REACH Advocacy, Inc

We're looking for volunteers to help us at the Scotty B Overdose Awareness Day. We'll be selling pizza, snacks, drinks, etc to those attending and we need volunteers to serve food and collect money. Do you have an hour or two to spare on Thursday, August 29 between 3 and 7?

Email us at [email protected] with your availability and we'll be in touch in a few days. It's a great event. You'll enjoy it!! 😊😊😊

Interesting, isn't it? We have a lot more information to share, and want to answer your questions. Join us at the Community Forum on Wednesday, 8/21 at St Mary's Church Dugan Center at 6:30PM.
Flyer in comments!

The Total Cost of Homelessness The Total Cost of Homelessness

What is the true cost of homelessness? In what ways does it impact the community? Come hear a panel of experts discuss with you the far reaching effects of this multi faceted problem.
View the video below, that begins the conversation, and join us 8/21 at the Dugan Center to continue it~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXcFvB4oZmo

It doesn't matter if this is true, because more importantly, it is accurate. For the person who sees a homeless person and thinks "get a job" I would say you have no understanding of the barriers in their way, or the trauma suffered on the streets. If you read this, you will find just some of the obstacles people face trying to regain control of their life. At REACH, we meet people where they are at and do our best to provide the support they need.
https://www.facebook.com/share/zmzfjqfFNCJtaKWh

"I've seen this guy at Starbucks in Marin City several times. Every time I’d see him I'd tell myself that I would take him to lunch but always found an excuse not to. Today was different. It might have been selfish but I was lonely. I didn't want to spend the whole day alone. I walked up to him, put my hand on his shoulder and said 'do you want to have lunch with me?'
Tarec Atkinson was born and raised in Jamaica. When he was a kid, he dreamt of being a famous football (soccer) player. He was recruited to play in school but never got the opportunity because of some trouble he got in as a teenager. He moved to the states 8 years ago and has spent the last 12 months living in a tent by the side of the freeway. Tarec goes days without eating, sometimes living off of the berries he picks, he spends 90% of his time alone and has no friends and no family in the states. After hearing it had been a month since he bathed, I brought him back to my apartment so he could enjoy a hot shower. Because of all these hardships, trying to get a job is impossible. How can you fill out an application when you haven't eaten in days? I told Tarec that I would drive around with him next week and help him fill out applications and even speak on his behalf to help him land a job so he can get back on his feet. We agreed to meet that Friday at 9:30 AM at Starbucks.
If we were going to make this happen, I knew we had to get Tarec some new clothes. We stopped at Ross so he could pick out a shirt and some slacks. I was blown away at the immediate change in his demeanor. His smile was radiant, he stood up straighter, and even walked with a swagger. I couldn’t convince him to tuck in his shirt. I guess you win some and you lose some haha. Next step was to hit the streets. We spent the next two days going door to door to see who was hiring. We went to Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, Home Depot, Molly Stones, and Starbucks just to name a few. I would walk in with him so he knew he wasn’t alone. It can be overwhelming to walk into a business and ask for a job. I was very proud of him. We had a few positive responses but the majority of business’s told us that applications were submitted online. Easy enough right? Wrong.
Tarec doesn’t have a computer. So we went to the local library and began filling out applications. And let me tell you something. We take our computer literacy for granted. Watching him struggle to fill out an application put so much into perspective for me. Some people judge our homeless. We’ve all heard someone say 'why don’t they just get a job?' or 'they’re lazy' I saw firsthand how the “system” is set up to fail people like Tarec. There is no way he would have been able to do any of this without my help. Just like there are many things in my life I have needed someone to help me overcome an obstacle. We all need a little help.
After week of phone interviews Tarec landed an in person interview at Safeway. I remember driving to Safeway being nervous. I looked over to him and asked how he was feeling. He looked back at me and said “I got this”. I believed him. I dropped him off, wished him luck and waited. 20 minutes later, I see him walk out of Safeway with a big smile and a thumbs up. I let out a Rick Flair sounding “WOO!”. We had accomplished a lot together in two weeks. It was an incredible moment. Obviously we had to celebrate with a little ice cream! 🙂
Like we all are, Tarec is searching for a purpose in life. He yearns for happiness. He craves for a woman to love and to feel the love from a woman. He wants to create a better life for himself so he could one day have a family and stability. He is just like you and me. My hope in sharing this story is that it will inspire others to spread LOVE. We all need help in one way or another. Sometimes all someone needs is a friend. Thank you for taking the time to read my story."
Credit: Adam August

We are truly humbled and grateful to announce that REACH is now the proud sponsor of the 9th Annual Scotty B Overdose Awareness Day! This incredible event, taking place on Thursday, August 29 from 3PM-8PM at Martin Luther King, Jr Park, holds a special place in the hearts of so many.

