Look Who it Was Random video

Ending homelessness in Tompkins County | Michael Koplinka-Loehr | TEDxIthacaCollege

282 views · Published 22 January 2015 · 16:46 · Indexed 25 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2015 · Nonprofits & Activism

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This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. If any community should be able to end homelessness within the next 12 years, Tompkins County, NY should be able to. Thankfully, we have over 100 community agencies dedicated to the cause, the awareness and action of both local governments and area faith communities, and the involvement of the business community and 3 area colleges/universities toward solving what seems like an intractable human challenge.But what must we look at, within ourselves, to truly 'make a home for everyone' in our community? What fears must we face to build a relationship with someone viewed as traditionally at the margins, which might push our comfort zones.We are the other, and truly need each other to transform our community into home, for all. 

Michael Koplinka-Loehr is the Program Manager for Rescue Mission in Ithaca, which operates Court Street Place (a residence for 10 men transitioning from homelessness to greater community stablity) and will begin operating the local homeless shelter and Friendship Center as of mid-March, 2014. He was a member of the Tompkins County legislature for 12 years (2 as Chair) and the Ithaca City School Board for 3 years before that. He has been involved in the human services community throughout Tompkins County since age 11, when his mom created several organizations to serve those in need (not to mention keeping 8 children organized and caring about the world around them). He is married with 4 children and lives in Lansing, NY in a fully solar-powered home.

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