The Ithaca Homeless Crisis Team wants to bring both awareness and solutions to the crisis happening right in our backyard. Homeless deaths in Ithaca are at an all-time high. Challenges for the unsheltered include lack of cold weather clothing and footwear, lack of nutritional foods, lack of proper shelter from cold, lack of heat sources, and improper sanitation. Unsheltered people are the most vul
nerable in Ithaca! They suffer from physical, mental, and substance use disorders. Most of Ithaca's homeless population lives in an area known as The Jungle. Over 30 people live in encampments spread along Ithaca's waterways and railroad tracks. Much of the area is wooded and filled with people living in tents, forts, or sleeping bags. Many fend for themselves in the frigid, unforgiving outdoors which is especially apparent during this time of year. We want to give these people hope and help them survive. We have a serious and growing homeless problem in Tompkins County. We see the ravages of untreated addiction and mental illness push neighbors to the corners of our communities and an ever growing number of hard working individuals who are simply unable to keep up with costs of living and raising a family in the area. In Ithaca, rental availability is less that 1%. Ithaca is the 8th most expensive place to live in the country. Oftentimes, these individuals decide to live in The Jungle simply because they have nowhere else to go. These are fellow human beings suffering in ways that are incomprehensible to the vast majority of us. Some of them are homeless because of circumstances well beyond their control. They need hope. They need love. And we are committed to loving our neighbors. We’re asking for your help. Please donate to our fundraising campaign found here: https://givebutter.com/secondwind. You could literally save lives. The money raised will be used exclusively for Homeless Crisis Alleviation through the local nonprofit Second Wind Cottages. The funds raised will provide items needed such as propane/kerosene, heaters, blankets, food, hygiene products, first aid items, and other "save a life" care package items. Any support you give will stay here in Tompkins County. Be compassionate. Be loving. Even $1 will help. Please share!!!
