Homelessness, Code Blue cuts, and the Asteri evictions
Tompkins County
Summary
The state slashed Tompkins County's Code Blue cold-weather shelter allocation by $1.16 million — from $2 million to $841,000. DSS is keeping the 24/7 Cherry Street shelter and warming center open November 15 through April 15, but cutting security costs and dropping shelter aide wages from $28 to $23 an hour. Legislators may be asked for local money if staffing or emergencies strain the plan.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Last discussed Sep 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
State allocation cut by $1.159 million; county capping local share at zero for now.
Unhoused residents who rely on the winter shelter.
Shelter aides taking a $5/hour pay cut; possibly the county if costs overrun.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Tompkins County activates Cold Blue shelter ahead of cold temperatures this weekend
Tompkins County activates Cold Blue shelter ahead of cold temperatures this weekend WBNG
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — September 1, 2026
Chair Black highlighted that 50-75 people were evicted from Asteri and the county lost $1.2 million in Code Blue funding, even as the unhoused population stays large. She promised to keep pressing state leaders for relief.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — August 18, 2026
A resident and a city council member described safety concerns at the city's Southwest Park encampment, evictions from the Asteri, and city-county coordination on unhoused services — with increased police presence in the encampment.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — August 4, 2026
New York State cut the county's Code Blue cold-weather shelter allocation to $841,000 — nearly $1.2 million less than last year, when the county spent about $2.1 million. Officials say it will significantly limit what the county can offer this winter and are pressing the state for an explanation.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — June 16, 2026
A resident sharply criticized conditions at the city's sanctioned camping area, citing a recent stabbing and lack of toilets or electricity, and urged the county to hold the city accountable. City officials described expanded case conferencing and a search for interim alternatives.
Health and Human Services Committee - Regular Meeting — May 20, 2026
Human Services Coalition's Liddy Bargar presented data on unhoused residents and warned of possible funding cuts to the permanent housing program.
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