Homesteads for Hope
Community Guidelines & Code of Conduct
This is private property owned and managed by Homesteads for Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. By entering or using this property, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the following guidelines and all applicable federal, state, and local laws:
Property Access. Property access is available only during Farm Store hours, advertised public events, approved private events attended by the public, scheduled classes, programs, volunteer opportunities, or other authorized activities. Access outside of these hours is considered trespassing.
Respect & Inclusion. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities, backgrounds, identities, and experiences feel safe, valued, and supported. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, threats, intimidation, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated, and could result in removal from the property. Everyone participating in any program or utilizing the property for any reason is expected to contribute to a culture of kindness, dignity, and respect. Violation of this policy could result in removal from the property and additional action.
Alcohol, Smoking & Drug-Free Campus. This is an alcohol-free, smoking-free, and drug-free campus. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, vaping devices, tobacco products, cannabis products in any form, illegal substances, or drug paraphernalia. The only exception is for alcohol served during events which have been pre-authorized by Homesteads for Hope after 5:00 PM or Homesteads for Hope-approved private weekend rentals operating under a duly and fully executed contract.
Canal & Water Safety. No swimming in the canal at any time. Fishing or kayaking from our property is available only with an active paid membership or pass purchased through the Farm Store and is undertaken entirely at your own risk, which you expressly assume by engaging in these activities. Homesteads for Hope is not responsible for compliance with NYS DEC fishing license or permit requirements; it is your sole responsibility to obtain and maintain any required permits.
Farm Equipment & Machinery. Please do not sit on, touch, climb, operate, or otherwise interfere with any farm equipment, tools, tractors, machinery, or operational areas. Use of equipment requires staff authorization and direct supervision.
Restricted Areas. Please do not enter barns, outbuildings, greenhouses, animal areas, maintenance spaces, storage areas, or any restricted structures without authorization from an authorized Homesteads for Hope representative and a Homesteads for Hope staff member present.
Child Supervision. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of minors in their care while on the property.
Weapons & Conduct. Firearms, weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, or hazardous materials are not permitted on the property, except for authorized law enforcement personnel acting within the scope of their duties. Harassment, discrimination, threats, intimidation, violence, or disorderly conduct of any kind are strictly prohibited. Any violation of this policy is expressly prohibited and could result in removal from the property and our contacting the appropriate authorities.
Animal Safety. Please do not feed, chase, strike, handle, or enter animal pens or enclosures without Homesteads for Hope staff authorization and or direct supervision. All posted animal interaction guidelines must be followed at all times.
Removal of Property. Please do not remove, damage, misuse, or take from the property what is not yours, including but not limited to plants, produce, flowers, tools, decor, materials, merchandise, equipment, or any property belonging to Homesteads for Hope, its staff, vendors, or guests. If it is not clearly marked for sale in the Farm Store, it is not for sale.
Cleanliness. Please keep all areas clean and dispose of trash properly. Littering, dumping, or improper disposal of waste is prohibited.
Vehicle Safety. All vehicles must operate at 5 MPH or less while on the property. Reckless driving, unauthorized vehicle use, overnight parking without permission, obstruction of traffic flow, or illegally parked vehicles are prohibited and may result in our contacting the appropriate authorities. Overnight parking which has not been approved by Homesteads for Hope may also subject the vehicle to towing at the owner’s expense.
Photography & Privacy. Photography, video recording, livestreaming, or recording of students, program participants, or vulnerable individuals requires express written permission from the individual and/or their parent or guardian. Please respect the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of all community members.
Right to Remove. Homesteads for Hope reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny entry to, remove from the property, or prohibit future attendance by any individual whose behavior is disruptive, unsafe, manipulative, solicitous, unlawful, threatening, or otherwise in violation of any part of this Code of Conduct, at any time and for any reason.
Report Concerns. Please report any unsafe conditions, injuries, accidents, emergencies, suspicious activity, or concerns to a Homesteads for Hope staff member immediately.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK & HOLD HARMLESS
Homesteads for Hope is a working community farm and active agricultural property. By entering this property or participating in any program, class, event, volunteer activity, or recreational use, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with an active agricultural environment, including but not limited to the risk of personal injury or death, and/or property damage caused by uneven terrain, mud, weather conditions, animals, insects, allergens, equipment, machinery, tools, and bodies of water including the Erie Canal.
You enter and use this property entirely at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to release, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Homesteads for Hope, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, injuries, losses, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to your presence on the property or participation in any activity, except where caused solely by Homesteads for Hope’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Homesteads for Hope is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.
In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.
Homesteads for Hope reserves the sole right to restrict access to the property and future attendance at any function or activity for violations of these guidelines or conduct deemed unsafe or inappropriate.
Homesteads for Hope
2185 Manitou Road • Rochester, NY 14606 • 585-352-4673
Growing Purpose. Celebrating Inclusion.
Fishing Guidelines
Fishing at your own risk. By entering and fishing on this property, you acknowledge and agree that Homesteads for Hope, Inc. assumes no liability for any injuries, accidents, losses, or damages occurring on the premises.
All visitors agree to hold harmless and indemnify Homesteads for Hope, Inc. from any claims arising from the use of the property. No swimming is permitted at any time.
All individuals are solely responsible for complying with all applicable New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) fishing regulations, including possession of a valid fishing license.
Fishing or kayaking on our property is available only with an active paid membership or pass purchased through the Farm Store
For NON-emergencies, you can call 585-352-4673 ext. 0.
For emergencies or immediate assistance, please call 911.
