Local & State Resources
Community Directories
The Information Center of the Central Library maintains information on services in the area:
- Holiday Information Bulletin (English Version)
- Holiday Information Bulletin (Spanish Version)
- Shelters and Meals Bulletin
- Monroe County Area Food Cupboards Bulletin (English Version)
- Monroe County Area Food Cupboards Bulletin (Spanish Version)
Health Insurance Navigators
The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County has partnered with LawNY to offer free and confidential Health Insurance Navigator Services.
Urgent & Crisis Assistance
Finger Lakes Region 211 Lifeline: If you have an urgent personal need, such as emergency food, shelter, clothing, crisis counseling, substance abuse issues, employment, financial and legal issues, or physical and mental health needs, contact Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program, available 24 hours a day, seven days per week:
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-FLNY2-1-1 (1-877-356-9211), or chat online at https://211lifeline.org.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, made up of over 200 local crisis centers. These counselors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connect them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
Sobriety and Recovery
Catholic Charities Peer Support Specialists: one-on-one help and group support for those struggling with addiction. They are currently offering meetings over the phone and via Zoom.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Rochester Area NCADD-RA provides evidence-based substance use and problem gambling prevention services to a diverse population through education, support, resources, advocacy, and referral.
New York Alcohol Anonymous meeting resource
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The US Department of Veterans Affairs aims to help from the moment you are transitioning from the military and continue to do so throughout your civilian life. Mental health is a top priority for them! https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/index.asp
Veteran Training for things such as sleeping problems, anger management, problem-solving skills, parenting, and more are offered as well.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 service for Veterans and their loved ones. Get connected to a real person who is qualified to support Veterans. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Make the Connection is a site that has hundreds of stories from Veterans about their experiences on a variety of topics. They share their stories for others to listen to and know they are not alone in what they are going through. https://www.maketheconnection.net/
Other Assistance
Monroe County Department of Health
- Impact (585) 753-5278 at 111 Westfall Road Rm 870, Rochester 14620
- Office of Mental Health
- Monroe County Addiction Services
- Mental Health First Aid Referral Resource Guide
New York State Department of Health
- NYS Department of Health COVID 19 Hotline 1-888-364-3065
New York State Office of Mental Health
NY Victims Services: Provides critical services and support – treating crime victims and their families with the compassion and dignity they deserve. Get information about legal needs and what your rights are. You can also search their directory to find a trusted nonprofit legal aid program that may be able to help and find legal forms for matters that you can handle yourself.
- Phone number 1-800-247-8035
Bivona Child Advocacy Center: Serving the greater Rochester, NY area, Bivona’s streamlined approach partners Child Protective Services, social workers, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, therapists, advocates, and volunteers under one roof to help child abuse victims and families.’
Willow Domestic Violence Center: Serving the greater Rochester, NY area, its mission is to prevent domestic violence and ensure every survivor has access to the services and supports needed along the journey to a safe and empowered life.
Local Shelters
Open Door Mission at 56 N Plymouth Avenue is reducing the number of guests in the dining room during meal service by implementing a “Grab & Go” system. For more information call (585) 454-6696.
St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality at 402 South Avenue provides sandwiches and packed lunches. For more information please call 585-232-3262.
Cameron Community Ministries at 48 Cameron Street provides lunch to go Monday-Friday from 12 – 1:30 p.m. Sunday Dinner is closed until further notice. For more information please call 254-2697.
Dimitri House at 102 North Union Street serves individuals and families living in zip codes 14604, 14605, 14607, and 14609 once every 30 days by appointment. No referral is necessary. Please call 585-325-1796 to schedule an appointment.
St Peter’s Kitchen at 681 Brown Street provides lunches to go Monday-Friday from 12 – 1:15 p.m. For more information please call 585-235-6511.
National & Global Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
American Psychological Association: Articles on managing grief, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
National Council for Behavioral Health
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233: Free and confidential phone and chat hotline for when you need help
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
World Health Organization’s (WHO)