Cayuga County to accept state shelter‑arrears funding; HEAP season opens Dec. 1

Marshall presented Social Services updates and asked the committee to accept state funding for a shelter arrears/eviction prevention program. The amount mentioned in the meeting was approximately $69,440; county staff said they will accept the allocation and—if additional funds are awarded—return to amend the budget.

Marshall also reported the regular HEAP season opened Dec. 1 with applications accepted in person and online and indicated an additional emergency HEAP component will open on Jan. 2. He attributed later seasonal start dates this year to federal delays.

Marshall reported homeless‑housing numbers have risen, with 138 singles and 21 families housed as of the prior Wednesday under an executive‑order cold‑weather 'code blue' (triggered at temperatures below 32°F). The department said emergency housing allocations are available but noted increased demand in the current season.

What happens next: County staff will accept the state shelter‑arrears allocation, execute necessary budget amendments and continue to monitor HEAP and emergency housing needs; staff committed to sending legislators the detailed provider and denial letters referenced in the meeting.