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Providers and police urge collaboration as Tompkins County readies Code Blue warming site; county creates temporary shelter positions
Summary
Community providers, outreach workers and law enforcement urged more collaboration and trauma-informed practices ahead of the county's new Code Blue warming station; the legislature approved creation of temporary shelter positions and a budget adjustment to fund them.
Community providers, outreach workers and law-enforcement officials pressed Tompkins County legislators on Nov. 19 to incorporate local expertise into a hastily arranged Code Blue warming site that is scheduled to open within days.
Anna Vergari, outreach coordinator at Reach Medical, said the temporary facility was planned with "0 consultation from licensed and trained professionals" and warned the room the current design and monitoring plans could retraumatize people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. "Refusing help, expertise, and collaboration from community stakeholders will only lead to devastating human outcomes," Vergari said, urging the county to adopt evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches before opening.
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