Member News

Rochester, N.Y. —Many local residents can attest to the fact that our city is lacking permanent, affordable housing. Extensive home searches and competitive bidding on both rental and for sale dwellings have been on the upswing since 2020. Prices are climbing to an all-time high in this current “seller’s market”. Finding a residence to call home is especially challenging for those with limited income, mental illness, or recovering from addiction, trafficking or abuse.

The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester is taking this housing hardship head on with a plan to transform a portion of their building on Liberty Pole Way into affordable and supportive permanent housing units. The site is located right in the heart of Rochester and lies within proximity of the top five poorest zip codes with the highest number of people living below poverty level.

Supportive housing is a combination of affordable residency and supportive services designed to help vulnerable individuals and families as a platform for health, recovery, and personal growth. Three distinct components make up this residential model: housing, supportive services, and property/housing management.

“The challenges of poverty, and the lack of resources to overcome it, directly impact the quality of life for a significant number of people on the borders of downtown Rochester,” said Major Deborah Burr, Director of The Salvation Army Monroe County Operations. “Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a proven approach to the problem of homelessness. The extra layer of support from an on-site case manager and a resident support coach, offers a greater opportunity to diffuse difficulties in getting necessary services and maintaining tenancy.”

Fidelis Care, who provides affordable healthcare to more than 2.4 million people locally and statewide, commenced this project’s fundraising initiative with a $10,000 donation. Fidelis Care’s financial contribution is a testament to their mission; serving communities through partnerships with local providers, schools, and organizations.

“Addressing social determinants of health issues is vital to support overall health and wellness, especially for the most vulnerable people living in underserved communities,” said Fidelis Care Chief Member Engagement Officer, Pamela Hassen. “Fidelis Care is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the Salvation Army of Greater Rochester to provide critical resources and support for individuals and families who need it most.”

According to a survey of service providers in the Greater Rochester area taken in May 2021, the ‘largest unmet need in our homeless system at this time’ is Permanent Supportive Housing (58.89%). Also noted were the primary barriers to accessing housing: Affordability (77.78%) and Availability (68.33%).

“After looking at various surveys, studies, reports, and our own shelter programs, we have determined that the target population will be the chronically homeless, veterans, and those with mental health issues.” added Major Burr. “Our goal is to develop and operate seven supportive units for persons with these special conditions or other life challenges. Services and referrals will be individualized to help manage health and behavioral conditions. This individualized approach will help to create a foundation for being stable and independent.”

With three nearby worship/service centers, four service units and a rehabilitation center, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to provide year-round social services to ensure their residents’ success.

Those who would like to support The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester’s Permanent Supportive Housing campaign can visit easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/rochester/railton-residence/ or call 585-754-9919 to make a dedicated, tax-deductible donation.

About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more visit www.RochesterNY.SalvationArmy.org

About Fidelis Care Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linked.com/fideliscare, on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.