Through generous contributions from our donors, and assistance from St. Mary's Parish, Saint Joe's and House of Mercy recently purchased a multi-apartment building that is located just across from the House of Hostpitality on South Avenue in Rochester, NY. The Dorothy Day House is a 'Housing First' project that is dedicated to eliminate homelessness.
This joint venture with House of Mercy and St. Mary’s Parish attempts to mend the safety net for hard to place men
and women. We feel it is truly fruitless to wait until our many needy brothers and sisters have ‘the rent$ and
security’ before we offer them an apartment. All landlords do that. We know that most people who are chronically
homeless want decent housing but have not been able to attain the capital to achieve it; nor have they been able to
navigate the system so the county can help them out.
Our venture houses citizens, first; accepts them;
offers them an advocate. Together, the two decide
the best path. We also believe free medical assistance
starts immediately. After about a year, when a
resident gets on his/her feet, (s)he will make way for
a new person matched with a new advocate.
The
community is taking form in a twelve- unit apartment
building (407 South Ave.) across from St. Joseph’s.
Eight units are already occupied by veterans filtered
to the former landlord by the Veterans Outreach
Center just down the street. We have embraced them
as our first members.
All tenants will be invited into the program and will be
asked to follow our guidelines. All rents will be
subsidized or waived. So far, we’ve placed four people. They are, by our design, residents who will be asked to give
back. The committee has accepted our first chronically homeless candidates. As we transition, every room gets a
new coat of paint and is fully furnished. We are committed to treating new residents with the dignity they deserve.
Additionally, we are committed to being good Southwedge neighbors.
Contact Information for Dorothy Day House:
Telephone: 585-232-3262
E-mail: st.joes@frontiernet.com
