Providers and police urge collaboration as Tompkins County readies Code Blue warming site; county creates temporary shelter positions

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.

An Ithaca Police Department official who identified themself as Chief Kelly thanked the county for the quick turnaround but cautioned that the new dorm-style layout differed from the prior shelter's separate rooms and established systems for checking property and protecting vulnerable guests. Kelly recommended dedicated space for advocates and more opportunities for trained providers to work inside the facility to prevent incidents.

Nonprofit leaders echoed the requests to be included: Merrill Pipps, executive director of The Village, and Jessica Brock, the group's housing fellow, said a coalition of 30-plus human-services providers had offered to help staff evenings and weekends without extra funding, if the county would credential and limit advocates as necessary. "We're not asking — we're offering to make our staff available," Pipps said.

Recognizing immediate logistical needs, the legislature approved two related resolutions to create temporary Department of Social Services shelter positions and to adjust the 2024 budget to fund the hires. Legislators said the positions were needed because no single provider was available to immediately deliver the services previously provided by a now-closed shelter; county staff said some state reimbursement is expected to offset costs.

County Administrator Lisa Holmes told the chamber staff had offered tours and solicited feedback from law enforcement, emergency responders and providers; she said administrators are taking the input seriously and will revisit policies and procedures to incorporate community partners. Local officials asked the county to develop grievance procedures, incident response plans and clearer access for advocates as operations move from the temporary Code Blue site to a planned more-permanent shelter later.

The legislature also fielded comments about related public-safety and housing conditions in downtown and near the Asteri building; speakers asked the county to use enforcement and code tools where appropriate and to consider accountability tied to incentives such as tax abatements.

The shelter staffing resolution and the budget adjustment for the temporary housing assistance site were adopted unanimously.