A Holistic Approach to Empower Homeless Families at Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

New investments are being made at the Rochester Public Library

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County Expanding Services: A Beacon for Those in Need

Empower Homeless Families

In a heartening move towards aiding Rochester’s homeless population, the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County is set to receive a boost in funding. This investment is aimed at extending crucial services to homeless individuals and families who seek refuge within the library’s walls. These services will encompass essential aspects such as healthcare, legal and housing assistance, and vital social services.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, underscoring the library’s significance, stated, “The Central Library, they are a refuge for many people. Today, we are taking a major step forward to make it even easier and more beneficial for them to continue to be a refuge for people to get access to resources, to get access to services, to be connected with people that can help them.”

The city has also allocated funds in the budget for formal contracts with M.C. Collaborative and Person-Centered Housing Operations. These contracts will enable them to continue providing their invaluable services at the Central Library. Mayor Evans has expressed his intention to invite other agencies to the library, further broadening the scope of services.

The Central Library, situated on South Avenue, has become a haven for individuals experiencing homelessness. It provides them with resources and supplies essential for their well-being. As the weather turns colder, the library offers a respite from the elements and a means of engagement. In response, outreach agencies have begun setting up within the library several times a week.

Yet, it has become evident that more is needed. Hence, the city is making these new investments to support homeless families at the library.

M.C. Collaborative and Person Center Housing Options, the two agencies presently volunteering, primarily work with individuals. “We’ve been able to spend nine years meeting with people, no barriers, no eligibility requirements. If someone wants boots, we’ll get them boots. If they want housing, we’ll get them housing. So it’s been a really neat experience,” noted Andy Carey, co-founder of MC Collaborative.

Person Center Housing Options has been instrumental, assisting approximately 40 unhoused individuals during their two-hour sessions each week. “We’re able to get people connections to food pantry health care providers. We do a lot of assistance with helping people maintain their benefits. We connect people to New York State DMV in order to get an I.D., which oftentimes is a big step. And being able to get, you know, different services or get connected,” emphasized Jeanella Coleman-Grimes, CFO for Person Center Housing Options.

City invests in Rochester Public Library to expand support homeless families

Now, the city aims to invest in an agency specifically geared towards families. Tonia Burton, a Children’s Services Consultant at the Rochester Public Library, observed, “So, what we really want to do is we have families who come here. And, you know, a lot of times they’re here all day, especially when they’re in school, you know. So in the summer, we would have families who would come from the time we opened till the time we closed. And through building relationships with them, we realize that there are different needs that they had and that all of their needs can be met by us.”

Both M.C. Collaborative and Person Center Housing Options currently operate on a voluntary basis. With the fresh influx of funding from the city, both organizations will receive formal contracts to continue their vital work. The city remains committed to identifying the right agency to assist the unhoused families that seek solace at the library.

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