Support Mutual Aid BIPOC Tenant-Owned Co-operative

Lodge is a tenant-owned co-operative that houses low-income BIPOC. Lodgers believe in working towards a transformation of society and recognize that this work must start in the home. Our commitment to this is reflected in our operation as a tenant-owned co-operative house. Being tenant-owned, we take responsibility for all house matters and can keep rents low as a result. Lodge has historically housed Cornell students, but is independent and distinct from Cornell-owned co-operative houses.

Recently, we were notified that we owe $26,389.24 in city taxes dating back to 2019. The overdue balance has been paid and we are on track to meet our financial goals by a razor thin margin as of April 2023! As a co-operative that operates solely on rent payments from its tenants, the lack of reserve funds poses a huge financial burden we are unable to accommodate for as college students largely from low-income backgrounds. The COVID crisis presented an additional layer of financial strain as Lodge residents come from communities that have been disproportionately impacted.

In a lull of communication with our longtime board of trustees during the pandemic, our emergency funds have dwindled. For nearly 3 months, the Lodge has had little to no running hot water as a result of our stagnated financial support and inability to repair a busted combination water heating system. Not only has there been no hot water for showers, but our radiators no longer provide the heat necessary to keep the pipes from freezing. This maintenance issue poses a serious threat to the longevity of Lodge in the coming winter. As a historic fixture in Ithaca and as individuals occupying the space needed to complete our education, we deserve the basic needs and dignity of a sustainable financial model to preserve the gem that the Lodge has been for generations.

Your donation would be greatly appreciated as a contribution to continue offering housing for low-income BIPOC students. The potential loss of this house presents not only an issue for current residents, but for students in the future searching for housing alternatives. We are consistently working to ensure everything in our power is done to preserve this unique space, in our efforts for outreach we can hopefully achieve the guidance necessary to ensure no financial crises arise again in partnership with the Ithaca Tenants Union and the Ecovillage at Ithaca. Please contact us at [email redacted] for any support or questions regarding this endeavor.

Venmo: @lodgecoop

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