ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — Tompkins County Legislator Rich John says the county needs a plan to address homelessness and encampments.

The Public Safety Committee chair tells WHCU the county should change their approach.

Legislator John also tells us the county needs to collect information to determine the type of help a homeless person needs. In addition, John says that to get a better grip on homelessness, the county must build a system.

The Tompkins County Legislature is still exploring a possible low-barrier homeless shelter. In Ithaca, the Common Council voted on August 14th to create the part-time position of homeless encampment coordinator.

FULL INTERVIEW: Legislator Rich John on Ithaca’s Morning News