Affordable, decent housing is a human right.

Our History

Beginning February 2021, RAIHN began publicly changing its name to Family Promise of Greater Rochester. Since our inception in 2004, we have been an Affiliate of Family Promise National, which itself began as the National Interfaith Hospitality Network. As Family Promise of Greater Rochester, we will continue to assist families in achieving sustainable independence in our community, recognizing the promise each family has. To learn more, click here.

In the years 2000 - 2001, three socially-minded members of three different Rochester faith communities were exchanging thoughts about a “new” model that allows faith communities to help homeless families without getting hopelessly overburdened by administrative tasks.  The three people were Nancy Frank, coordinator of Mission & Outreach at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rev. Rod Frohman, Associate Pastor at Third Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Margie Mayson, Associate Pastor at Asbury First United Methodist Church.  As time went on, many other faith community volunteers and leaders stepped forward to help shape what would become RAIHN, and now Family Promise of Greater Rochester.  

The informal meetings morphed into organized monthly “General Meetings” to which representatives from the widest possible range of faith communities were invited, the first of which took place on June 11, 2002. The goal was to learn about the history, model and purpose of the National Interfaith Hospitality Network (NIHN, now Family Promise), headquartered in New Jersey and founded in 1988, and discuss a process for the creation of a local network in Rochester. The shelter model at the time was to make better use of the buildings, owned by faith communities of any persuasion, that sit mostly empty during the week.  Families spend the day at a base station (Day Center) and, with the help of a social worker, address the problem(s) that caused their homelessness.  In the evening they go to a faith community that gives them dinner, overnight sleeping quarters and breakfast.  In the morning, they return to the Day Center.

After months of meetings, discussions, and trainings from the National IHN, the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, or RAIHN, opened its doors on April 26, 2004.  At that time, 13 congregations had committed to hosting families and 9 congregations had committed to providing volunteer and monetary support. By the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, 42 faith communities were serving as host and support congregations, with many others providing moral and financial support.

FPGROC has grown substantially since 2004! It is because of the commitment of these congregations and the volunteers within that FPGROC has supported so many families facing homelessness in Rochester. Hospitality is at the root of all faith traditions as a means of living out social justice, loving kindness, and welcoming the stranger. For seventeen years, congregational volunteers hosted families experiencing homelessness overnight for a week at a time in their classrooms and common areas, enjoying hot meals together and providing activities for children and adults.

RAIHN/FPGROC Timeline:

• 2004 - RAIHN opens its doors on Meigs St. as a shelter for families; Erica Vera is Network Director

• 2008 - Nancy Elliot is named Director

• 2010 - the Aftercare & Stabilization program begins, supporting families for up to one year after transitioning out of shelter.

• 2014 - Kim Hunt-Uzelac is named Executive Director.

• 2017 - RAIHN moves office and the Day Center from a house on Meigs St. to 142 Webster Ave.

• 2019 - with funding from HUMI (Help Us Move In), the Prevention & Diversion Program is born.

• 2020 - COVID-19 moves the Shelter Program out of congregations and into a hotel, first, and then apartments where it remains.

• 2021 - following suite with the national organization and other Affiliates, RAIHN changes its name to Family Promise of Greater Rochester which acknowledges the broad array of services provided beyond shelter (hospitality).

• 2022 - FPGROC purchases 142 Webster Ave. and announces new Transitional Housing Program.

FPGROC is recognized as a model of social justice and advocacy by social service providers and the community at large as the premier provider of services to families that have been temporarily displaced from their homes. We accomplish this role by achieving the highest levels of independence and lowest recidivism rates for our guest families. We do this through superior and recognized case management, a rich and fulfilling volunteer and donor network of faith and community partners, and an unparalleled record of efficient investment of community resources. Our commitment to families first and to respecting diversity will continue to earn us a solid foundation of support from the Rochester community and will continue to hold us in the highest esteem of our guest families and caring volunteers.

FPGROC is a non-profit 501 (c)3 corporation established in Rochester New York, USA and registered with the New York State Charity Bureau under #20-39-38. A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (www.charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us at 142 Webster Avenue, Rochester, NY 14609. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or (212) 416-8401.