We are deeply thankful to SOARS and the Baker family for entrusting us with the privilege of carrying on this vital and beloved community tradition. We are committed to honoring Scotty’s memory and continuing the important work of raising awareness and support for those affected by overdose.

We can’t wait to share more details with you in the coming days and look forward to coming together as a community to make a difference. Thank you again to S.O.A.R.S. and the Baker family for this incredible reaponsibility.

Gathering Place Webster has never, ever hesitated to help us with every request we've ever made. There are so many volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, and better yet, it's usually for just an hour. Please check out their page and lend a hand when you can!

Gathering Place Webster is honored to have been asked by REACH Advocacy, Inc to provide lunches for this event. We will make lunches at Gathering Place during our typical drop-in community service hour 12:00-1:00 on Thursday August 29th. All ages welcome !!!

This is NOT just a California problem. Drive around Rochester and you will see the unhoused on most every street corner. There is a housing crisis right here in your own back yard, and it's growing. Homelessness is a multi-faceted but solvable problem given the proper funding to the proper experts. Stay tuned for more information.

What Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to clear homeless encampments means for the people who live in them | CNN Homeless advocates say California’s crackdown on encampments would simply move people to other areas in a state where the cost of living is high and the number of shelter beds limited.

As International Day of Friendship comes to a close, we want to take a moment to appreciate the incredible friends in our lives.

Your love, support, and laughter make every day brighter. Thank you for being a constant source of joy and comfort. Let's keep nurturing our friendships and spreading kindness and love throughout the year!

We are truly humbled and grateful to announce that REACH is now the proud sponsor of the 9th Annual Scotty B Overdose Awareness Day! This incredible event, taking place on Thursday, August 29 from 3PM-8PM at Martin Luther King, Jr Park, holds a special place in the hearts of so many.

We are deeply thankful to SOARS and the Baker family for entrusting us with the privilege of carrying on this vital and beloved community tradition. We are committed to honoring Scotty's memory and continuing the important work of raising awareness and support for those affected by overdose.

We can't wait to share more details with you in the coming days and look forward to coming together as a community to make a difference. Thank you again to S.O.A.R.S. and the Baker family for this incredible reaponsibility.

As we continue on this journey together, we want to keep you informed about the latest news, updates, and stories from our community. Each month, we'll be sharing inspiring stories, helpful resources, and important announcements to keep you connected.

In this issue, we'll be discussing REACH Guests as Advocate’s, plus we'll have updates from our team regarding Edgerton Meadows Project Haven, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're grateful for your support and look forward to sharing this month's news with you!

Feel free to subscribe at the following link; https://reachadvocacy.org/news/

We are currently in need of new MALE and female undergarments and some powdered beverage mix. Please feel free to click the link below to view details.

A very special thank you to our community, family, friends and supporters. Without U, there is no Us!

https://bit.ly/3zAW2sk

At REACH, we believe in the power of community and compassion. Let’s come together to extend our tables, share our blessings, and create a world where everyone feels welcome and supported. 💖

Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸🧨🇺🇸
We celebrated with a barbecue at Barberry!!

LISTEN HERE:
https://www.wxxinews.org/show/connections/2024-07-03/what-can-be-done-to-quell-monroe-countys-housing-crisis-and-help-families-who-are-unhoused

TODAY (7/3) at noon listen to our board chair Andy Carey and others discuss the current housing crisis in Rochester on the WXXI radio show Connections:

Coming up on "Connections:" Wednesday, July 3, 2024 Here's what's coming up on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

The recent Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass vs. Johnson has sparked a significant debate about how we address homelessness in our communities. REACH, as a Homeless Rights Advocacy Organization, knows that it's crucial to highlight the importance of humane, effective solutions that truly address the root causes of homelessness.

**Homelessness is complex.** This complexity was acknowledged by Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, yet the ruling upheld a law that criminalizes homeless individuals for sleeping outside on public property. This decision raises concerns about whether cities will increasingly rely on anti-camping ordinances instead of investing in long-term solutions like interim and permanent affordable housing.

**The Real Solutions**: The only humane and effective solutions to homelessness involve creating interim housing, such as motel and hotel rooms, and permanent affordable housing with supportive services. These solutions require dedication, funding, and patience. Simply fining or jailing homeless individuals does not address the underlying issues and only perpetuates the cycle of homelessness.

**The Impact of Criminalization**: Criminalizing homelessness by imposing fines and jail time only exacerbates the problem. Impoverished individuals cannot pay fines, leading to accumulated penalties that can affect their credit reports and result in court bench warrants. This makes it even harder for them to secure housing when they receive rental subsidies.

