Local supportive‑housing operator describes small-house approach and training program for formerly incarcerated residents

Barry, who owns and operates a 10-room men's house in Ithaca, told committee members he acquired the building in 2013 and initially partnered with a larger shelter operator before taking full operational responsibility in 2020. He said it costs him roughly $4,500 a month to run the house, and rents typically range about $360–$425 depending on amenities.

He described the population he serves — men exiting incarceration, people in recovery, and some older clients with limited mobility — and the daily management approach he uses: frequent personal check-ins, a local housing manager who lives at the site, and a 10-week "holistic" training course offered in the jail and at the house that covers character development, employment and money management. “If I had a model, I would replicate what I have. I would replicate individual houses, 10 people. They feel that there's the same family environment that you have in a family,” Barry said.

Barry said the primary barrier to moving residents into permanent housing is local housing costs and a shortage of family-capable affordable units. He also argued for greater emphasis on treatment and training for some residents before permanent placement rather than a pure housing-first approach. He did not request a specific city appropriation in the meeting but recommended small-house models and apprenticeship/training linkages as part of the local response.

No formal action or funding decision followed Barry’s presentation; the committee closed presentations and moved to budget planning.