House of Mercy parts with founder over “Irreconcilable Differences” and aims to reopen on Nov. 1
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A month after a terrifying murder, the House of Mercy announced that it hopes to re-open on November 1 but it comes with a big change in leadership.
In the meantime, there will be facility upgrades and serious training for staff. News10NBC was able to get in contact with the chair of the board, but he was not available for an on-camera interview.
See our past coverage:
- August 10: Salvation Army counselors react to House of Mercy stabbing
- August 10: Non-profits in the area are pitching in to help House Of Mercy temporarily relocate some people
- August 9: How other shelters provide safety after the attack at House of Mercy
- August 9: Long-time employee of House of Mercy talks about security protocols
- August 8: Deadly stabbing at House of Mercy was an unprovoked attack
- August 8: Suspect in House of Mercy stabbing is being held without bail
The House of Mercy has been closed since August 7th after a horrific murder inside the facility. 68-year-old Michael Nairy was killed after being stabbed multiple times with a machete and another guest at the shelter was also hurt.
The board of directors said, because of “Irreconcilable differences”, it’s parting ways with Sister Grace Miller and Sister Rita Lewis. It was not clear what type of differences.
The House of Mercy hopes to reopen on Nov. 1, and it announced a big change in leadership.
In a statement, Board Chair Ed Hourihan said: “We are thankful to Sisters Grace and Rita for their service. Their commitment to the homeless in this community for decades has been unwavering. We wish them well and know they will continue to serve the needs of the poor.”
Back in March, the shelter’s founder, Sister Grace, was removed from her executive director position. At that time, we spoke to her about it and she said she didn’t see it coming.
“The person who came is a good person but I didn’t expect this and I have to say it devastates me,” said Sister Grace in March.
It wasn’t clear what specific updates to practices, protocols, and procedures will be but the shelter says it’s all about safety.
The goal is for people to have a safe place, where their basic needs are met. The board says more will be announced over the next month. We also reached out to Sister Grace for a comment.