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Social Service Organizations

• REACH Advocacy

  • Rochester Engaging in Action for the Chronically Homeless believes that housing is a basic human right. This organization operates a winter shelter, heads up a tiny homes program, and more.

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• St. Peter's Kitchen

  • St. Peter's continues to provide daily meals for those in need during the pandemic.

 

• Southwest Ecumenical Ministry Food Cupboard (SWEM)

  • ​SWEM provides emergency food bags and monthly food bags to residents of Monroe County and it largely volunteer-run.

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• House of Mercy

  • House of Mercy continues to operate as an emergency overnight shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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• St. Joseph's House of Hospitality

  • ​St. Joseph's House of Hospitality operates as an overnight shelter and provides daily meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Supporting Local Businesses

Jesus, who is my neighbor? Mom-and-pop businesses in the neighborhood around our church are struggling financially with the COVID-19 restrictions.  Restaurants are limited to take-out and delivery, while rent and utility bills keep coming and the cost of commodities rises. Is there anything WE can do?  One suggestion: take your mask, visit one of St. Monica’s neighborhood businesses, meet the owner, let them know we care, and buy something!

 

Rocky’s Pizza, 801 Genesee St, across from church. Meet Abraham Saleh, the hard-working young owner, and take away a pizza, calzone, hot or cold sub, or gourmet burger. Everything is made to order with fresh ingredients. A short walk away are riverfront benches and Genesee Valley Park picnic tables.

 

D&L Grocery, 1005 Genesee St., where Deloris and Linford Hamilton are always there, and well-known to our West Indian and African parishioners. Try one of their many Jamaican patties with a ginger beer (non-alcoholic), mango soda, or another West Indian beverage. Ask them how long they’ve been in business! Then enjoy food and drink on benches along the Brooks Landing promenade.

 

1872 Café at 431 West Main St. is where Paul and Mae Gersonia run this iconic establishment. Their expanded menu now has croissants, sandwiches, pizzas, a steak bomber, homemade soups, salads, plus gluten free & vegan menu options.  All are served with their hot & cold coffee & tea beverages. It’s 3 blocks to Susan B. Anthony Square, where one can dine with the Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass tea party sculpture!