Hey everyone!
Today we ventured away from our bikes (mostly) for our first affordable housing day!
As one of only two affordable housing days this summer, we were all looking forward to expanding our knowledge and having a day off our saddles. Thank you to Stuart Mitchell from Path Stone, our lovely trip leaders and fellow riders, we had a full agenda for the day!
Events kicked off at 8:30am sharp with a panel discussion featuring four of Rochester's experts from various affordable housing organizations. Connie from Partners Ending Homelessness, Imani from VOCAL, and John from Path Stone all shared their crucial role in serving Rochester's homeless population. On any given night, 815 people in Rochester are homeless, 152 of which are children. These organizations work to provide immediate and long term housing, decrease housing costs, pass legislation, and so much more.
Before we knew it, it was 10am and time for a bike tour around Rochester. Joe DiFiore from City Roots Community Land Trust was an excellent tour guide, leading us through the busy streets, various neighborhoods, and to one of their current house remodels. City Roots Community Land Trust buys old homes to renovate, before selling them for affordable price, typically half of traditional market value. Because of the Land Trusts regulations, these homes remain affordable and stay in the hands of low income families as intended.
Next up, lunch! Lunch was graciously provided by the Commissary, another amazing organization in Rochester. The Commissary provides shared kitchen space and food industry specific business assistance for entrepreneurs. Whether individuals are just starting a business or have years of experience, the Commissary provides various levels of support to all its members.
Lunch was followed by an amazing presentation by Shane Wiegand, a fourth grade teacher and activist, and a tour of The Clarissa Uprooted Exhibit. Clarissa was a lively community in Rochester until the 1970s when urban renewal and highway construction decimated the community. Along with the loss of homes and businesses, people lost the intergenerational wealth that comes with home ownership. This exhibit showcased the Clarissa story through elder and youth stories, many of which were in person at the exhibit.
Back at the host, we enjoyed a bit of free time and a delicious dinner provided by our hosts at the South Wedge Mission Church. To finish the night, we celebrated our dear friend and ride buddy, Ernie, with ice cream cake and brews. His smiling face will truly be missed, but we are excited to see what he accomplishes as Bike and Build's star intern this summer and in all his future endeavors!
Good night from Rochester, onto Niagara Falls tomorrow!