F.O.R.T.H Proposal

(Faith Organizations Restoring and Transitioning Homeless)

WOULD YOUR CHURCH LIKE TO HELP A HOMELESS FAMILY?


We will share with you the vision Project URGE has for helping homeless families in the City of Rochester. Currently Rochester has NO PLAN or PROGRAM in place for long-term support of these families. Help us to restore and transition a family to stability.

Nationally
  • In the last three decades, while the number of low cost rental units has remained relatively constant, the number of low-income renters has nearly doubled. Due in large part to this lack of affordable housing, more families than ever before are living on the brink of homelessness, doubled and tripled up, or are homeless already. [Link]
  • On any given night, an estimated 700,000 people are homeless. (National Coalition for the Homeless, Feb. 1999)
  • Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, representing about 40% of all homeless people. One out of every 4 homeless persons is a child. (National Coalition for the Homeless, Feb. 1999)
  • According to a report of the mayors of 27 major cities, requests for emergency shelter by families increased 22% between 2000 and 2001. (US Conference of Mayors, Hunger and Homelessness Report 2001)
Locally - (all statistics found below are from the Monroe County Dept. of Human Services [MCDHS] March 2003 Housing/Homeless Service report)
  • Since 1995 there has been a steady increase of individuals and families placed in emergency housing ranging from 14% in 1995 to 30% in 2001.
  • During 2002 MCDHS provided emergency housing to 8553 families and individuals - this included 3660 children.
  • Monroe County homeless families in 2002 were placed in Community Place (3 units for families), Tempro Development (11 units for families), Baden Street Settlement (3 units for families), Montgomery Center, Inc. (3 units for families). When those units are full, Monroe County houses families in motels.

Contact Info:
Mary Stevens (585) 223-8340 or Jane Ames, MSW, Administrative Assistant, (office is at Grace Community Village) (585) 458-5927 x104 - Email:

Garry Manuel, Director/Founder (585) 223-8340 - Email:

Download a PDF with more details regarding the F.O.R.T.H. Plan.