News and Events

Catholic News Service writes about how House of Mercy provides shelter and compassion for the homeless – as it has for over 30 years – even during the Coronavirus pandemic.

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The key to sheltering in place is having a place to go.

That has been the driving force behind Mercy Sister Grace Miller’s homeless ministry in Rochester, New York, long before the coronavirus pandemic. But these days, more people are knocking at her shelter’s doors even though many of its outreach programs have been temporarily put on hold.

The House of Mercy shelter she started in 1985 has always been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but now it is open only at night.…

Show your love today!

Designed by AZZAMARIE for House of Mercy to help fundraise during the COVID-19 pandemic, these “love your neighbor!” shirts are available as t-shirts, long-sleeve tees, and pullover hoodies.

All proceeds benefit House of Mercy.

“accept love, be love, give love” t-shirts are also available!

For a quarter of a century, the House of Mercy, St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality and Rochester Pax Christi have gathered to commemorate Good Friday, the day on which Jesus was executed by the Roman Empire, and to remember the many ways in which Christ is crucified today, in His people. This Good Friday, the pandemic prevents us from gathering physically; however, this virtual gathering allows us to take the stations beyond Rochester’s central city.

Today, the crucifixion is being reenacted by tens of thousands – dying not on a cross, but in hospitals and nursing homes, isolated from family and friends.…

Rochester, N.Y. — Rochester Business Journal selected Sister Grace Miller, House of Mercy Executive Director, as a Women of Excellence honoree.

Established in 2018, the Women of Excellence awards recognize high-achieving women for their professional experience, community involvement, leadership and sustained commitment to mentoring. Winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of previous Circle of Excellence and Women of Excellence honorees.

In addition, seven women will be inducted into the Circle of Excellence. The Circle of Excellence recognizes women of longstanding, notable success in the community who are leading the way for other women. These honorees were selected by Rochester Business Journal editors.…

Mike Costanza with the RochesterBeacon writes about how homeless shelters and other charities in Monroe County, including the House of Mercy, struggle to maintain the funding required to provide the services they offer to the homeless and hungry in Rochester.

The nonprofits that serve Monroe County’s homeless and hungry depend upon a patchwork of funding to continue their work. Though they appear to be holding their own, there could be problems on the horizon.

….

Under such circumstances, those serving the county’s unhoused and hungry can find themselves stretched very thin. The House of Mercy Inc. offers a number of benefits for the needy, including the use of its 82-bed emergency shelter, which fills up most nights.…

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) – Lawrence Greggs has been homeless for ten years. He’s spent the last two at the House of Mercy in Rochester.

He’s used to cold temperatures, but not typically this early.

“It’s really tough. It’s brisk out. A hot meal is more than just something I like to have; it’s one of the reasons why I come here,” said Greggs. “The way the wind is going, and kamagra 100mg how brisk it is out, you’d be an icicle before you know it.”…

In late 2018, Sister Grace Miller was nominated for the Farash Prize for Social Entrepreneurship.

First awarded in 2012, the Farash Prize honors the legacy of Max Farash—a business entrepreneur who, along with his wife, Marian, recognized the importance of supporting social causes in their community.

Congratulations on this nomination Sister Grace!…

The House of Mercy is featured in a new television commercial for Walmart. The retail giant is focusing on its commitment to American manufacturers that support non-profits in their own communities. This week, Walmart unveiled its series, ‘American Ingenuity’ on its YouTube channel, highlighting the philanthropic actions of several locally owned and operated businesses whose products are carried in Walmart locations across the country.

The Perfect Granola, a local food company, donates a portion of its proceeds to help feed people at House of Mercy’s soup kitchen.

In addition, Ashlie Jones, an employee of The Perfect Granola, volunteers at The House.…

Eleven boys from McQuaid Jesuit’s crew team will be rowing from Buffalo to Albany to raise funds for the House of Mercy. This video profiles each of the boys, and shows them meeting with Sr. Grace Miller and some of the guests at the House of Mercy.

For more information about the Row4Hope or to donate, visit http://houseofmercyrochester.org/rowforhope/.…

In Honor of Women’s Month, we asked Sister Grace and Sister Rita their thoughts on current issues:

1. What women have inspired and influenced you? Why?

SG: My mother, because of the way she brought us up. She was from Italy, and a hard worker. She lived for her kids. They were her whole life. Both parents, I know we meant the wold to them.

SR: My mother, grandmothers, and Sister Grace. My mother was very religious, loved kids, loved being a mother, the she got ill at 37 leaving eight of us. So both my grandmothers pitched in to help.…