Rochester Non-Profit Coalition Creates Crisis Support Fund

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A consortium of Rochester-area nonprofit organizations held a news conference today to announce the launch of the Hope at Home Fund.

A news release describes the fund as an emergency coordinated response designed to “provide immediate stabilization to housing and food access for families facing sudden loss of income and isolation.”

Purpose of the Hope at Home Fund

Representatives of Family Promise Rochester, Channel One Regional Food Bank, and Southeastern Minnesota Interfaith Immigrant Legal Defense attended today’s event and stated that, in recent weeks, local service providers have reported concerning trends of families avoiding routine activities — including school, medical appointments, and work — out of concern for their safety. They say the behavior has resulted in lost income and placed families at immediate risk of eviction and food insecurity.

“The message we want to share today is simple: Families should not be homeless, and kids should not go hungry,” said Carrie Moscho, executive director of Family Promise Rochester. “We have seen that many households in our community are unable to pay February rent, and without timely support, March is expected to be even more challenging. This fund is about giving dignity to those who need help and giving our community a way to show up quickly.”

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How the Fund Will Help Families

Organizers say the Hope at Home Fund is managed by Family Promise Rochester. It is designed to “bridge the gap for families with children who are currently housed but facing an immediate crisis” by providing short-term rental assistance, utility support, and landlord mediation services.

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Legal Support Component

The response also includes a legal support initiative intended to provide a more rapid response for people in need of immigration legal services.

“Our involvement is not intended to circumvent immigration law, but to ensure that it is applied equitably regardless of the income of the people affected,” said Phil Wheeler, board chair of SMIILD.

The nonprofit organizations are requesting contributions from community members through the Hope at Home Fund website.