Advocates sound alarm on housing crisis

Kerria Weaver

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

USA TODAY NETWORK

Michael Motchnik feels like he was pushed into darkness, separated from his peers and resources.

'I’ve been unhoused in Rochester for a number of years. While I was unhoused, I was swept by the city four times,' he said.

At a ‘Housing Not Handcuffs’ demonstration at MLK Park Tuesday evening, Motchnik spoke about President Donald Trump’s plan to end Housing First, a homelessness assistance approach that focuses on providing permanent, safe, and affordable housing to those experiencing homelessness without requiring them to meet certain conditions like sobriety or treatment participation.

Motchnik said if it weren’t for the Housing First policy, he would still be dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Community activists and local groups—including Voices of Community Activists and Leaders-NY, Rochester Grants Pass Resistance, and their partners—gathered at the rally to call for lasting solutions to the city’s homelessness crisis.

The advocates came together to show widespread opposition to proposed cuts to vital services and reject harmful policies and practices, such as sweeps that target houseless people.

According to Vocal-NY, Rochester is in the midst of a housing crisis with 635 homeless adults and 570 beds available. They also noted how there are 415 families living homeless with children and only 310 beds available to them.

Mickey Di Perna, a member of Rochester Grants Pass Resistance, expressed how the only way to combat and solve the homeless crisis is to listen to people who are dealing with housing insecurity and stopping the sweeps

'We want our local elected officials to take realistic, holistic and inclusive action to combat the housing crisis that we’re seeing in Rochester and to combat these cuts that the Trump administration is about to make and has been making,' Di Perna said.

Kerry Gant from the Center for Community Alternatives attended the rally and explained how stable housing helps reduce crime and strengthen communities.

'Studies show that people with stable housing are far less likely to return to prison, and yet, instead of increasing access to housing for returning citizens, we’re watching as our federal government proposes to cut funding for housing programs that support them,' Gant said.

Gant expressed how stable housing not only provides shelter but also provides a sense of security, dignity, and belonging, which is essential for successful reentry into society after prison.

'We talk a lot about reducing crime and strengthening communities but how can we do that if we’re pulling the rug out from under people who are coming home,' Gant said. 'Let’s invest in housing because everyone deserves a chance to come home and stay home.'

— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. She wants local journalism about government to be driven by regular people. What are you happy with or upset about local government? Is there an overlooked issue in your neighborhood? Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.