ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – Tompkins County is taking steps to address homelessness.

The county has requested qualifications (RFQ) from potential developers to design a new year-round emergency shelter. The shelter would have space for around 100 people, and the planning team has been instructed to seek additional funding from outside sources.

According to the RFQ, the project has a goal “of constructing a NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance-certified facility that will operate 365 days a year and serve up to 100 individuals experiencing homelessness.” The facility will also act as a hub for service providers in line with the Continuum of Care plan, offering clients direct services without a need to visit another facility. The new shelter will also have expanded security measures for residents, staff, and the public.

“Tompkins County is ready to invest in a bigger, better shelter with more beds and increased access to government and not-for-profit services for the people we serve,” said Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature Dan Klein. “The development of emergency shelter beds is one critical step towards addressing homelessness. I continue to believe that it will take an ongoing coordinated effort on the part of our entire community to help and house people in need.”

County officials are still trying to find and secure a project location in the City of Ithaca. Interested parties can get more information here.