House of Mercy’s Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers, you do to Me.”

Mt. 25:40

The House of Mercy Board, staff, volunteers and the Rochester Homeless Union stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement against structural racism and racial inequality. We have witnessed with broken hearts the recent state of affairs within our community, the nation and abroad. With the recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Toney McDade, Breonna Taylor and many others by police and vigilantes, we cannot ignore the fact that people of color are being disproportionately targeted and oppressed with little justice imposed on those who commit these crimes. We strongly oppose police brutality and the years of oppression of African American people. 

For the last 35 years, the House of Mercy and its founder Sister Grace Miller’s mission and ministry has been to serve the homeless and the poorest of the poor without partiality. We are aware of the plight of the poor in Rochester, NY, who are dealing with lack of affordable housing and substandard housing, lack of access to medical care, extreme poverty, and children in poor performing schools.  Systemic racism and racial disparities that bring about homelessness for African Americans, has long been a concern at the House of Mercy. Therefore, we are committed to working with community partners, such as the Rochester Homeless Union, Black Lives Matter, and others, as we continue to advocate for justice for African Americans and to end disparities in housing, employment, health care, and economic injustices.