Staff Report / May 10, 2026
Ontario County’s first homeless shelter dedicated to families has officially opened in Canandaigua, marking a major milestone in efforts to address rising homelessness across the region. The new facility, known as the Shill Family Center, opened Friday inside a restored 1830s cobblestone home on North Main Street.
The shelter was launched through a partnership between Family Promise of Ontario County and the Molly and Ed Shill Cares Foundation. Officials say the center was created in response to a growing housing crisis in the county, where as many as 25 families reportedly seek shelter each night. During the 2023-24 school year, more than 400 school-aged children in Ontario County experienced homelessness.
Located at 495 N. Main St., the shelter can accommodate up to seven families, or approximately 30 people, at one time. In addition to temporary housing, the center will provide case management, housing assistance, financial guidance, and support services designed to help families regain long-term stability. The property also includes a newly constructed playground for children staying at the facility.
The project has been in development for more than two years and involved extensive renovations to transform the historic property into a functional shelter space. Family Promise officials previously estimated the overall project cost at approximately $5 million, funded through private donations and community support.
