‘Code Blue’ cold weather emergency shelter program opens for season

Those who find themselves without heat or stable shelter overnight this fall and winter can now get help through Tompkins County’s Code Blue emergency shelter program. The state-funded program requires counties to provide free shelter to anyone who asks — no questions asked — when overnight lows dip below freezing. The program was first activated for the winter season on Oct. 18. For now, people seeking shelter will be housed in local motel rooms while the county prepares its dedicated Code Blue shelter located at 227 Cherry St. That shelter is set to open with 24-hour services starting at 4 p.m. on Nov. 15. Those who want to get help through the Code Blue program can call the county’s non-emergency dispatch line at 607-272-2444 and ask to be connected to the Department of Social Services (DSS) staff. Those who would prefer not to call a 911-style dispatch line can call DSS directly at 607-274-5030 or visit their office at 320 W. State St. — though those options are only