Dozens of Elderly, Disabled Residents Ordered to Vacate Rochester Towers by Friday

Approximately 75 elderly and disabled residents of Danforth Towers and Hudson Ridge Towers have been notified they must vacate their apartments by this Friday, following the abrupt termination of an enriched housing program operated by Family Service of Rochester.

Danforth Towers, Rochester, NY - Google Maps

But members of the Rochester City Council are urging residents to stay put and seek legal advise if they have questions. “At this time, no eviction proceedings have been filed by the Rochester Housing Authority, City,” Council President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr., Vice-President LaShay D. Harris, and Michael A. Patterson, Chair of the Neighborhoods Jobs and Housing Committee said in a statement.

The Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) stated that the eviction notices stem from the sudden end of services provided by Family Service of Rochester, which reportedly owes RHA over six figures in unpaid rent on behalf of the residents. RHA emphasized that the decision to terminate the program was made by the New York State Department of Health, not by the housing authority itself.

“This is extremely concerning and a disregard for the residents of our facilities—people who rely on these services for their basic safety and well-being,” RHA said in a statement. “We are furious that given this short timeframe, we are in this position but will continue to work with residents to ensure their housing needs are met.”

The sudden eviction has raised concerns about the welfare of the affected residents, many of whom have limited mobility and resources. RHA has pledged to work with residents to find alternative housing solutions.

Danforth Towers and Hudson Ridge Towers are housing complexes managed by RHA, primarily serving residents aged 50 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities. The enriched housing program provided additional support services to help residents maintain independent living.

The New York State Department of Health has not yet issued a public statement regarding the termination of the program.

As the Friday deadline approaches, residents and advocates are calling for immediate assistance to prevent displacement and ensure the well-being of the affected individuals.

“We strongly advise residents not to vacate their apartments and to seek legal guidance if they have concerns about their housing status,” the statement from City Council read.

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