Rochester Housing Stability Fund

Mission Statement

The Rochester Housing Stability Fund (RHSF) is a Housing Trust Fund designed to create inclusive opportunities for residents, stakeholders, and the Rochester community. The RHSF will work to improve housing stability by preventing displacement, promoting racial and economic equity, and supporting residents' abilities to achieve their own housing goals.

Current Events

Rochester Housing Stability Fund’s next monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 5:15 PM in City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 008A, Rochester, New York, 14614.

For anyone who would like to join virtually, see below for the meeting URL:

Microsoft Teams

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 260 737 709 511

Passcode: jWYQdd

What is a Housing Trust Fund (HTF)?

HTFs are reserves of money set aside to support the preservation and production of affordable housing. They also increase opportunities for families and individuals to improve their housing stability in ways they feel are best for them. Housing Trust Funds typically have significant community control and allow more flexibility than many existing state and federal funds.

The RHSF is interested in increasing housing stability consistent with the strategies and policies put forth by City government and community members. The Housing Stability Fund and its Board are guided by core principles that ground the organization’s mission and work. They are:

Be Proactive | Learn from people closest to the issues. Create solutions that will launch quickly.
Increase Housing Stability | Support the ability of households to find/remain in the home of their choice by reducing the conditions that lead to forced and pressured moves.
Provide Flexible Support | The RHSF will support flexible programs to meet people where they are at – possibly trying to avoid a serious housing crisis or perhaps just needing a hand-up to get to the next level.
Close Gaps in Coverage | Provide resources to households who might otherwise struggle to qualify for or access existing housing assistance.

The RHSF was created by building on community input and collaboration to make sure its programs work for people the way they need it the most. Continued community participation will keep the Board fresh and proactive as they work to meet changing needs and priorities of Rochester's residents.

Programs and Impacts

Current Programs:

Property Improvement Program, anticipated through the end of 2024:
1. The RENEW program, managed through the Rochester Area Community Foundation addresses minor to mid-level repairs or updates to a non-owner-occupied property where the low-income occupant and owner are in agreement that the work will improve the quality of life for the occupant and reduce the potential for displacement. These repairs could be as minor as a video doorbell or a new toilet/refrigerator, or could accommodate a more significant issue such as mold remediation, unsafe porch steps, or even cosmetic updates in certain circumstances. The program is not limited to health and safety concerns, although those will be addressed where possible. As of August, 2024, the program has enrolled 42 units. For more information or an application, contact PathStone at (585) 546-3700 ext. 3026 or Action for a Better Community at (585) 325-5116
Housing Stabilization, beginning July 2024:
1. Housing Stability (direct housing-related payment assistance): Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Baden Street Settlement House, and Community Place of Greater Rochester are providing intake services and direct assistance to income eligible households who are behind on rent or utilities, or who need first month’s rent/security deposit to move to a new affordable unit. In some cases, owner occupants may be served. In addition, Legal Aid plans to provide negotiation with housing providers, and both Baden Street and Community Place will continue their existing case management services.
  1. Baden Street Settlement House: Walk-ins accepted 8:30-12 or 2-4pm Monday through Thursday. 152 Baden Street, Rochester, 14605
  2. Community Place of Greater Rochester: Email, or call on Tuesdays at either location:
    1. 145 Parsells Ave., 585-288-0021 (ask for the rental assistance program or Family Services) or https://www.communityplace.org/contact-us/
    2. Charles Settlement House, 71 Parkway, 585-445-3918 or https://charlessettlementhouse.org/contact-us/
  3. Legal Aid Society: call 232-4090
Housing Repair Program: Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity will continue its program for low-income owner occupants which address the health, safety, or accessibility of their homes. Contact info: (585) 546-1470
1. Activity to be provided: a wide range of repair needs, including but not limited to roof replacement, front steps, handrails, grab bars, accessibility ramps, mold remediation, plumbing, electrical, and in some cases tree removal. The exact cost for each repair varies based on the specific home, and often times one household needs multiple types of repairs (for example leaky plumbing causing mold issues).
Upcoming Programs: Given the vital importance of, and demonstrable need for, quality and stable housing opportunities that reduce housing displacement for low to moderate income households, the RHSFC issued and is currently reviewing responses to an RFP for entities to provide an innovative concept, service, or program that supports those goals. The RHSFC sought proposals for an innovative strategy to reduce or remove barriers related to housing stability, using a measurable solution that is uncommon or not currently widely available. Programs are anticipated to launch in early 2025.

Rochester Housing Stability Fund Board Membership and Executive Management

Board Members Biographies

Public Meeting Schedule, Agenda, and Minutes

July 22, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes

September 16, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting dates, times, and locations will be announced in advance above. If you would like to access a video recording of previous meetings, please email RHSF@cityofrochester.gov