring original packaging and staggering drop-offs by call). The shelter manager said staff have worked with community partners (Park Foundation and others) on donations and that the shelter has received positive feedback from recent tours.
Legislators asked about facility leaks and maintenance; Barrett said maintenance staff have responded and that operations include contingency plans for facility issues. Members praised VOA and Code Blue staff as a ‘‘breath of fresh air’’ for shelter operations and commended early successes.
No formal committee action followed; the presentation was informational and staff left contact information for follow-up.
