Congressman Joe Morelle Announces $500,000 in Federal Funding to Support Survivors of Gun Violence in Rochester

Image October 20, 2026 Press Release Funding secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process will help Rise Up Rochester provide emergency housing assistance, victim advocacy, and critical support services (Rochester, N.Y.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced $500,000 in federal funding for Rise Up Rochester's Safe Housing Gun Violence Response Program, which provides critical assistance to individuals and families impacted by gun violence. The funding, secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process, will help survivors access emergency housing relocation, victim advocacy, and other essential services as they work to rebuild their lives. “Gun violence leaves lasting scars on individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods, and we have a responsibility to ensure survivors are not left to navigate the aftermath alone,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I'm proud to have secured this investment to strengthen the important work of Rise Up Rochester and help ensure more people in our community have the stability, security, and support they deserve.” “Communities most impacted by gun violence deserve more than sympathy, they deserve resources,” said Chiamaka Ikpeze, Executive Director of Rise Up Rochester. “This funding allows us to provide immediate safety, housing support, and advocacy for survivors and families facing some of the hardest moments of their lives. We are deeply grateful for Congressman Joe Morelle and his commitment to our community.” Rise Up Rochester, in partnership with Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI), will utilize the funding to address the immediate safety, housing, and recovery needs of gun violence survivors throughout Rochester. The Safe Housing Gun Violence Response Program will provide real-time relocation assistance and temporary housing support to help individuals and families move to safer living environments following incidents of gun violence. The program will also provide victim advocacy, court accompaniment for survivors participating in legal proceedings, transportation assistance, and support services to help individuals navigate the challenges that often follow violent incidents. By combining immediate crisis intervention with longer-term stabilization efforts, the initiative aims to help survivors regain a sense of security while strengthening the safety and well-being of families and neighborhoods across Rochester. ### Issues : Enacting Common Sense Gun Reform