Beating the Heat: How Ithaca Is Helping the Homeless and Vulnerable This Summer

As temperatures soar in Ithaca, staying cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s about survival. For many in our community, especially the unhoused and vulnerable, extreme heat brings real health risks like heatstroke, dehydration, and even death. Fortunately, the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County are taking action.

Here’s how the community is stepping up:

Cooling Centers Across the County

When a heat advisory is issued, public cooling centers open across the area, offering free, air-conditioned spaces for anyone in need. These include:

• Tompkins County Public Library (downtown)

• Greater Ithaca Activities Center

• Ithaca YMCA

• The Shops at Ithaca Mall (Lansing)

• Local libraries and some facilities at Ithaca College

These locations provide a place to escape the heat, hydrate, and recharge.

Support for the Unhoused

A Year-Round Shelter System

While the Code Blue emergency shelter program primarily operates in the winter, the facility at 300 North Tioga Street doubles as a cooling center when needed. If it’s closed, the Tompkins County Human Services Building lobby (320 W. MLK Jr. St.) is used as a backup location.

Encampment Improvements & Outreach

The City of Ithaca recently adopted a pilot policy that designates one city parcel near the so-called “Jungle” as a non-enforcement encampment zone. Rather than evicting people, the city is now working to improve the livability of the space by:

• Providing trash collection and sanitation

• Enhancing pathways and safety

• Planning a new “navigation hub” nearby, which will offer:

  
  

  • Lockers, showers, hydration stations

  • Outreach and case management

  • Wi-Fi access and public transportation support

  
  

This model shifts the focus from punishment to dignity—and is designed to meet people where they are.

Nonprofit Partners on the Ground

Several organizations are actively supporting people in the heat:

• Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County

• REACH Medical

• Second Wind Cottages

• The Salvation Army

• Friends of the Jungle

These groups provide vital on-the-ground outreach, distribute water and supplies, and work to connect people with long-term support and housing.

How You Can Help

• Spread the word about cooling center locations

• Donate bottled water, sunscreen, or hygiene supplies to local outreach groups

• Volunteer with groups offering assistance in the field

• Advocate for continued investment in long-term solutions like the navigation hub

As the heat settles in, it’s clear that our city is trying to meet the moment. But solutions work best when the entire community leans in.

Let’s make sure everyone in Ithaca has a safe place to cool off.