Additional Resources & Support Services

Finances & Taxes

Local Resources from 211Lifeline.org
Bankruptcy Assistance | Credit Counseling | Short Term State Disability Insurance | Social Security Retirement Benefits | Tax Preparation Assistance | Temporary Assistance

Transportation

511Rideshare Statewide / RocEasyRide

Local Resources from 211Lifeline.org

RTS Jobs First Program

With the RTS “Jobs First” program, RTS offers a free, round-trip bus ride to anyone in the community who is unemployed and needs transportation to an interview. If you need a ride, call RTS Customer Service at 585-288-1700 to find out about eligibility requirements. Just provide your interview details and they’ll send out passes for a free round trip on any RTS bus if you qualify.

RTS On-Demand

RTS On-Demand
RTS On Demand is a mobility option in which ADA-accessible vehicles provide service on demand within On Demand Zones. Customers can book rides through the On Demand app or by calling Customer Service.

Mental Health

Information for Children, Teens and Their Families
In New York, we offer a range of services to help identify emotional health needs and to provide treatment or support. It is a fact that children can and do recover from even the most serious emotional disturbances

Information for Military Personnel & Their Families
In recognition of the contributions made by the Armed Forces of the United States, the New York State Office of Mental Health offers outreach, information and referral services, and counseling to support service members, their families, and veterans during deployment, reintegration, and post–deployment periods

Information for New Yorkers Using or Considering Mental Health Services
Services are available to help individuals live full and satisfying lives in their communities. The information in this section is offered to help individuals, friends and families make decisions about using mental health and other services available in your community.

Information for Transition Age Youth
Resources for young people transitioning to adulthood, their families and service providers.

LGBTQIA+ Resources
People who identify as LGBTQIA+ face unique challenges and barriers when using the mental health system.

MHANYS’ Mental Health Information Resource Page
If you need further assistance please call MHANYS at 1-800-766-6177 [outside NYS: Call (518) 434-0439], ask for the Mental Health Information Center, or email infocenter@mhanys.org. The MHIC Information and Referral Line operates during regular business hours (M-F; 9am-5pm). We link you to a broad range of local, statewide, and national mental health organizations and programs, and answer questions on mental health topics.

Food & Nutrition

Monroe County Community Gardens
Community Gardens connect local residents with local and sustainable produce by providing space for families to grow food for their households.
Local Resources from 211Lifeline.org
Food Pantries | Foodlink Mobile Markets | Grocery Ordering and Delivery | Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) | Hot Meals | Mobile Food Pantry | Packed Lunches/Dinners | Seasonal Meals

New York Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children up to the age of 5. All applicants must be income eligible and have a medical or nutritional risk. The WIC Program provides nutritious foods, along with nutrition education, and information on where to apply for free or low-cost health care, or other needed services in the community.

Summer Food Service Program for New York
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals at no cost to children in low-income communities when school is not in session.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.

WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is associated with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, popularly known as WIC. The FMNP provides coupons for fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs to individuals certified to receive WIC program benefits. FMNP coupons can be redeemed to buy eligible foods from farmers, farmers’ markets or roadside stands that have been approved by the State agency to accept FMNP coupons.

Housing & Utilities

The Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program makes it easy and affordable to make the smart investment in a more energy-efficient home, helping income-eligible homeowners across the State lower their energy bills and live more comfortably all year long.
EmPower New York
EmPower New York provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions to income-eligible New Yorkers.
Find Affordable Housing Opportunities
HUD helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants. To apply, contact or visit the management office of each apartment building that interests you.

Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide you with the information and assistance you need to avoid foreclosure.
Habitat for Humanity & ReStores Serving Our Area
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization. Families in need of decent, affordable housing apply for homeownership with their local Habitat for Humanity. Habitat homeowners pay an affordable mortgage, receive financial education and help build their homes alongside volunteers.

Homelessness Assistance Programs
Homelessness assistance programs serve individuals and families across the United States who are affected by homelessness.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The housing choice voucher program provides assistance to very low-income families to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Housing can include single-family homes, townhouses and apartments and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.
Housing Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost counseling services for buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages

Childcare & Family

City of Rochester Community Centers
Rochester’s R-Centers offer first-rate programs, facilities and professional staff to promote healthy living, education, creativity, self-discovery and positive relationships

Head Start Programs
Comprehensive child development programs that serve expecting mothers and their families and children birth to age 3

Help Paying for Child Care
Information about childcare subsidies and eligibility for assistance

myBenefits – New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
A prescreening tool that provides a quick, easy way for New York State residents to find benefits they might be eligible to receive. This includes programs like Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP – formerly known as Food Stamps), and Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)

New York State of Health Marketplace
Compare health plan options and apply for assistance that could lower the cost of your health coverage. You may also qualify for health care coverage from Medicaid or Child Health Plus through the Marketplace.

NYS Early Childhood Family Guide
Early childhood services and information on supports for families