REACH News

March 2024

Housing is a Human Right

Advocacy Notes

Economic Development for Unhoused People: What Does It Look Like?

Caption: Berrigan Brothers Protest

During our February meeting, the Advocacy Team approved a letter to Mayor Malik Evans concerning the development of a Business Improvement District, BID, and its possible negative impact on the unhoused population. A BID is a designated area of a city where property owners in the designated district will pay an additional tax. Faith communities, schools, universities, charitable organizations, small apartment building owners, and homeowners will be exempt from paying the additional tax.

Project Haven Updates

An Update for Our Friends and Supporters

After months of attempting to secure sufficient funding, we are announcing that at this time REACH can no longer financially support Project Haven in its full capacity. We are proud of the Project Haven work to date, including providing shelter for over 390 guests, more than 270 shelter stays, and more than 15,500 bed nights. Our staff continue to work tirelessly supporting our guests, successfully placing nearly 25% of our guests into housing. While we are disappointed and devastated, we developed a plan that offers a way to continue operations in a manageable, responsible way.

Edgerton Meadows News

As we continue to work through the application for financing and the site plan review with the City, we wanted to share an upcoming event that we will attend in April to promote Tiny Homes as one pathway out of homelessness. In partnership with Monroe County Department of Social Services, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will convene a supportive housing roundtable focused on stimulating new developments to meet emerging needs among low-income and extremely low-income families. Community partners are invited to participate in the conversation centered on building strategic relationships, innovative housing models, and available resources. The morning roundtable will welcome discussion on challenges and opportunities in today’s ever-changing housing market.

Thank you to our readers!

We are grateful for your generous support of REACH Advocacy.

100% of your donations support our mission.