Rochester Affordable Housing, Inc.
We are a grassroots non-profit working toward providing affordable housing for Rochester seniors and veterans.
Our vision of affordable housing for seniors and veterans of Rochester takes on many different forms. All of these have a general idea of including a small but comfortable, one bedroom, handicap unit with accessibility to amenities in the area within walking distance or by transit. These units would be built on a condominium-type style where maintenance is included.
What is Rochester Affordable Housing, Inc.?
We are a local non-profit organization formed to develop affordable housing, for our Rochester senior citizens and veterans. In response to affordable new housing options becoming increasingly difficult for many seniors and veterans who want to remain in town, Rochester Affordable Housing Inc. (RAHI) was established in 2017 when the Board of Directors held its first official meeting.
How will this be accomplished?
RAHI is flexible and ready to pursue any opportunity to meet our goals. These include converting or renovating existing homes or structures we acquire, working with large developers to set aside a number of affordable senior and veteran units, acquiring open land and building small affordable units, or working with property owners who have their own visions and ideas and leave a legacy.
Is the goal to provide free housing?
Not at all. The intent is to offer seniors and veterans the option of downsizing into a smaller, efficiently-designed residence that RAHI would manage at an affordable rent. The cost to the resident would be much less than staying in a large home with the responsibility of maintenance and ever-increasing property taxes.
What is our mission?
The Town of Rochester has a Housing Production Plan (June 2010) addressing the issues of affordable housing as a whole. Rochester Affordable Housing, Inc. (RAHI) was formed to specifically address the need for affordable housing for its senior citizens, those over the age of Sixty-two (62), RAHI does not address the overall needs of affordable housing for Rochester. It does prioritize the needs of its senior citizens but recognizes that others may be served if inventory of affordable housing can be made available.
The RAHI will follow the same qualifying criteria as outlined in the Rochester Production Plan, but as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it will have more flexibility in creating and maintaining the needed affordable housing inventory.
The RAHI will work with the Rochester Housing Opportunity Partnership (HOP) and any other organization, public or private, whose goal is to meet the over all need for affordable housing with senior citizen needs remaining the first priority for the RAHI.
RAHI Priorities:
Rochester residents or those having ties to Rochester sixty-two (62) years of age or older
Rochester residents or those having ties to Rochester who are disabled veterans of the United States Military services.
Rochester residents or those having ties to Rochester who are honorably discharged veterans of the United States Military service.
From left: Norene Hartley, Richard Cutler, Mark Wellington, Ann Soares, Mary McCann, Ann Cambra, Valerie Farretta, Gianno Lettieri and Robin Martin.
How can you help?
Board Members
Volunteer
Be a part of our group. Attend a meeting and decide where you can help RAHI. We always welcome ideas, research, and communication with the public about us. We welcome anyone in construction, land management, on a board or committee, or anyone that has any interest in aforementioned topics.
Leave a Legacy
There are so many ways to leave property to be used for affordable housing - either a buildable piece of land, vacant. By using and listing a dwelling to create two or more housing unites, aging in peace is preferred by our seniors and veterans, and providing assistance to them is our goal.
Donations
Besides being a part of out group and donating your time, perhaps you can help us with funding informational mailings, setting up informational brunch these things do cost money but we are a 501c3 079 organization and your donations are tax deductible - any help with funding is appreciated.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.