Tompkins County applies for $15 million HHAP grant to build 80-bed adult shelter; legislators approve application

Tompkins County legislators authorized the county's application for a $15 million Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) grant to develop an 80-bed adult shelter and approved related funding and operating agreements. The Health and Human Services committee moved the application forward and the full legislature voted to approve the resolution.

County administrator Corso Coompi said professional estimators set the project at roughly $18 million, and the HHAP grant would cover most construction costs while the county would need to provide an estimated $3 million local share and pay for furniture and fixtures that HHAP does not reimburse. "If we are successful and we go out to bid...the actual cost is what the developer will say they'll charge us to build it," Coompi said, describing the estimate used in the application.

Legislators pressed staff on timing and budgeting. One legislator asked whether the $1.22 million already spent on the site would be included in the local match; Coompi confirmed that amount is included in the estimated local costs. Staff said construction is planned to begin in 2028 if the county wins the grant, with award news expected by October, and that interim bonding is possible because the grant is reimbursable.

Several legislators reiterated that reallocation of ARPA funds earlier on the consent agenda does not represent a retreat from prior commitments to a mental health stabilization unit and detox center; the reallocation was a timing-driven bookkeeping decision to avoid returning unspent federal dollars.

The vote to proceed with the HHAP application passed on the floor by roll call. Next steps include finalizing the grant application after the state budget is passed and preparing the site for a competitive bidding process if the grant is awarded.