County and City remind community of unsheltered homelessness resources
Published on June 15, 2026
As temperatures rise and seasonal shelter programs wind down, Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca are seeing an increase in the number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and a corresponding rise in encampment activity throughout the community. County and city officials are reminding residents, service providers, and individuals experiencing homelessness of the resources available and the policies in place to support health, safety, and stability for all.
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. Through regular collaboration, the county, city, and community partner agencies also note that barriers to finding and maintaining safe, stable housing often include poverty, mental health challenges, physical health concerns, lack of access to official documentation due to loss or theft, and difficulty navigating systems that provide safety net services. Homelessness has severe impacts both on individuals who are unhoused and on surrounding neighborhoods, public spaces, and community resources.
The City of Ithaca 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. Per the city’s current policy, when an encampment is identified on public property, the first step is to engage outreach providers to identify the individuals 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 (DSS), 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, individuals are encouraged to relocate to Southwest Park, where temporary camping is currently permitted under the city’s existing policy framework. In most cases, engagement and relocation take time, though individuals are often receptive once trust is established. Ithaca Police Department 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.
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 county and city continue to encourage anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing to connect with available resources, which can be navigated by dialing 211 (1-877-211-8667) 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 shelter and stabilize their housing. To get started, you can contact DSS at 607-274-5680 or work with a local outreach provider who can help connect you.
Tompkins County Department of Social Services Commissioner Brittanie Earle added, "Our priority is making sure people have access to safe shelter, care, and support. 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.”
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.
Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio stated, "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. 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."
Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca remain committed to working together with community partners to address unsheltered homelessness through coordinated, compassionate, and practical approaches that support long-term housing stability while addressing immediate needs.