Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County promotes home ownership by building houses in partnership with families in need of adequate housing. Our mission is to build simple, decent homes for people in need with no interest, no profit.

The IWS operates as a "low barrier" shelter during the winter months. It was designed to offer a safe and warm place to sleep for men and women who - for whatever reason - have no other alternative but the streets. The primary criteria for admission into the shelter is respectful behavior, regardless of whether or not a guest is under the influence of alcohol or illegal substance. Experience has taught us incidents of inappropriate behavior are rare. Guests simply appreciate a warm place to sleep. Participating sites and volunteers agree to follow a set of guidelines that allow for the safety and well being of guests and volunteers alike, including no drugs, alcohol, or weapons on the premise.

[gmap markers=orange:: 40.756418,-73.828185 |zoom=15|center= 40.756418,-73.828185 |width=100% !important |height=100% !important |control=Small |type=Map]

My Dog is My Home is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the human-animal bond in circumstances of homelessness. Due to a general "no pets allowed" rule, homeless people are often faced with the choice of leaving their companion animals to seek shelter or staying with their companion animals on the streets. We don't believe this is an ultimatum anyone should have to face. 

OUR MISSION

To increase shelter and housing access for homeless people and animals who find a home in each other despite having little else.

OUR VISION

To establish a right to shelter and housing that recognizes companion animals as family.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe in the dignity and worth of all animals--both human and non-human--and that every animal has the right to live with whom they choose, where they choose.

Habitat ReStore is a discount home improvement store with all proceeds from sales going to support the work of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. Individuals and businesses make donations of building materials, furniture, appliances, and other home improvement items which are sold to the public at a discount.

The mission of Stepping Stones is to provide a supportive community where young people experiencing homelessness can develop skills to live independently. Stepping Stones is a non-profit, independent organization that offers transitional housing for young people 16-20 years old who are experiencing homelessness.

The goals of our organization are to counteract stereotypes and prejudices against groups of people and to give marginalized people a voice and an opportunity to share their stories. We are going to be taking photos of individuals or couples and posting their photos on social media sites and on posters around town. On the image we are going to have a very concise message that we hope will cause an emotional response and feeling of connectedness from the viewer to the subject(s). We will have a full interview available if the viewer wants to learn more about the individual(s) but on the main image we want the message to be very short so a person will accidentally be exposed to someone from a possibly different background.

We want to give a voice to people feeling under attack right now. We are aiming to include all people from religious/ethnic/racial backgrounds, people who are LGBTQ+, people with disabilities or mental illness and people with different socio-economic statuses.