ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Peace Village, Rochester’s only city-sanctioned homeless encampment, received the funding it needs to reopen.
City Council unanimously voted to approve more than $1 million for the project, which will now have permanent 2-person shelters for people to stay in.
The funding will go toward hiring staff to manage the encampment near the ESL Ballpark and connect people with resources.
Peace Village first opened in 2018, then was shut down in 2024. City Council also passed an amendment banning armed security inside the site and promised to look into the possibility of allowing tents in Peace Village in the future.
So what’s changed to prevent this new iteration of the Peace Village from falling into the same pitfalls as the first?
“Overall, the model is a little bit different. There will be some requirements. There will be some expectations. But the idea is that this is a space that is low barrier or lower barrier than your traditional shelter,” said Rochester City Council President Miguel Melendez.
Melendez said while the owner of the space, City Roots Community Land Trust, remains the same as last time, it has now brought in the nonprofit Person Centered Housing Options to run the property day-to-day. The new Peace Village will also be more than just the tent encampment it had previously ended up as.
“PCHO, which is the organization that we are funding tonight. It responded to that [request-for-proposal] to create a pallet shelter community,” Melendez said.
So how is City Roots planning to shape the future of the new Peace Village to ensure it’s longevity?
“So previously, there wasn’t a lot of structure to this, to the site. It really was a site that City Roots owned. And it was left open for whoever wanted to to live here, whoever wanted to settle here,” said Victor Sanchez, Board President of City Roots.
“This time there’s actual funding and actual services that are going to be provided on the site to be able to support what, those that come to the property with the goal to actually be able to move them into a more permanent, stable housing,” Sanchez said.
City Roots said Person Centered Housing Options is looking to hire 11 employees, including social workers and security guards, to work at the new Peace Village ahead of the opening. You can inquire on how to apply here.
Sanchez also adds they’ll be looking for more funding next year – either from the City, County, or independent donors.
The Peace Village is aiming to open as early as mid-November depending on staffing.
What’s changing: Rochester leaders say Peace Village will have more structure and services WHEC.com.
Hence then, the article about what s changing rochester leaders say peace village will have more structure and services was published today ( ) and is available on News10NBC ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( What’s changing: Rochester leaders say Peace Village will have more structure and services )
Also on site :