Rochester Council Approves $1.15M for Peace Village

Rochester City Council unanimously approved roughly $1.1 million from opioid settlement funds to reopen Peace Village, the city’s sanctioned, low-barrier homeless encampment on Industrial Street. The site is expected to be operated by Person Centered Housing Options in partnership with City Roots Community Land Trust, with plans for heated pallet shelters, support services and possible tent use. Council amendments prohibit armed security and limit sharing residents’ personal information, while requiring further consideration of whether tents will be allowed. The funding is intended to restart a project stalled for years by operational and contracting issues; officials describe it as one option for people who do not use traditional shelters, not a complete solution to homelessness. The approval comes amid rising homelessness in the Rochester area.