The city of Ithaca and Tompkins County are reminding residents of the various policies in place to help the unhoused as officials are seeing a rise in homelessness following the closing of seasonal shelter programs.
Warmer weather, the conclusion of Code Blue emergency shelter operations, ongoing housing instability, and pressures within the regional housing market all contribute to seasonal increases in unsheltered homelessness, officials said in a June 15 statement.
Homelessness has severe impacts both on people who are unhoused, as well as on surrounding neighborhoods, public spaces, and community resources, according to the statement.
“Our priority is making sure people have access to safe shelter, care, and support,” Tompkins County Department of Social Services Commissioner Brittanie Earle said in the statement.
“We encourage anyone in need, or anyone concerned about someone living outside, to reach out so we can connect individuals with resources that help stabilize housing and improve quality of life.”
What the city of Ithaca is doing
The city continues to implement its Pilot Administrative Policy regarding encampments on city-owned land. Under this policy, camping is not permitted on city property including parks, sidewalks, bridges, and other public spaces, except for a designated area in southwest Ithaca.
When encampments are identified, the city follows a structured response that prioritizes outreach and support.
When an encampment is identified on public property, the city first engages outreach providers to identify the people involved and determine which outreach partner is best positioned to build rapport and provide support.
City outreach workers coordinate closely with the Tompkins County Department of Social Services, which assesses eligibility for emergency shelter, housing assistance and various public benefits. To streamline coordination and access to services for vulnerable residents, DSS and outreach providers now engage in weekly case conferencing calls with the city.
As part of this process, people are encouraged to relocate to Southwest Park, where temporary camping is currently permitted under the city’s existing policy framework, according to the statement.
The Ithaca Police Department’s involvement occurs as a last resort for site posting and enforcement purposes.
Throughout the process, outreach partners continue working with individuals to support relocation efforts and connect them with services whenever possible.
Reporting encampments
Residents and community members who encounter encampments are encouraged to report them so outreach can occur.
Reports can be sent directly to Encampment Response Coordinator Kanij Fateema at kfateema@cityofithaca.org.
Timely reporting helps ensure individuals receive assistance, and that sites are addressed in a coordinated and respectful manner, the statement said.
Where you can go for help in Tompkins County
The city and county continue to encourage anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing to connect with available resources, which can be navigated by dialing 211 (877-211-8667) at any time.
Outreach teams are active throughout the community and can assist with immediate needs, service navigation and housing connections.
The Tompkins County Department of Social Services offers a vital safety net through programs like Temporary Housing Assistance, which helps eligible individuals and families secure emergency shelters and stabilize their housing.
To get started, contact DSS at 607-274-5680or work with a local outreach provider who can help connect you.
The city is currently reviewing and updating its encampment response policy to address lessons learned under the current policy, strengthen coordination, and improve outcomes for both individuals and the broader community. This work is being informed by service providers, people with lived experience and ongoing data collection.
“Unsheltered homelessness is a complex issue that affects many parts of our community. Our approach is focused on connecting people to services while also maintaining safe and accessible public spaces,” Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio stated in the statement.
“Thank you to the community for continued patience and cooperation as we carry out this work and thank you to the agencies who support the health and human services needs of community members experiencing homelessness.”
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: What Ithaca is doing as homelessness numbers rise in warmer months
Reporting by Ithaca Journal / Ithaca Journal
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