618 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 273-6684 Open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Friendship Center opened in October of 1999. It is a "way station" for people who are seeking effective and safe ways to overcome life's obstacles. Single men and women, couples, families, teenagers, middle aged and seniors look to the Friendship Center staff for guidance during their time of need. The Center has always been a place where people could come and access Red Cross services from caring staff and gain support from others experiencing similar difficulties. Whether they are seeking shelter, food, assistance in finding a new place to live, help with obtaining social service benefits or mediation with a current landlord - Red Cross staff is there to help. The Friendship Center provides: Outreach services. Assistance with housing solutions. Eviction prevention. Assistance obtaining social benefits. Landlord/Tenant mediation. Free lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Food giveaways the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. During 2000, 8,169 visits were made to the Friendship Center and 3,231 lunches were served. For more information contact John Ward at 273-1900 ext. 27 or e-mail jward@tompkins-redcross.org American Red Cross of Tompkins County 201 West Clinton Street Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 273-1900