Assistance programs from Finger Lakes Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes (CCFL) serves Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, and Wayne counties from four offices across the region. The agency has operated since 1982 as part of the Diocese of Rochester and helps anyone in need regardless of religion, immigration status, or background. This page covers what type of help CCFL actually offers at each location and how to reach the right office quickly.
Important clarification: Several other Catholic Charities organizations serve the broader Finger Lakes area but operate as separate agencies. Tompkins and Tioga counties are served by Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga (https://www.catholiccharitiestt.org/). Chemung and Schuyler counties are served by Catholic Charities Chemung/Schuyler ( https://www.catholiccharitiescs.org/). Steuben and Livingston counties are served by Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston. Contact information for those counties is at the bottom of this page.
Emergency assistance (all CCFL offices)
The Emergency Assistance Program is CCFL's primary crisis resource, available across all four offices. It may provide short-term financial help for people facing immediate needs — rent arrears, utility shutoffs, and basic necessities. Eligibility and available funding vary by location. You can also see our NY programs for paying rent page. This is the right first call if you're facing eviction or a shutoff notice and need help quickly. All offices are open weekdays.
Geneva office — Ontario and Seneca counties (regional headquarters)
The Geneva office is CCFL's main location and handles the broadest range of programs. In addition to emergency assistance, Geneva runs the Community Lunch Program, which generally serves over 20,000 meals per year. It is open to anyone in need, no questions asked. Geneva also processes Social Security disability applications (SSI/SSDI) for Cayuga County residents and provides TANF case management and parenting programs. Staff can connect clients with HEAP (home energy assistance) enrollment and other state benefit programs.
Address: 94 Exchange Street, Geneva, NY 14456. Phone: (315) 789-2235.
Auburn office — Cayuga County
The Auburn office serves Cayuga County residents with emergency assistance and social services. The Social Security Advocacy Program — which helps applicants navigate SSI and SSDI applications — is coordinated through this location for Cayuga County. Reach the Auburn office at 134 E. Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021. Phone: (315) 253-2222.
Canandaigua office — Ontario County
The Canandaigua office provides emergency assistance and case management for Ontario County residents who are closer to Canandaigua than Geneva. Address: 120 North Main Street, Suite 40, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Phone: (585) 394-0190.
Newark office — Wayne County
The Newark office covers Wayne County and offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utility needs, along with a Community Clothing Center providing free clothing to eligible residents. Address: 180 East Union Street, Newark, NY 14513. Phone: (315) 331-4867.
Programs offered across CCFL locations
Beyond emergency assistance, CCFL runs several programs available regionwide. The Family Case Management program provides ongoing support and referrals for families working through longer-term instability. The College Bound program helps young people in the region pursue academic and career goals. Childhood Counseling and Intervention services support children and families dealing with behavioral or emotional challenges. The Supervised Visitation program provides a safe setting for court-ordered family visits. CCFL also operates a Drug Court support program in partnership with local courts.
Catholic Charities serving other nearby counties
If you live outside Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, or Wayne counties, these are the organizations to contact:
Tompkins and Tioga counties: Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga. Ithaca office at 324 West Buffalo Street, (607) 272-5062. Tioga County office relocated to 932 West River Road, Nichols — call before visiting. Website: https://www.catholiccharitiescs.org/.
Chemung and Schuyler counties: Catholic Charities Chemung/Schuyler. Elmira office at 215 East Church Street, Suite 100, (607) 734-9784. Schuyler County office at 105 Ninth Street, Unit 20, Watkins Glen, (607) 535.2050. Website: catholiccharitiescs.org.
Steuben and Livingston counties: Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston — check https://ccdor.org/ for current contact information.
How to reach Catholic Charities Finger Lakes
All CCFL offices are open weekdays. The main number for Geneva (regional headquarters) is (315) 789-2235. You can also email [email protected]. For county-specific offices, use the direct numbers listed above for the fastest response.
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