Rochester's Community Wishbook

Sr. Grace acted with radical compassion on a cold winter night in 1984 when she picked up three homeless men on the streets of Rochester and offered them food, warmth and shelter. She soon started House of Mercy in a small home on Central Park, later moving to Hudson Avenue and from there, to the large space at Ormond Street today. She started small and became a champion for Rochester’s poor and homeless and a tireless advocate for positive social change. As she so beautifully demonstrates, radical compassion moves well beyond sympathy and concern. It compels action on behalf of others and will not rest until it eases their suffering. It starts with the smallest act of kindness and grows over time.

• cleaning products, paper product
• adult underwear: men’s and women’shoes, boots, sneakers for men and women, larger sizes 10-14 
• hand warmers, gloves, hats, scarves
• food: canned vegetables, coffee, tea, cereal, pasta, rice, soup, hot chocolate, sugar, cream, nonperishable food items
• personal care items: razors, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, tampons, sanitary napkin
• towels, washcloths
• thermals, sweat pants, sweatshirts for men and women

• Kitchen: Prepare, serve, and help clean.  We serve 3 meals a day every day of the week.
• Administrative/reception: answer phones, front desk help (lots of contact with men and women experiencing homelessness).
• Fundraising administration: clerical work, data entry, special event support, etc.
• Drivers: to deliver meals to homeless in hotels and home bound individuals.
• Office management: filing, ordering supplies, etc.