Mayo Civic Center to be used as a temporary day center for the homeless

The Mayo Civic Center’s Exhibition Hall will be used as a temporary day center while businesses and other community gathering places remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Beginning Monday, individuals experiencing homelessness will be able to access the day shelter daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Audrey Betcher, director of the Rochester Public Library, said the location will be staffed by employees from across the city, including those from the library, which closed on March 18.

During the open hours, individuals or families experiencing homelessness will have access to the space, as well as food, water and bathrooms.

“These are the basic needs that no one should have to worry about,” said Betcher. “The Day Center setup allows for individuals to have access to those resources in a space large enough to accommodate social distancing.”

Food will be provided by Channel One, the Salvation Army, The Landing, and local restaurants, coordinated by Powers Ventures.

Additionally, the library is providing books and the Mayo Civic Center is providing WiFi for visitors. 

The move to use the Civic Center as a day center follows the Rochester Community Warming Center’s decision to extend its hours from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. In addition to its Fourth Street site, the Warming Center has also begun using the Soldiers Field clubhouse as an overnight shelter.

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.