There has never been a more important time to offer your community free and low-cost activities and services! The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial stress for families and individuals in ways that many never would have expected, and this is an opportunity for businesses and organizations to give back to the communities that support them. Access to free and low-cost activities and services fosters a sense of belonging in a community, where people have access to entertainment and essential resources alike regardless of their financial status.
According to the 2010 census, 42% of people in Ithaca live below the poverty line. The average household income is $32,712 – well below the national average of $61,937. This means that nearly half of Ithaca residents would benefit from access to affordable resources, from free community events to receiving food from a food bank. Free and low-cost activities can provide entertainment for lower-income individuals and families, while low-cost services can provide them with essential support they wouldn’t get otherwise.