Cornell Cooperative Extension proposes tenant education helpline; committee asks for partnering and budget detail

Cornell Cooperative Extension proposed a public‑education and referral project focused on tenancy rights, housing‑quality standards and pro‑active tenant support, including workshops, a tipline and peer‑advising stipends.

Several committee members said the proposal appeared complementary to 211’s services rather than duplicative, and that Cooperative Extension’s strengths — technical guidance on pests, mold, energy and home conditions — could add workshop‑based education that 211’s referral model does not provide. Staff pointed to language in the proposal that said the project would "support existing tenants and housing resources including 211."

Members asked for clarity about partners and whether the proposal intended to fill an educational gap (proactive workshops) versus crisis referral services. They also noted a financial disclosure mismatch: the proposal’s front page lists $3,400 in matching funds that is not visible in the line‑item budget and asked staff to ask the applicant to reconcile the two.

Next steps: staff will request a clarified partner list, an explicit description of how the tipline will coordinate with 211 and a corrected budget showing the $3,400 match or explaining the discrepancy.