Update July 2024- The Samaritan Center has a NOEP coordinator that assists with SNAP eligibility and application.

Referrals and assistance to low-income residents with urgent needs at its Ithaca offices and food pantries in Danby, Groton and Caroline.

Free clothing, personal care products, linens, towels sheets and diapers

Accepts gently used donations of bedding (sheets, blankets,etc.), towels and clean clothing for men, women and children, including shoes.

Once-a-year emergency financial help when resources are available:

Security deposits eligibility requirements:
-Tompkins County resident moving within Tompkins County
-Ineligible for Department of Social Services security deposit voucher
-Family has not received security deposit funds in the past 5 years
-Income must be less than 60% AMI guidelines
-Assistance must be within the FMR guidelines for the unit size and household size
-Application and approval process take about 2 weeks
-Applicant can not reside in unit before approved inspection or application approval

Utilities- Must have shut-off notice and denial from DSS during HEAP (they are flexible w/ requiring DSS denial letters).
Can do minimal fills for propane.

Back rent - when funding is available (similar eligibility guidelines as security deposits program)

Prescription medications (controlled substances not eligible)

Transportation assistance - bus passes or gas vouchers for: education (semester long), employment (verification required-not to look for employment), or medical appointments within Tompkins County.
Limited car repair funding available, applicant needs a quote and mechanic needs a W9. Applicant pays the difference for repairs beyond $500.

Moving Assistance (limited funding)- Partnership with Reuse where CC refers to the ReMap program for store credit to get furniture, household goods, appliances, etc., and Reuse provides access to moving truck, driver and movers for up to 2 hours for one move per year.
-Move must be within Tompkins County.
-Low-income households (60% AMI guidelines)
-The program doesn't have the capacity to go up and down multiple floors when moving items.
-All items must be packed and prepped for moving.
-Items can be moved to a storage facility rather than apartment, if there is not a new apartment lined up yet
-Refer to the Samaritan Center for screening.

Tompkins County site for:
Fidelis, Child Health Plus, Medicaid, and Medicare applications
Food Stamps screening

Annual Winter Event "Share the Warmth": clothing drive gathers items at red collection bins throughout Tompkins County. Seeks donations of clean items in good condition (working zippers, no missing buttons, no spots/stains). Typically late November or Early December.