Health and Human Services Committee - March 12, 2026

The Tompkins County Health and Human Services Committee met on March 12, 2026, focusing on several key procurement and budget-related topics. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the REACH initiative's plan to develop a blended supportive housing and medical respite facility at 618 West State Street. The project includes a fully executed purchase contract for the property and a $600,000 New York State transformation grant, with additional funding sought through the HHAP application due in June 2026. The facility aims to provide 10 permanent supportive housing units and 10 medical respite units, with on-site licensed staffing and integrated services, leveraging managed Medicaid reimbursements for sustainability. The committee also received an update on the Cherry Street Permanent Emergency Shelter project, including detailed architectural plans and funding considerations, noting that construction depends on securing HHAP funding. Additionally, the committee approved budget adjustments to accept Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) funding and Jewel Settlement funding for the Whole Health Department. Department heads from Social Services, Whole Health, and Veterans Affairs presented their 2026 goals, emphasizing internal policy development, equity indicators, and community engagement, though no new contracts or vendor selections were reported. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to improve housing and health services infrastructure, with procurement activities centered on property acquisition, architectural services bidding, and grant funding applications.