The Creative Hub is a community space on West MLK Jr. Street in Ithaca, NY that has been home to a variety of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)-led organizations in Ithaca for the past 8 years, most recently the Creative Hub for Cultures and the Alliance of Families for Justice, as well as a home for grassroots organizing for groups such as Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America and the Homelessness and Housing working group.

In addition to office space for BIPOC organizations, grassroots groups and the LGBTQ+ community, the Creative Hub has housed a free store with clothing, books and food, countless community events, art installations, shared meals, activist meetings, and much more. Most importantly, it has been a space in the heart of downtown Ithaca where community members know they can stop for powerful conversation, needed resources, a warm resting place, and a location to gather with others in an environment committed to care, dignity and justice for all who enter.

Unfortunately, on the night of Wednesday July 9th someone threw a brick through our front office door, shattering the glass and creating an expensive repair for us (see photo above). Luckily no one was inside at the time and no one was injured, but we were shook up by this event at a time of increasing white supremacy and political violence. We are not clear on motivation and we know at least one other business was also hit. We also know that spaces for BIPOC community to gather and for grassroots organizing to flourish are more important now that ever, and that the Creative Hub needs to be supported in an increasingly hostile political climate.

The timing of this expensive repair is difficult for us at a time when we have already been struggling to keep our doors open and the lights on. We appreciate our community deeply for all of the ways you've supported us over the years to continue our work. We are calling on you today to help us repair our door and support us with rent and utility costs as we begin applying for non-profit status to secure longer-term funding options.

Thank you for your contributions, love and care. We keep us safe! Your support of the Creative Hub ensures that our community can thrive through continued access to essential resources, as well as keeping the revolutionary community spirit of the Hub alive and kicking.