In a significant effort to address homelessness, the City of Ithaca, in collaboration with various community partners, has completed its first housing surge. This initiative, designed to quickly move individuals from homelessness into stable housing, culminated in the relocation of 39 households into permanent supportive housing units at the new Asteri Ithaca building.
The news was announced by Human Services Coalition (HSC) Housing Specialist Simone Gatson during a recent Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless and Housing Task Force meeting on June 5.
The housing surge is a model that prioritizes rapid placement into housing with integrated support services and involves a coordinated effort among numerous local organizations, landlords, and service providers. The City of Ithaca led the project with Tompkins County Action (TC Action) and the Continuum of Care.
Asteri Ithaca, a new development in the heart of the city, includes 181 units of low-cost housing, of which 40 are subsidized through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI). These 40 units are designated for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, providing them with both housing and supportive services.
“Coordinating the move-in of 39 households to Asteri Ithaca was a monumental task that required meticulous planning and collaboration,” said Gatson. “We engaged with 17 different service providers to ensure that we were able to meet the needs of every individual and family moving in.”
Simone Gatson, CoC staff member, played a pivotal role in Ithaca’s housing surge, ensuring smooth coordination among service providers and supporting residents as they transition into their new homes.
The success of the housing surge was made possible by the extensive involvement of community partners who provided critical support throughout the process. “We had outreach workers, support service staff, and property managers all working together to make this happen,” Gatson explained. “The level of cooperation and dedication from everyone involved was truly inspiring.”
Key partners included TC Action and the Vecino Group, the developers of Asteri Ithaca. TC Action staff were on-site during the move-in process, helping residents settle into their new homes and ensuring they had access to necessary services. “We had three coordinators and a supportive housing program manager from TC Action on-site,” Gatson noted. “They were instrumental in making sure that residents had everything they needed as they transitioned into their new apartments.”
The Vecino Group also played a crucial role, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the project’s success. “They came to various locations, including shelters and community centers, to complete lease applications and meet with prospective tenants,” Gatson said. “Their willingness to meet people where they were made a huge difference.”
Despite the overall success, the housing surge faced challenges, including last-minute logistical issues and the emotional stress of moving. “We had some hurdles, like coordinating transportation and ensuring everyone had what they needed for the move,” Gatson shared. “But thanks to the dedication of our partners, we were able to overcome these challenges.”
According to Gaston, one of the individuals slated to move into Asteri Ithaca passed away over the weekend before the move-in day. “We lost one household over the weekend, which was tragic,” Gatson said. “It’s a reminder of the urgency and importance of our work.”
The immediate impact of the housing surge is evident in the lives of the 39 households that now have a place to call home. However, the long-term benefits of such initiatives extend beyond providing shelter. “This isn’t just about housing…It’s about providing stability, support, and the opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives,” Gatson said.
The supportive services integrated into the housing at Asteri Ithaca are designed to help residents maintain their housing and improve their overall well-being. “Each resident has access to case managers, mental health services, substance use counseling, and other critical supports,” Gatson explained. “This holistic approach is key to ensuring they can stay housed and thrive.”
The success of the housing surge has set a precedent for future efforts to address homelessness in Ithaca. The city and its partners are already exploring ways to replicate and expand this model. “We’ve learned a lot from this experience,” Gatson said. “Our goal is to take these lessons and apply them to future initiatives so we can continue to reduce homelessness and support our community members.”
One of the key takeaways is the importance of collaboration and community involvement. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of our community partners,” Gatson emphasized. “From outreach workers to landlords, everyone played a vital role in making this possible.”
The Continuum of Care is also developing targeted prevention strategies to address the root causes of homelessness. “While the housing surge addresses the immediate need for housing, we also need to focus on prevention to reduce the number of people entering homelessness in the first place,” Gatson said. “We’re working on strategies to close the front door to homelessness, so to speak.”
Community members and organizations are encouraged to get involved in these efforts. “There are many ways to support our work, from volunteering to advocating for more affordable housing,” Gatson said. “We welcome anyone who wants to be part of the solution.”
The Continuum of Care is particularly interested in working with landlords willing to participate in future housing surges. “Landlord participation is crucial,” Gatson explained. “We need more landlords willing to rent to individuals experiencing homelessness and who can work with us to provide stable, supportive housing.”
The completion of Ithaca’s first housing surge marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to combat homelessness. Through intensive coordination, community partnerships, and a focus on supportive services, the city has provided a pathway to stability and hope for 39 households.
“The housing surge is just one step in our ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Ithaca,” Gatson said. “We’re committed to continuing this work and finding innovative solutions to ensure everyone in our community has a safe and stable place to call home.”
For more information on Ithaca’s housing initiatives and how to get involved, visit the City of Ithaca’s website or contact the Continuum of Care.