ABOUT US
In a wooded area behind Ithaca's commercial strip on route 13, there is a location known as "the jungle." Here, individuals experiencing homelessness gather and make what home they can. Second Wind's journey began when our founder, Carmen Guidi, started to build relationships with the residents, bringing pizza and listening to their stories. It was after when one of his new friends committed suicide that Carmen knew he needed to do more.
Second Wind evolved from outreach to building homes and became an official 501(c)(3). We now operate 18 cottages in our Newfield housing program for homeless men and will soon open 4 units in Dryden for homeless women and their children.
Second Wind’s vision is to house and walk with people towards restored lives. To this end, SW seeks to improve the relationships with self, family, and the larger community. We do so using a relational approach with the men and women we house, with a focus on being good neighbors to one another.
BEING RELATIONAL
When homeless people choose to enter our supportive community, they are choosing an environment that values human connection. Second Wind staff and volunteers walk alongside the folks that live with us throughout their housing recovery. There is great value in developing honest and authentic relationships with our neighbors and seek to encourage and engage relationship building whenever possible.
Above all else, while residing in a Second Wind home, or engaging with Second Wind staff and volunteers, we hope you feel welcome, like you belong, and like you are worthy or love and compassion.
BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
When homeless people choose to enter our supportive community, they are choosing an environment that values human connection. Second Wind staff and volunteers walk alongside the folks that live with us throughout their housing recovery. There is great value in developing honest and authentic relationships with our neighbors and seek to encourage and engage relationship building whenever possible.
Above all else, while residing in a Second Wind home, or engaging with Second Wind staff and volunteers, we hope you feel welcome, like you belong, and like you are worthy or love and compassion.
