Residents and service providers press Tompkins County for better CodeBlue oversight and shelter follow‑up
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Summary
Multiple public speakers told the legislature about deteriorating conditions in contracted CodeBlue hotels, hazardous encampments, and maintenance and safety problems at supportive‑housing sites; outreach providers asked for stronger DSS oversight, grievance procedures and trauma‑informed training.
Several residents and service providers used the privilege of the floor at the Jan. 21 Tompkins County Legislature meeting to press for improved responses to homelessness, shelter conditions and encampment safety.
Public concerns raised
Laura Watkins described alleged unsafe and unhygienic conditions at the county’s CodeBlue shelter — including overflowing toilets and needles — and said she and other guests had filed grievances with the Department of Social Services. She said some shelter staff have treated guests in a demeaning way and that housing affordability remains out of reach (she cited one‑bedroom rents of roughly $2,400).
Anna Vergari, outreach coordinator at Reach Medical, asked the county to strengthen oversight of DSS‑contracted hotels, raise standards of care and institute a grievance mechanism that protects residents from retaliation. “We have to mandate trauma‑informed training and supervision for all contracted partners,” she told the legislature.
Zach Wynne described repeated hazardous encampments and a recent fire behind the Lowe’s area, urged citation and cleanup at Jungle 2 by Tompkins County Environmental Health, raised concerns about first‑responder costs at the Asteri building and urged county consideration of targeted responses to methamphetamine use.
County response and follow‑up
Legislators reported site visits to supportive housing (Asteri), discussed maintenance and safety issues, and said they will follow up with property management and county partners to improve building security and contract oversight. County staff and officials said daily calls continue on the CodeBlue shelter during extreme cold and that efforts are underway to identify a nonprofit operator for longer‑term shelter operations and better client linkages.
What to watch for
Advocates asked the legislature for concrete oversight measures: clearer grievance channels, trauma‑informed training requirements for contracted vendors, and more direct linkage to services (showers, bus passes, case management). Several legislators signaled these topics will be taken up in committee and by DSS.