Welcoming Refugees Never Stops

This past year has been one of incredible growth and change for Saint’s Place! We are now standing strong as our own independent non-profit with a brand new 501(c)(3). Even more exciting was our seamless move to St. John of Rochester Parish Center, which has given us the space and efficiency to serve refugees better than ever before.

With these changes, we are ready to make an even greater impact, and I need your help to do it. Beyond the time and talent that you have already shared so generously, I now invite you to share your treasures as well. Though asking is never easy, I know you understand how your gift can turn uncertainty into opportunity and give refugees the strength to look towards tomorrow with hope.

This year, our Patron Saints Campaign is dedicated to the thousands of refugees already here in our community ─ men, women and children striving to overcome fear, homesickness, loss and poverty. While the number of new refugees arriving in the United States has been severely limited by government policy, our mission to support refugees has not changed. Our doors are open, our aging truck and van keep rolling, donations continue to arrive, and refugees are being helped every day.

Even as fewer new refugees arrive in our country, our work at Saint’s Place has remained very busy meeting the needs of families already in our community. Refugees living in poverty continue to need beds, bedding, clothing and essential household items, and we are committed to helping them build stable, hopeful lives here.

Just recently, we helped three refugee families set up their very first homes after purchasing houses in the city ─ an incredible milestone after more than eight years of hard work and saving. We have also moved families into safer homes and neighborhoods, provided much-needed furniture to households in crisis; and distributed backpacks and school supplies to more than 50 students in one month. 

We also welcomed hundreds of refugees to our Clothing Closet, making sure children have appropriate clothing to attend school with confidence. Every day, we see how many refugees already living among us still depend on Saint’s Place, and every day, that reinforces our commitment that Saint’s Place has a vital role in welcoming the stranger.

Saint’s Place is also putting a greater emphasis on helping refugees attain a higher education, learn English or obtain job skills that will afford them a chance to better support their families and make greater contributions to our wider community. Our eyes have been opened to the need for refugees to be assimilated in the community they have lived in for several years. Saint’s Place has always wished we could do more to help with their adjustment, so now we can offer longer-term support. We need your help to keep their hopes growing.

While setting up homes or supplying needed clothing are easier to measure, supporting education success is not as straight forward. The immediate gratitude that students express is rewarding, but their achievement years later is the true measure of success. A young 13-year-old refugee boy arrived in Rochester as an unaccompanied minor to live with his uncle. He is now attending Alfred State College, where he is studying to be an electrical engineer. He is in his third year with a 3.4 GPA, runs track, and is very engaged in community service. Saint’s Place has helped him with his educational needs, paying partial tuition, book money and giving him a computer.

A young woman who is now teaching at a Rochester school told us she is still using a laptop that we awarded her seven years ago at her high school graduation. She said the computer was crucial to her success, and she is very grateful to Saint’s Place. Now, she wants to give others a good start through education.

The goal of Saint’s Place is to foster the hope and courage that refugees carry in their hearts by offering opportunities, support and solidarity. We pray you will help us achieve this goal by supporting our 2025 Patron Saints Campaign. 

After months of planning and preparation work, Saint’s Place moved its offices, donation center and bedding set-up area to St. John of Rochester, 10 Wickford Way, in Fairport. 

For many years, Saint's Place Clothing Closet has been located at St. John of Rochester, and this move allows our entire operation to be housed in one building, the Parish Center, which is at the end of the parking lots. There are signs to direct you. It is only a six-minute drive from our former location (2 ½ miles).

We accept donations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Parish Center at St. John of Rochester, 10 Wickford Way, in Fairport.  

The photo above shows the new receiving door for donations. 

This is an excellent move for us. With more space and a considerably larger parking lot, and combining our two locations, we are better together. 

Our Clothing Closet and household setup room have been at St. John of Rochester for over 14 years. This move increases our ability to help refugees. 

We are looking forward to hosting you at our new home. We value your support and compassion for welcoming refugees to our community.