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Volunteers of America describes CodeBlue shelter operations, capacity and access gaps in Tompkins County
Summary
Volunteers of America told the Community Services Board it operates a CodeBlue shelter with an official 60‑bed capacity (peak nights expanded with extra mats), onsite case management and peer support, Narcan and harm‑reduction practices, but noted building accessibility limits and persistent gaps in adult dental care and Medicaid‑accepting dentists locally.
Lisa Barrett, director of housing and shelter services for Volunteers of America in Tompkins County, described VOA’s CodeBlue shelter operations to the Community Services Board on Jan. 8, emphasizing day‑to‑day services, staffing and service gaps. Barrett said VOA’s official capacity is 60 beds, and that staff have used additional floor space to accommodate higher nights (the meeting record includes a cited night of 55 occupants and Barrett said the shelter had 45 people the prior night).
Barrett described VOA’s on‑site supports: a case manager who connects clients to long‑term housing and accompanies people to DSS and appointments, and a peer specialist who provides lived‑experience advocacy. She credited those roles with helping move several clients into housing quickly and…
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