City of Ithaca and Tompkins County officials are reminding residents about available homelessness services and existing encampment policies as warmer weather brings an increase in unsheltered homelessness and outdoor encampments.
Officials said seasonal factors, including the end of Code Blue emergency shelter operations, rising temperatures, ongoing housing instability and regional housing market pressures, have contributed to more people living outside and a corresponding increase in encampment activity throughout the community.
Under the city’s current pilot encampment policy, camping is prohibited on city-owned property, including parks, sidewalks, bridges and other public spaces, except within a designated area in Southwest Ithaca. When encampments are identified, city officials say outreach workers are first deployed to connect individuals with services and determine what assistance may be available before any enforcement action is considered.
The city said outreach teams work closely with the Tompkins County Department of Social Services to assess eligibility for emergency shelter, housing assistance and public benefits. Officials noted that weekly case conferences now take place between the city, DSS and outreach providers to improve coordination and help connect vulnerable residents with available resources.
Individuals living in unauthorized encampments are encouraged to relocate to Southwest Park, where temporary camping is currently permitted under the city’s policy framework. Officials said building trust and connecting individuals with services often takes time, and police involvement generally occurs only after outreach efforts have been exhausted.
City and county officials also pointed to broader challenges contributing to homelessness, including poverty, mental health concerns, physical health issues, loss of personal identification documents and difficulties navigating social service systems. They said homelessness impacts not only those experiencing housing insecurity but also surrounding neighborhoods, public spaces and community resources.
Residents who encounter encampments are encouraged to report them to the city’s encampment response coordinator so outreach workers can engage with individuals and connect them with assistance. Officials also urged anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing to contact 211 or the Tompkins County Department of Social Services for help accessing emergency shelter and housing programs.
The city is currently reviewing its encampment response policy and considering updates based on lessons learned since implementation. Officials said the review includes input from service providers, people with lived experience and ongoing data collection as Ithaca and Tompkins County continue efforts to balance public safety, public space management and long-term housing stability.
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