Canandaigua homeless shelter hopes to tackle growing problem across multiple counties

In an effort to address the growing issue of homelessness in the area, two Canandaigua-based organizations, Family Promise of Ontario County and the Molly and Ed Shill Cares Foundation, are joining forces to establish an emergency shelter for families.

The shelter, set to be located in the historic Cobblestone Manor at 495 N. Main St., was approved for a special-use permit by the city Planning Commission on November 8. This initiative comes in response to stark statistics: homelessness in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties has risen by 215% from 2007 to 2021, and Ontario County alone averages 20 daily calls from families seeking shelter.

The plan, which aims to accommodate 6-8 families, is a direct response to these alarming trends, with Ed Shill expressing a strong commitment to ensuring that families do not have to worry about lacking shelter, according to reporting by the Finger Lakes Times.

The proposed shelter will address multiple facets of homelessness. Beyond providing immediate shelter, the facility aims to offer comprehensive support, including counseling on job seeking, education, and money management. Staffed around the clock with both paid employees and volunteers, the shelter will have strict guidelines to ensure residents stay on track towards permanent housing.