Sheltering Families, Building Futures Campaign
Ontario County currently has no homeless shelters for families with children. We’re partnering with the Molly & Ed Shill Cares Foundation to change that—starting with the county’s first-ever family shelter in Canandaigua.
Groundbreaking Ceremony on Friday, January 3, 2025. Attendees included: Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo; New York State District 131 Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan; Ontario County Commissioner of Social Services Eileen Tiberio; Dave Sahr, Board President of Family Promise of Ontario County; Kathleen Wagner, Founder and Past President of Family Promise of Ontario County; Todd Bernhardt, Executive Director of Family Promise of Ontario County; New York State Senator Pam Helming; Cam Sformo, Founder of Loyal Nine Development; Andrew Branch, Vice President of the Shill Cares Foundation; and Dan Pieters, Director of Architecture for LaBella Associates.
A New Chapter for a Historic Home
The cobblestone house at 495 North Main Street has long been a part of Canandaigua’s story. Thanks to a generous gift from the Molly & Ed Shill Cares Foundation, it’s now being transformed into a family homeless shelter operated by Family Promise of Ontario County.
Once open, the shelter will provide safe, temporary housing and case management for up to 7 families at a time—up to 30 individuals—offering stability and support during a difficult chapter in their lives.
We’re working now to raise the funds needed to complete renovations, furnish the space, establish an endowment, and build the resources needed to keep the shelter running. With your help, this historic home can become a lifeline for families in need.
Want a Tour?
We’re offering regular tours of the shelter under construction. If you’d like to schedule a visit, please contact us.
Shelter Plans
Establish Ontario County’s first family shelter at 495 North Main Street, Canandaigua
Transform a historic cobblestone farmhouse—currently in disrepair—into a warm, welcoming shelter.
Create space to house up to 7 families (up to 30 people) at a time.
Offer dedicated case management to help each family secure sustainable housing.
Anticipated opening date is fall of 2025.
.jpg)
See the Progress
Please Join Us in Building Hope
We’re partnering with Family Promise to open Ontario County’s first-ever homeless shelter for families. This campaign is deeply personal to us—and we invite you to join us in creating a safe, supportive place where families can rebuild their futures.
Molly & Ed Shill
Song written by Joseph Brucato & Dr. Rick Constantino and performed by Joseph Brucato.