Rochester's House of Mercy homeless shelter says it will reorganize and plans to reopen on November 1st after closing due to a murder at the shelter back in August. But the shelter's Board of Directors says it's parting ways with the organization's founder, Sister Grace Miller...and Guest Services Coordinator Sister Rita Lewis effective immediately.
A press release says the board hired an independent law firm to investigate the events leading up to the machete slaying of Cameron Schuler by Michael Nairy. Both were guests at the shelter. That investigation also included a recommended path forward for the House of Mercy. It includes removing Sister Grace from her remaining assignment as spiritual director at the shelter.
The directors say comprehensive staff training and facility upgrades at the shelter are already underway. They include a complete overhaul of the shelter's practices, protocols and procedures.