Persistent reports of inhumane conditions at the Tompkins County Emergency Code Blue Shelter have prompted calls for immediate intervention. According to Amanda Kirchgessner, a volunteer community navigator, individuals sheltered at the facility have gone without hot water and functioning showers for nearly a month, compounded by frozen restroom facilities during recent subfreezing temperatures.
Despite the Tompkins County Legislature’s allocation of $10,000 from contingency funds on December 17, specifically intended to improve shower accessibility for Code Blue guests, Kirchgessner said no improvements have been observed. The funds were released to cover bus passes and YMCA access, yet the emergency-housed individuals continue to encounter “insurmountable barriers to access basic hygiene services.”
“As winter temperatures plummet, going without hot water and showers for weeks on end is not only uncomfortable—it’s inhumane,” said Amanda Kirchgessner, a volunteer community navigator, who reached out to shelter supervisor, Adele Ayers, Deputy Commissioner of Tompkins County DSS, on December 24. “We’ve seen the restroom facilities freeze twice in three days. It’s clear that urgent measures are needed to ensure every individual staying in Code Blue housing is treated with dignity.”
Laura Watkins, a local resident and recent parolee directly affected by Code Blue conditions, spoke publicly at the December 17 legislative session. During her testimony, Watkins highlighted the dire realities of the shelter, illustrating how individuals are being pushed to their physical and emotional limits. Many of these individuals are navigating obligations such as New York State parole or County Probation requirements, and drug and/or alcohol treatment, often coupled with complex trauma and mental health issues rendering shower and restroom access critical not just for hygiene, but for basic human dignity.
“When funds are allocated and yet no effective steps are taken to remedy the situation, we have a duty to ask: where is the accountability?” Kirchgessner added. “Tompkins County prides itself on compassion and community leadership. We must live up to those values by ensuring Code Blue guests have consistent access to hot water, functioning restrooms, and the same basic necessities we all take for granted.”
Kirchgessner is urging community members, local officials, and agencies to heed a “Call to Action”
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Investigate Funding Implementation – Provide clear updates on how the recently released $10,000 is being utilized to ensure consistent shower and restroom access for Code Blue guests.
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Improve Shelter Infrastructure – Conduct an immediate review of shelter operations to address the lack of hot water service and restroom freezes.
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Establish Transparent Oversight – Create a public, transparent oversight mechanism to ensure swift action on any emergent facility issues, especially during hazardous weather conditions.
With sub-freezing temperatures threatening the health and safety of vulnerable individuals in Tompkins County, Kirchgessner said the time for action is now.
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