House of Mercy (Rochester, New York)

10/19/2026

RUN, WALK, or DONATE to HOUSE OF MERCY COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY

100% OF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE HELPS US CONTINUE TO PROVIDE GROCERIES TO THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY. HELP US RAISE $10,000

https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/EastAvenueGroceryRun

10/16/2026

Thanks to Bob and our amazing street outreach team that he directs. As the temperature drops we prepare and are privileged to serve our community anytime of the year.

10/14/2026

https://www.whec.com/top-news/rochester-world-homeless-day-event-connects-people-to-housing-resources-at-central-library/

The House of Mercy and the Rochester Housing Authority held their third annual World Homeless Day outreach event at the Kate Gleason Auditorium in the Central Library on South Avenue.

10/08/2026

Join House of Mercy for our Third Annual World Homeless Day Event!

This Friday, October 9th, from 12:00–2:00 PM, House of Mercy is bringing our community together at the Central Library – Kate Gleason Auditorium for an afternoon focused on connection and awareness.

📍 Central Library – Kate Gleason Auditorium
115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
🗓️ Friday, October 9, 2026
⏰ 12:00–2:00 PM

🤝 Connect with local organizations
🔎 Discover resources and services for individuals experiencing homelessness
💡 Learn how you can make a difference in our community

Join us as we raise awareness, build connections, and work together toward a community where every neighbor has a place to call home.

We hope to see you there! 🏠💙

10/05/2026

09/16/2026

House of Mercy's Brian Keene, Director of Facilities & Special Projects, and Whitney Snead, Director of Development, recently joined Rochester Speaks to discuss how a major new New York State Medicaid program is helping people stay housed, fed, and out of the emergency room.

Brian Keene, Director of Facilities and Special Projects, and Whitney Snead, Director of Development at the House of Mercy, join the show to talk about a major new Medicaid program that is quietly changing the way Rochester's most vulnerable residents get help and why eligible people need to act now...

09/10/2026

House of Mercy is privileged to partner with FLIPA through the Finger Lakes Social Care Network, connecting eligible Medicaid members with support for rent, utilities, and other essential needs.

House of Mercy was recently notified of an important change to how rental and utility assistance will be administered moving forward. We want to share this information with everyone currently participating in the program, as well as those who may seek assistance in the future.

Effective September 4, 2026, New York State changed the rules governing rental and utility assistance available through the Medicaid Social Care Network program.

Assistance is now limited to six months per household. Previously, another Medicaid-enrolled household member, such as a partner or child, could apply after the head of household received six months of assistance. That is no longer permitted. Once anyone in a household has received six months of rental or utility assistance, no other household member may receive additional assistance through this program.

The change took effect immediately. Some requests were initially approved before September 4 but had not yet been paid. After the new rule took effect, the state changed those approvals to denials in its system.

House of Mercy did not make this decision and cannot make exceptions to the state requirement. House of Mercy never received or withheld the funds associated with these denied requests and therefore has no money to distribute or return.

We understand how upsetting and disruptive this news is for tenants, families, and landlords. Our staff is reaching out to those affected and will share as much information as we have.

If you are affected, please contact your Enhanced Care Manager as soon as possible to discuss your situation and explore other available resources.

09/04/2026

In the Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life," we hear that "every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." At the House of Mercy, every time the bell rings a guest celebrates moving out into their own place. This past week we heard that bell ring 7 times - we're currently celebrating 71 people who, so far this year, have moved into their own places. Amongst the general cacophony of sound at the House of Mercy, the sound of the bell breaks through as guests, staff, and volunteers celebrate the joys of forward progress. What a sweet sound it is. Thank you all for your continued supports of time, talents, and treasures. You are deeply appreciated!

08/18/2026

Last week, we shared an urgent need for men’s and women’s underwear and toiletries—and the response has been nothing short of incredible!

Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our community, we've received an incredible outpouring of donations through our Amazon Wishlist. Your support will help ensure our guests have access to these basic necessities.

From all of us at House of Mercy, thank you for sharing our post, donating, and supporting our mission. We are truly grateful for our amazing community! 💙