Ithaca City officials are taking significant steps to enhance housing support for vulnerable residents, particularly those facing eviction and homelessness. During the recent IURA Board meeting on March 8, 2025, discussions highlighted the critical role of a housing specialist, Brett, who provides eviction support and assists individuals in finding available housing units. This initiative aims to address the pressing housing needs within the community.

In addition to direct housing assistance, the meeting revealed that Tompkins County agencies will benefit from new funding through the Medicaid 1115 waiver. This funding is expected to offer additional housing-related support, including potential rent assistance and resources for housing searches, further bolstering the safety net for those in need.

The meeting also featured a presentation from Catholic Charities about their transitional housing program, "A Place to Stay." This program has been operational since 2016 and focuses on helping individuals experiencing homelessness transition to stable, permanent housing. The program provides clients with comprehensive case management, addressing various barriers such as employment, mental health, and legal issues. In the past year, 13 women were housed through this initiative, with 9 successfully transitioning to permanent housing.

As the program expands, Catholic Charities is actively seeking new housing units to accommodate clients, especially as their current women's shared housing unit is set to close in June. The organization is working with local landlords to secure new locations, ensuring continued support for those in need.

These discussions underscore the city's commitment to addressing housing instability and supporting its most vulnerable residents. As initiatives like these unfold, the community can expect a more robust framework for housing assistance, fostering long-term stability for individuals and families in Ithaca.