**A Call for Compassionate Policies**: The decision to uphold the Grants Pass law effectively overturns the 9th Circuit’s ruling in Martin vs. Boise, which protected homeless individuals from being fined or jailed when no shelter is available. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissent, argued that punishing people for their status is both unconscionable and unconstitutional.

**Investing in Housing and Services**: Decades of under-investment in affordable housing and the loss of rent-controlled apartments have worsened the homelessness crisis. Adequate housing and services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, are essential to solving homelessness. This approach not only saves lives but is also more cost-effective for taxpayers.

**Leadership and Advocacy**: Leaders like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have rightly criticized the decision, emphasizing that cities should not use it as an excuse to criminalize homelessness. Instead, they should focus on creating real solutions that provide stability and support for those in need.

In conclusion, addressing homelessness requires a compassionate, results-driven approach that prioritizes housing and supportive services over punitive measures. By investing in these solutions, we can create a more just and humane society for all.

We are nearing a tipping point, yet each day REACH/ Project Haven and other organizations struggle to get the government funding we need to care for the most vulnerable people in our community~

Rising number of homeless families points to Monroe County's deepening housing crisis The number of families with children in shelters or emergency housing quadrupled in an annual point-in-time count.

TONIGHT!!! 6:30, Dugan Center at St Mary's Church Downtown. YES!!! It's air conditioned. Hope to see you there!

Outreach continues despite the lack of funding because it's the right thing to do. Meeting people where they are at, forming relationships, bringing services. REACH salutes the work being done to support our neighbors~ https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/rochester/news/2024/06/19/keeping-watch-on-the-unhoused-during-the-extreme-heat?cid=share_email&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3pjpQCsZxv-NxCi6PCkJnX4JDTq7IyH-xJMUO6wO5-3mkoLva9vOAHBXA_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw?cid=share_clip

Keeping watch on the unhoused during the extreme heat Keeping watch on the unhoused during the extreme heat.

Kudos to Cameron and their partners for serving people where they are at. This is what outreach and true collaboration looks like.
☀️🔥☀️HEAT ADVISORY ☀️🔥☀️

The folks at Xerox have been making sandwiches and fill in meals for us for months. Today our Executive Director, Logistics Coordinator and Board Chair were in Webster to make a short presentation to some of their employees and meet Xerox CEO Steve Bandrowczak, who presented us with a check for $5,000.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS!

WE REALLY NEED FANS!!!! If you have any, please deliver to 77 Barberry Terrace or 720 W Main St. Message for pick up.
Thank you!

What is the true cost of homelessness? Join REACH board chair Andy Carey and board member Patrick Hanna at 6:30 PM on Thursday, June 20 at the Dugan Center, St Mary's Church as they discuss the far reaching repercussions of the housing crisis.
PLEASE SHARE, so that others have the opportunity to participate in this important event!!

REACH board chair Andy Carey and board member Patrick Hanna will be doing a presentation on the real cost of homelessness and the current housing crisis in Rochester. Plan to attend this informative session and hear first hand from someone working in the community daily~

Stop by this Sunday, June 9th, for life-saving training and a Narcan kit in collaboration with Monroe County!

To those of you who sent items from our Christmas list, prepare and deliver meals or contribute items from our ongoing wish lists, you made some special people very happy yesterday. Our hearts are full. THANK YOU! ❤️🎄🎄❤️ https://www.rochesterfirst.com/video/reach-advocacy-gives-holiday-gifts-to-shelter-guests/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR0_LK9V477DV1-XIOpg3L31NX0w4ghuVffYq2M-y-4zEnSuzbtyWEySjGM

REACH Advocacy gives holiday gifts to shelter guests ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — REACH advocacy, a grassroots organization, is working to solve chronic homelessness by supporting those struggling, with various programs. The organization doesn’t ju…

We still have openings on our meal signup for next week through 1/1/24, especially New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. If you might be able to drop off a meal at one of our shelter sites, please take a look at our sign up list.https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C45AFAC2DA1F58-46154038-reach #/

Now that the Christmas list is complete many have asked if we still need supplies, and we sure do!! We have an ongoing Amazon wish list, or those items can be purchased locally and delivery or pick up arranged by calling our coordinator, Matt Smeltzer, at 585-331-0018. Currently our friends at Canandaigua National Bank on Monroe Ave are collecting items on the flyer below. This is the link to our Amazon list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/14E1HO6O5YITK?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_1

The FOURTH, and hopefully the last, delivery of the day from the Amazon list
❤️🎄❤️🎄❤️