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Rochester Mayor Meets With Homeless Advocates

City of Rochester

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren says she met Tuesday with Sister Grace Miller and other homeless advocates and says the various parties agreed to take steps to address both short and long term solutions to serve the homeless population.

This meeting comes after some of those advocates complained about the way the city cleared out a tent encampment by homeless people under the Douglass-Anthony bridge over the weekend. Warren's office says there was a misunderstanding as to what was supposed to be removed on Saturday after most of the homeless living there accepted alternative shelter.

City officials say the encampment will remain on the site during the New Year's Eve fireworks display. The city will work with the advocates to find a safe place for the homeless living there during the fireworks. Homeless advocates have agreed to take measures to keep the location safe and sanitary.

Warren and Sister Grace talked about the steps needed to create an indoor facility for this population on both a temporary and permanent basis. Miller says she's pleased they were able to come to an agreement.

Miller also says that The House of Mercy has reached its fundraising goal in an effort to buy a house to shelter the homeless. The goal was to raise $60,000 and organizers say they were able to reach that with a GoFundMe internet fundraiser as well as private donations.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.