The House of Mercy says it's in need of warm gloves, heavy jackets, thermal socks and other winter weather gear as the area's homeless population seeks shelter from the bitter cold.
Sister Grace Miller runs the shelter, which is open 24 hours a day during this frigid weather.
"We have 82 beds, but of course we're getting more than 82 people coming in. And we put down the dining room tables and just pull out cots at night, you know, to accommodate the homeless that are coming in," she said.
Miller says Monroe County doesn't have enough beds or shelters for the homeless, so they are not turning anyone away from the shelter.
"I don't want anyone out in the cold. We've had a woman come in frostbitten, and we took care of her yesterday. People are coming in, it's extremely cold out there, we're not going to turn anybody away. We'll do all we can to accommodate them," she said.
Still, Miller says there are some who return to the streets, even though it's bitter cold.
"I wanted him to stay at the House of Mercy, but he says he's under a bridge and he's warm under the bridge. He has blankets but he's coming to the House of Mercy to eat. And I was kind of insistent that he come and stay there, but crowds bother him. He says he gets very anxious around crowds," she said.
People can donate winter clothes and boots at the shelter at 285 Ormand Street in Rochester.
Monroe County issued the following statements regarding shelters:
“Monroe County does not own or operate any emergency shelters but we are in constant contact with our 14 contracted, year-round shelter providers to assess space availability. We have also contracted with 2 additional providers to accommodate the Governor's Emergency Rule regulations.
We will continue to closely monitor shelters during this cold weather period. On a continuing basis, Monroe County does “Homeless Street Outreach” to offer homeless individuals rides to shelters.
If anyone is in need of shelter or knows someone who is we suggest they call the 211 Life Line or dial 911 who will patch them into 211 in order to get assistance.”
– Corinda Crossdale, Commissioner of Monroe County's Department of Human Services
"Monroe County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been in contact with the American Red Cross regarding warming centers, and to date, there has been no request to open one. Monroe County OEM will continue to monitor requests and will provide updates throughout the weekend."
– Tim Kohlmeier, Office of Emergency Management