Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

 244 S. Plymouth Ave
Rochester, NY 14608
 Shirl Clark
 [email protected]

 Phone: 585 232-3386
Fax: 585 262-5634

 

The Monroe County Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (FBCI) exists to strengthen the role of faith-based and community-based organizations. The FBCI is a division of the Department of Human Services, and follows the guidelines put forth by the National Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives. 

Monroe County FBCI Mission

The primary mission of the Monroe County Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is to strengthen the role of faith-based and community-based organizations in addressing the social needs of the Monroe County community, including literacy, homelessness, poverty, and the care of children, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations.

Picture of hands holding each other in support.Responsibilities

The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is responsible for:

  • Building stronger relationships between Monroe County departments and area faith-based and community-based organizations to better serve the community.
  • Assisting faith-based and community-based organizations with information regarding government assistance and program development.
  • Creating greater community awareness of the federal government’s faith-based initiatives as they pertain to Monroe County.

Funeral Assistance Program

The Office of FBCI manages the Funeral Assistance Program. If you are concerned about being able to afford the cost of burying or cremating a loved one you may be eligible for assistance under the Temporary Assistance Program. The funeral home you are working with can help facilitate by scheduling an appointment to meet with our funeral coordinator, or you may contact them directly at:

Monroe County Office of Faith-Based Initiatives
Attn: Funeral Coordinator
244 S Plymouth Ave.
Rochester, NY 14608
(585) 232-3386

Applicants are required to complete the Funeral Assistance Grant application within three business days from the date of death and prior to final disposition. Because burial assistance is a component of the Temporary Assistance program, an interview will be required.  Please be prepared to discuss the decedent’s (and any legally-responsible relative’s) financial situation, including income and assets.  Common income and assets include, but are not limited to, any earned or unearned income due to the decedent’s estate, life insurance proceeds, social security or veteran’s death benefits, and bank accounts.

For applicants determined to be eligible for Temporary Assistance, Monroe County will provide a grant up to a maximum of $2,500 for decedents aged six years or older, or up to $1,250 for ages five years or younger. (NOTE: increase applies to burials only, not cremation)

Please note that to be considered eligible for burial assistance, the total funeral cost cannot exceed $10,000.  If the funeral you are arranging will cost more than $10,000, Monroe County will not consider this an indigent burial and we will be unable to provide any assistance.

 

Funding Opportunities

Online Information

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