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.

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

An in person interview is required. For applicants determined to be eligible for Temporary Assistance, Monroe County may provide a funeral assistance grant up to $1,250 for decedents. On average 70 families receive funeral assistance each month. It may include the monetary grant and a collaboration with local and regional funeral homes and cemeteries.

Currently, the office is working with community partners and case managers to document the funeral wishes of the homeless and elderly in the community who lack family support. We manage a database for this initiative so that the final wishes of those who had previously been without a voice are honored.

There are 174 clients in our end of life program, three of which have passed and we were able to honor their requests.

Funding Opportunities

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

Online Information

• The Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Faith Based and Community Initiative (SAMHSA)