Mission of Second Wind Cottages
The mission of Second Wind is to house and walk with homeless people toward restored lives. 
We are a non-profit organization that provides homes and hope to the homeless.  


What is Second Wind Cottages?
Second Wind Cottage's journey began when its founder, Carmen Guidi, felt a calling to help his unhoused people in Tompkins County. Not knowing exactly how to help, he offered what he could - friendship. It was only after one of his new friends committed suicide that Carmen knew he needed to do more. Carmen, and now with others in the community alongside of him, felt inspired to help bring hope and homes to their new friends. Later, and with his own land, and donated money, but also now with many more community members on a similar mission to help the homeless, Second Wind Cottages were built.

Today, Second Wind Cottages are 18 affordable, permanent, supportive, cottages where 18 now formerly homeless men live.
For some of our "guys", this is a temporary landing spot, as they gather their second wind on life. Yet there are other guys who need a bit more than a landing spot and we'll often let them park a bit longer. That's the beauty within the community we built at Second Wind Cottages, where more than housing, we offer community, friendships, and hope for a restored life with dignity and compassion.

We are currently expanding into Dryden with a 4-unit housing program for homeless women and hope to offer new affordable, permanent, supportive housing to homeless women by the Fall of 2023.
 

How is Second Wind funded?
Our funding comes from private individuals, grants, businesses, other organizations, who have seen homeless, unhoused and unsheltered people in Tompkins County and know in their hearts that our community must do better. Our cottages are built with volunteers, using donated and/or discounted materials or services. In fact, most of what we do is by the grace of volunteers and every dollar we raise goes right back into supporting the work we do.

If you want to find out more information on how you can get involved please email secondwindcottages@gmail.com.