ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — A vacant building in downtown Ithaca is getting new life–for a short time span.

Tompkins County officials say the old Key Bank building on North Tioga Street will be repurposed as a temporary Code Blue shelter for the winter of 2024 to 2025. Code Blue is a state-mandated program that gives money to counties to offer shelter to those in need during cold nights between November and April.

The shelter will operate from 7PM to 7AM when temperatures dip below 32 degrees.