A homeless camp sweep in Rochester ignites discussion about available homes and help

Rochester, New York – The removal of a homeless camp in downtown Rochester led to legislative calls for reform.

Camarin Ross and her son set out to provide warm food to homeless individuals in Rochester as the weather fell during the weekend. They went to see Lewis and Sheila Martell, who had been homeless for 12 years, early on Saturday afternoon.

Ross remarked, “I went through winter and spring,” “It was very hard and I pushed through and got housing and got back.”

The weather this weekend brought up memories of those who had been homeless for seven months. For those without a place to live during the winter, freezing temperatures present a serious risk.

More than 1,000 people are homeless in Monroe County, according to recent estimates.
A number of homeless people were taken out of an unofficial camp under the South Clinton Avenue bridge close to Marshall Street on Friday.

“The land where the encampment was located is City property, and we felt strongly that given the single-digit temperatures this weekend, it was important to connect the individuals there to Code Blue Shelters,” a City of Rochester representative stated. We are keeping their belongings and provided transportation.

Many would turn down outreach workers’ assistance.

According to Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart, “there are options available, such as our code blue shelters,” The demands of those who elect to remain in their tents and out in the cold could not be satisfied by those options. Stable housing conditions are what people are requesting, and we need solutions that actually fulfill that.”

On Friday, Barnhart presented a resolution to the legislature urging county and local officials to stop the so-called “sweeps.” Three members of the Rochester city council then condemned the behavior in a similar manner.

The city spokeswoman admitted that there are occasionally obstacles that lead people to turn down assistance.

The Martells, a married couple who have been living together, decide to live outside of shelters partly out of concern that they may be split up.

Lewis Martell remarked, “They want to split her and put her somewhere, and me somewhere,” “No. We are one. Together, we are one. We will not be separated in any way. No way.

According to them, it’s hard to stay warm in the weather this weekend.

“It’s worse than hell,” Martell declared. “I mean, like I said, once you get into a position and you get warm, you cannot move.”

Peace Village, the city’s approved campsite, is now being built and should be finished in January.
The following places are Monroe County’s “Code Blue” warming facilities for homeless people. Because of a collaboration with RTS, anyone can request free transportation to these locations.

Open Door Mission, 210 W. Main St., Rochester — RTS routes 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

House of Mercy, 285 Ormond St., Rochester — RTS route 3

Saving Grace Ministries, 1140 Norton St., Rochester — RTS routes 4, 5

Oak Orchard, 300 West Ave., Brockport — *opens mid-December, no RTS route