Veterans Resources:

Veterans Outreach Center: Provides high-quality, individualized services. Including health and wellness support and Veteran Treatment Court support.

447 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 546-1081

Monroe County Veterans Service Agency: Educates veterans about available supports and guides them in obtaining benefits through the VA and the community.

125 Westfall Rd, Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 753-6040:

Family Supports:

Pregnant or planning to be? Explore NYS’ family planning services and information on Paid Family Leave to know your options now.

The Office of Children and Family Services has expanded eligibility for childcare assistance. Learn more by contacting your local Department of Social Services and asking for a child care assistance application. In Monroe County, DSS can be reached at 585-753-6316. You can also check to see if you qualify using the Child Care Screening Eligibility Calculator here.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

Older New Yorkers:

Older New Yorkers should consider checking the programs and information offered by Lifespan. Lifespan helps older adults and caregivers take on the challenges and opportunities of longer life.As a regional nonprofit, Lifespan is a trusted source of unbiased information, guidance and more than 30 services and advocacy for older adults and caregivers. All of their services are provided in Monroe County and several extend to the Pennsylvania border and over to Seneca and Genesee counties. Services include information on financial planning, health and safety and so much more. Visit their Web site or call (585) 244-8400 to learn more.

The New York State Office of the Aging can help those who are in need of programs and services for older adults and those who care for them. Visit https://aging.ny.gov/ to learn more.

Food Insecurity:

SNAP enrollees can now receive double the fruits and vegetables through the new Double Up NYS program. Visit doubleupnys.com to find a participating store near you.

Farmers markets promote fresh, healthy food and are a great way to connect with your community. See the full list of the farmers markets in your area, and read information about extra benefits for seniors, WIC participants, SNAP consumers, and veterans.

If you are in need of food assistance, consider using the Find Food map from Foodlink to find information about local food pantries, community meal programs and food distribution sites. Visit the Foodlink website or call (585) 328-3380 to learn more.

Mental Health Resources:

If you are experiencing any mental health crisis, please use any of these three resources that can assist you immediately:

988 Chat

Veterans Crisis Line Chat

Crisis Text Line: Text 741741

More Mental Health Resources:

NAMI Rochester: The National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

344 N. Goodman St. Rochester, NY. (585) 423-1593

Mental Health Association: Peer-run agency offering a variety of programs, workshops and support groups throughout the Greater Rochester Area.

274 N. Goodman St. Ste. D103 Rochester, NY (585) 325-3145

Rochester Regional Health: Offers a range of behavioral health services in our region. Services are offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

65 Genesee Street, Rochester, NY (585) 368-3950

URMC Mobile Crisis Team: Mobile response for those experiencing a mental health crisis, provides early intervention to prevent the crisis from getting worse.

300 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, NY (585) 529-3721

Center for Youth: Provides free, confidential, and accessible services to youth ages 12 to 21. Services include counseling, shelter, education, referrals, and much more.

905 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 271-7670

Trevor Project Lifeline: Offers trained counselors that under the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face and are available to offer support 24/7