Persimmon Place Will Provide Emergency Shelter for Up to 12 Families in Rochester

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced the completion of work on the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County's Persimmon Place, in Rochester, which will provide 12 units of emergency housing for families experiencing homelessness. The $4.5 million project received more than $4 million in state funding from OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program to renovate a vacant former youth shelter.

“Families experiencing homelessness need a safe, secure place they can temporarily stay while working to get on a path to permanent housing,” OTDA Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “Persimmon Place is an important addition to the housing options available in Monroe County for families in need, and we are grateful for our partnership with the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County, which resulted in the successful completion of this project.”

Persimmon Place is part of a 20-year renovation and sustainability plan for the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County. The project is located in the Bull's Head neighborhood, which is part of the Rochester NY Urban Renewal Plan, a community-driven effort that has resulted in significant investments from the City of Rochester and New York State.

Additional capital funding for Persimmon Place included $200,000 from the KeyBank Foundation, $100,000 from the Farash Foundation, $85,000 from the Konar Foundation, and $75,000 from the ESL Foundation.

Operating funding is being provided by Monroe County, the YWCA, FoodLink, the City of Rochester, the M&T Charitable Foundation, and ESL.

Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County's Persimmon Place will provide much-needed refuge for those in our community most in need. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to affordable and emergency housing options, as well as OTDA Commissioner Guinn for her leadership in making this project a reality.”

Assemblyman Demond Meeks said, “With approximately 800 individuals experiencing homelessness in Monroe County, the completion of Persimmon Place is a critical step forward in our fight against housing insecurity. These 12 units represent more than just shelter — they symbolize dignity, stability, and hope for families in crisis. They give families a place to regain their footing and take their next step. I am proud to support investments that uplift our community and provide the resources families need to thrive.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Addressing the housing crisis has been a top priority of my administration, and through projects like this, we are making a difference. Monroe County is proud to work alongside the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the YWCA, and various community partners on the Persimmon Place project. These 12 units will provide families with a safe environment as they seek permanent housing.”

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “This is a wonderful addition to the YWCA's growing portfolio of housing options to help struggling families. Lacking a safe place to call home, a safe place to be together, makes it almost impossible for families to move forward in life. It makes it harder for children to succeed in school and for parents to focus on work and family. I celebrate what the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County has accomplished here at Persimmon Place and know it will make a real difference in helping families on a path to success.”

Myra Henry, President & CEO YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County said, “Persimmon Place represents a critical step forward. It will provide not just a roof, but a safe and supportive space for families in crisis. Each unit will offer privacy and dignity to parents and children while also connecting them to essential wraparound services — case management, job readiness support, mental health resources, and pathways to permanent housing.”

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) is an important component of Governor Hochul's five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. In addition to playing a central role in the development of permanent supportive housing in New York State, HHAP provides capital funding that is vital to constructing, rehabilitating, and repairing emergency shelters.