Rochester Clears Homeless Encampment Amid Freezing Weather; Advocates, Lawmakers Push Back
City officials cleared a homeless encampment beneath the South Clinton Avenue bridge in Rochester, N.Y., on Friday, citing severe weather concerns. The decision, made five days before Christmas, has drawn sharp criticism from advocates and lawmakers who argue the move leaves vulnerable individuals without adequate shelter.
The encampment, located near Marshall Street, had housed several individuals for months. Barbara Pierce, a city spokesperson, said the sweep was carried out to protect residents from freezing temperatures forecasted for the weekend.
“We believe strongly that our actions were compassionate and humane,” Pierce said.
Outreach teams reportedly offered transportation to Code Blue shelters, which provide emergency housing during extreme weather. However, none of the eight residents accepted the offer, citing personal concerns such as restrictions on pets and dissatisfaction with shelter conditions.
Advocates condemned the sweep’s timing and lack of notice. Rachel Bailey, outreach program manager with Person-Centered Housing Options, described the decision as cruel.
“To do this right before the holidays—it's horrible,” Bailey said.
Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart criticized the practice of encampment sweeps, emphasizing that current services fail to meet the needs of displaced individuals.
"It's unfortunate that after legislators requested a moratorium on these sweeps, one occurred during a winter blast and right before Christmas,” Barnhart said. “We need more humane solutions.”
In October, Barnhart and fellow legislators Sue Hughes-Smith and Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons introduced legislation calling for an end to homeless encampment sweeps.
Rochester City Councilmembers Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin, and Kim Smith issued a joint statement opposing the city’s actions, calling the decision counterproductive to addressing homelessness.
“Sweeping an encampment traumatizes already impacted people and scatters them, separating individuals from essential social supports and medical care,” the councilmembers said.
The councilmembers are urging the mayor’s office to:
Immediately halt encampment sweeps.
Schedule a meeting with stakeholders to address homelessness collaboratively.
Publicly release removal policies and practices for transparency.
City officials stated that belongings from the encampment were stored and can be retrieved by calling 311. Meanwhile, temperatures continue to drop, intensifying concerns about the well-being of Rochester’s unhoused population.
Monroe County warming centers are available, with free transportation provided by RTS:
Open Door Mission: 210 W. Main Street (RTS Routes: 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
House of Mercy: 285 Ormond Street (RTS Route: 3)
Saving Grace Ministries: 1140 Norton Street (RTS Routes: 4, 5)
As the debate over how to humanely and effectively address homelessness persists, advocates and lawmakers continue to call for more compassionate solutions.
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