Affordable, decent housing is a human right.

Our History

Since the organization’s inception as the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (RAIHN) in 2004, it has been an Affiliate of Family Promise National, which itself began as the National Interfaith Hospitality Network.

RAIHN/FPGROC Timeline:

• 2000 and 2001 - Nancy Frank, Rev. Rod Frohman, and Rev. Margie Mayson exchange thoughts about a “new” model that allows faith communities to help homeless families without getting hopelessly overburdened by administrative tasks. 

• 2002 - The first of many monthly “General Meetings” is held, attended by representatives from a wide range of faith communities. The goal is to learn about the history, model and purpose of the National Interfaith Hospitality Network (NIHN, now Family Promise), headquartered in New Jersey and founded in 1988, and discuss a process for the creation of a local network in Rochester. The shelter model at the time was to make better use of the buildings, owned by faith communities of any persuasion, that sit mostly empty during the week.  

• 2004 - RAIHN opens its doors on Meigs Street as a shelter program for families, based on the national model of utilizing in-kind congregational space and volunteers. At that time, 13 congregations had committed to hosting families and 9 congregations had committed to providing volunteer and monetary support.

• 2004 - Erica Vera is named Network Director.

• 2008 - Nancy Elliot is named Network Director.

• 2010 - The Aftercare & Stabilization program begins, supporting families for up to one year after transitioning out of shelter.

• 2014 - Kim Hunt-Uzelac is named Executive Director.

• 2017 - RAIHN moves its office and the Day Center from a house at 34 Meigs Street to 142 Webster Avenue.

• 2018 - Since RAIHN’s inception, over 1800 volunteers from 42 faith communities are trained through the congregation model to provide hospitable, compassionate care to families.

• 2019 - The Prevention & Diversion Program is implemented, with funding for rental arrears to prevent an eviction or a security deposit to retain housing.

• 2020 - COVID-19 ends the rotation model of providing shelter within congregational space. The Shelter Program is transitioned to a hotel for a few months and then into the use of scattered site apartments.

• 2021 - RAIHN changes its name to Family Promise of Greater Rochester, which acknowledges the broad array of services provided beyond the original Shelter Program.

• 2022 - FPGROC purchases 142 Webster Avenue and announces a new Transitional Housing Program.

• 2024 - The Transitional Housing Program grows with the purchase of two additional buildings through a partnership with City Roots Community Land Trust.

• 2025 - The ROC Housing Navigator Program is implemented, which helps eligible households find permanent housing by providing personalized, culturally responsive support from start to finish.

• 2025 - An advocacy arm is added to address structural issues that cause housing instability.

• 2025 - Janelle Duda is named Executive Co-Director of Advocacy & Fund Development and Kim Hunt-Uzelac is re-named Executive Co-Director of Programming & Operations.

FPGROC is recognized as a model of social justice and advocacy by social service providers and the community at large as the premier provider of services to families that have been temporarily displaced from their homes. We accomplish this role by achieving the highest levels of independence and lowest recidivism rates for our guest families. We do this through superior and recognized case management, a rich and fulfilling volunteer and donor network of faith and community partners, and an unparalleled record of efficient investment of community resources. Our commitment to families first and to respecting diversity will continue to earn us a solid foundation of support from the Rochester community and will continue to hold us in the highest esteem of our guest families and caring volunteers.

FPGROC is a non-profit 501 (c)3 corporation established in Rochester New York, USA and registered with the New York State Charity Bureau under #20-39-38. A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (www.charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us at 142 Webster Avenue, Rochester, NY 14609. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or (212) 416-8401.