KeyBank donates $200K to YWCA, Monroe County for women's homeless shelter

Genae Shields, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·1 min read
Representatives of KeyBank and YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County gather for a photo with the $200,000 check.
Representatives of KeyBank and YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County gather for a photo with the $200,000 check.

KeyBank has donated $200,000 to the Young Women’s Christian Association of Rochester and Monroe County for new emergency housing units.

YWCA is a service shelter dedicated to promoting racial justice and the betterment of homeless women and families. During a press release, president and CEO of YWCA, Myra Henry spoke on the importance of emergency housing in Monroe County.

“Every day we see the need and answer the call to help unhoused families at our main shelter on North Clinton Avenue, which is regularly at capacity. Seeing the growing need for family units in Rochester, we set out to acquire a property that would do just that, provide housing for families.” says, Henry.

Renderings of designs for the new YWCA emergency women's shelter.
Renderings of designs for the new YWCA emergency women's shelter.

The 6500-square-foot building will hold 12 units, totaling 32 single and family units that YWCA has throughout Rochester.

Residents will also have access to economic development resources and case management services as needed. Some of their renovations will include:

  • ADA-accessible facilities

  • Accommodations for larger families

  • Staff and client office space

  • Private areas for residents

  • Outdoor greenspace

Phyllis Lukenbill gives a tour of the outdoor space that will be renovated into greenspace for residents.
Phyllis Lukenbill gives a tour of the outdoor space that will be renovated into greenspace for residents.

They are expecting to house their first family by January 2025; and since acquiring ownership of 3 new lots, they look forward to expanding once renovations are complete.

Learn more about YWCA and how you can get involved at ywcarochester.org.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: KeyBank donates $200K to YWCA, Monroe County for women's homeless shelter