ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — One of the largest homeless shelters in upstate New York, is closed for the foreseeable future, after a fatal stabbing Sunday night.
County officials assisted about 40 displaced residents into another transition Wednesday afternoon.
Those residents will be moving to a new location after spending a few days at MLK Park.
County Executive Adam Bello said over the course of the past few days, some residents were able to find housing at other shelters. But about 40 residents did not, and many have called House of Mercy their home for years.
The tragic incident also shines a bright light on the challenges of addressing mental health issues in the context of a homeless shelter.
Officials tell us crews from the Monroe County Department of Human Services are working with residents facing trauma and grief.
The man now jailed for the attack is no stranger to the former executive director, Sister Grace, who said she is no longer part of decision-making or operations.
“He has psychological problems and we tried getting help for him,” she said. “You know you call the psychiatric unit, then come right back and nothing changed.”
Sister Grace assists at the shelter as a spiritual director and said more help is needed, even with the county’s Department of Human Services stepping in.
“We really need more help. The psychiatric community has to do more to help with these psychological problems.”
Bello said the name of the new temporary housing location is not being released to the public, out of respect for all those involved.
Court paperwork alleges Nathaniel Jeanpierre III stabbed and slashed the victim, Michael Nairy, with a machete repeatedly. Then, stabbed and slashed the upper body of a second victim, Cameron Schuler.
Police said Schuler is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The House of Mercy is conducting its own investigation into this incident. One, that does not involve the county, as Bello said they are only assisting with housing needs.
“What the county offered to do is, help with cots, food, things like that to make sure these individuals, the most vulnerable people here in our county are taken care of,” said Bello.
Bello said he understands there may be people out there who want to help or donate in any way they can, but at this time, they are not accepting donations or assistance from the public in any way.
Sister Grace says many residents have expressed to her a desire to be back at the shelter.
She also mentioned the recent transition in leadership has been a challenge for residents and staff.
News 8 has reached out to the executive director for comment or interview opportunities and is awaiting a response.
A spokesperson for the administration released the following statement Wednesday afternoon:
“House of Mercy would like to thank the community for their steadfast support during this tragic and traumatic event.
Our friends at MC Collaborative Case Management have been instrumental in finding an emergency space where we are now temporarily housing the majority of the individuals displaced on Monday.
We are grateful for the help of officials from the City of Rochester and Monroe County. Together, we have coordinated transportation, food, and shelter for our guests for the time being.
We will update the community as contingency operations continue and we move toward reopening our doors.”