Code Blue shelter to remain open through April 30

Published on April 01, 2026

Tompkins County announces that the Code Blue shelter at 227 Cherry Street in Ithaca will remain open through April 30, 2026, marking the conclusion of its first winter season in this location. Until that date, the overnight shelter and daytime warming center will continue to operate regardless of temperature, ensuring a safe and welcoming space for those in need.

The site opened on November 24, 2025, to provide consistent shelter and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Operated by Volunteers of America, the shelter follows a model that combines safe, low-barrier accommodations with access to critical support services. Over the winter, the shelter served up to 70 individuals on the coldest January nights, with typical nightly occupancy ranging from 50 to 60.

While Code Blue sheltering at the Cherry Street location will conclude at the end of April, emergency shelter services will remain available throughout the community.

During business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), individuals seeking shelter may visit the Department of Social Services at 320 West Martin Luther King Jr./State Street or call (607) 274-5030.
After hours and on weekends, individuals may call non-emergency dispatch at (607) 272-2444 to be connected to on-call Department of Social Services staff.

Tompkins County extends its deep gratitude to the dedicated staff of Volunteers of America for their compassionate and professional operation of the Code Blue shelter during its inaugural season. The county also thanks the Department of Social Services staff for their strong partnership and community partners, donors, and volunteers for their commitment to meeting urgent community needs.

“This effort reflects what is possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to care for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Brittanie Earle. “We are grateful to everyone who played a role in ensuring individuals had a safe place to stay during the coldest months of the year.”

Volunteers of America’s Senior Director of Housing and Shelter Services for the Southern Tier, Lisa Barrett, is proud of their staff’s client engagement.

“We assisted eight individuals with attaining permanent housing, ten individuals with obtaining employment, and we were able to accommodate several pets,” said Barrett.