House of Mercy (Rochester, New York)

A HUGE thank you to our friends at Innovative Solutions in Rochester, NY for the very generous donation of 400 street outreach bags, as well as a variety of other shelter necessities (socks, soap, toiletries, etc.).

(thank you to our Shelter Manager, Earl, for helping to sort the items and model for this picture)

Today at Carpenter Park in the Port of Pittsford, House of Mercy joined parents, McQuaid’s robotics team, newly graduated classmates, faculty, staff, and community well-wishers to welcome the McQuaid Crew Team into port for a much-deserved lunch break.

The boys are making wonderful time and were in high spirits. Every rower came off the boat smiling, tired, proud, and ready to keep going. It was a beautiful reminder of what this journey is really about: young people using their strength, discipline, friendship, and faith to lift up our neighbors at House of Mercy.

They are rowing mile after mile across the Erie Canal for Row for Hope, and they still have a long way to go. Let’s show them the love they deserve.

Please cheer them on along the canal as they continue east. Today’s next great viewing spot is the Port of Palmyra Marina around 4:00 p.m. Upcoming stops include Newark, Clyde, Weedsport, Baldwinsville, Oneida Shores, Sylvan Beach, Rome, St. Johnsville, Amsterdam, Glenville, and finally Waterford/Albany.

Bring signs, wave from the canal path, say a prayer, and let these rowers know that House of Mercy and the whole community are behind them.

Go McQuaid Crew! Keep rowing for hope.

Here's a sneak peek from the coach's launch of the Row for Hope team practicing traveling through the Erie Canal's extensive lock system this week. Did you know that there are 35 numbered locks and 15 lift bridges on the Erie Canal? A special thank you to the operators of Lock 32 for helping the boys get the experience they need to be successful next week!

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful team from TruStage for volunteering at House of Mercy yesterday. Your time, energy, and willingness to serve helped make a real difference for our community, and we are truly grateful for your support! 💙

When HOM guests find permanent housing, we help to set them up with all they need for success. Thanks to Kimberly Rouleau and ROC Made with Love (and her partners at the Greece Community Library), we will be able to gift guests with a lovely quilt or blanket. A HUGE thanks to all who made this lovely gesture possible!