Homelessness Action Project at Cornell

LET'S GET TO WORK FOR ITHACA

OUR MISSION:

Homelessness Action Project at Cornell is a registered student organization committed to supporting local nonprofits and efforts that uphold the dignity and rights of individuals experiencing homelessness. Through educational programming, events, community service, and fundraisers, we provide students with opportunities to turn their compassion into meaningful local impact while contributing to broader conversations around housing justice.

View our 2025-2026 Impact Report

Homelessness is one of the most urgent issues of our time. According to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, 210 people in Tompkins County were identified as homeless.



The Challenge

According to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates: 28.4% of people in Ithaca live below the poverty line. By contrast, 14.2% of people in New York State live below the poverty line. Ithaca’s poverty rate is roughly double the statewide average.

Many Ithaca residents face significant economic hardship. This reality raises urgent questions about housing affordability and access to living-wage employment. As a university community, we must confront these disparities and work toward more equitable, informed responses to poverty and homelessness.

Equal Education and Employment. This organization is a registered student organization of Cornell University.