Tompkins County Emergency Shelter System Updates

Friday, October 18, 2024

Tompkins County is directing anyone in need of shelter or experiencing other emergent needs to access the Department of Social Services at 320 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Ithaca, NY, or by calling (607) 274-5348. The department is managing activities related to sheltering individuals experiencing homelessness, including Temporary Housing Assistance and Code Blue Emergency Shelter. The Department of Social Services is open 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.

St. John's Community Services (SJCS) has notified Tompkins County that they will no longer operate the shelter facility located at 618 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Ithaca as of mid-November.

With the closure of the SJCS-operated shelter, Tompkins County is utilizing alternative sheltering approaches to serve individuals in need. Clients seeking services through the Department of Social Services will be offered shelter and programs based on their individual situation.

Tompkins County is assessing additional options for ongoing shelter operations. County officials are considering the declaration of a State of Emergency to mobilize additional resources and flexibility to provide shelter.

The congregate Code Blue shelter planned for the former Key Bank building on North Tioga Street is on track to open for clients in early November. This facility will house an estimated 60-80 individuals. Anyone looking to access Code Blue shelter should utilize the Department of Social Service as detailed above.