Housing & Racial Justice

Housing & Racial Justice @ FPGROC:

May 2025 - Commitment to Equity Statement
Dear Friends,

As we progress through 2025, the long-standing housing crisis continues to intensify, disproportionately affecting marginalized households. Family Promise of Greater Rochester (FPGROC), founded in 2004 on the principle that affordable, decent, and equitable housing is a human right, remains steadfast in its mission.

Most families assisted by FPGROC come from zip codes in the City of Rochester, primarily the poorest in the metro area, made so through historic redlining and systemic inequities. In 2024, of the total families assisted, 78% were Black or African American, 5% were bi- or multi-racial, and 17% were White. Ethnicity demographics were 16% Latinx. The stark disparity in housing access for people of color is a direct result of institutional and systemic racism, a reality particularly evident in Rochester, one of the nation's most segregated cities.

As a society and as an organization within the greater society, we have a choice when we think about race and those invisible, but marked lines that separate our neighborhoods. FPGROC has made a choice – social justice, inclusion, and equity are woven throughout the fabric of all operations and programs, based on these values:

Family-centered: Family Promise of Greater Rochester acknowledges the inherent promise in each family and commits to assisting each family with professionalism and compassion. Our person-centered culture means that we will listen to those with lived experiences. We will learn and evolve to reflect the reality of families at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
Integrity: FPGROC’s policies, programs, and community engagement will be mission-focused, value-driven, rooted in respect and graciousness, and open to accountability. We commit to using an equity lens when developing and assessing practices and policies for our organization.
Community Collaboration: Inspired by a shared vision, FPGROC’s programs and advocacy are stronger through joining together with like-minded community partners. As change-makers, together we can reshape systems and remove barriers that prevent families from achieving stable housing.
Community-centric Financial Stability: Maintaining a solid financial position is critical to the continued sustainability of our organization and its programs. Fundraising and grant-seeking will be community-centric and grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

We will use our voice and catalyze others to use theirs to eradicate systemic racism, poverty, and homelessness from all parts of the region. Please join us in standing against inequities and racial injustice on behalf of the unhoused families we walk alongside, and for all families affected by inequality and racism in our community.

Family Promise of Greater Rochester will have achieved success when every family has a roof over their head and a place to call home.

Sincerely,

Kim Hunt-Uzelac, Executive Director, Staff Members at FPGROC, Andrew Rath, Board Chair, & FPGROC Board of Directors

We recognize that racism is a root cause of poverty, housing instability, and homelessness. As part of our commitment to weave social justice, inclusion, and equity into the fabric of everything we do, FPGROC regularly engages with the community (partners, volunteers, donors) through conversation, volunteer training, social media, and e-newsletters, and by utilizing the 10 Principles of Community-Centric Fundraising. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and sign up for our newsletter here! Questions? Email Kim.

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