Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Salvation Army in Buffalo will soon begin Phase I of a three-phase, $100 million transformational "Hope on Main" project to cater to more Buffalonians in need.
"The Salvation Army has been exploring the needs of the community as we continue to serve over the years, and determined that the one of the greatest needs in the city right now is for affordable housing," said Major Annette Lock, director of operations at the Salvation Army in Erie County.
"We are crafting a long-range plan that addresses the need for housing as well as poverty reduction strategies and better supports for families and individuals across the city."
The plan includes redeveloping the Salvation Army's Main Street complex as well as the redeveloping of their East Side location.
"In that plan, it will create a new family shelter to serve the families with children," said Lock. "The Salvation Army has been providing emergency shelter to families for over 60 years, and our facility will be completely updated and rebuilt for those families. It will include 160 units of affordable housing on Main Street and our community center will be rebuilt in East Buffalo, which will include our chapel for worship, as well as a full-scale family support center."
Major John Lock breaks down the phases of the project.
"The first phase will be the tearing down of one end of our building, and then our family shelter will be rebuilt on that site. Then after that is completed, the families can move into that new location. [Phase II] will tear down some of the the other properties, and that's where the affordable housing units will be rebuilt. Phase III will be the redevelopment of our East Side location, we're not sure where exactly the new location will be, but that will be the third phase."
Phase I, which is likely to commence in late spring of 2024, is estimated to cost about $16 million. The funding breakdown includes $10 million from New York State for rebuilding of the shelter, with additional funds coming from Erie County capital project grant that is finalizing and donations from private donors through the Salvation Army's capital campaign.
Research would suggest that the need for affordable housing and updated services in the City of Buffalo is greatly needed. Many Buffalonians are at or below the poverty line.
"About 28% to 30% of our population is right about that line with many under that are well under," explained Major Annette Lock.
"We know that at any given time, about a quarter of some neighborhoods are struggling with housing crises. So at anytime, they're facing eviction, they're looking for new places. Some have taken to their cars, some are on the streets, as we know. It's a crisis in our community as it is in many places around the country. We see the need and we can envision gathering the resources that are needed and we have the confidence that we can help address some of this crisis here in the community."
The majors tell WBEN there were discussions on selling the desirable Main Street property to rebuild somewhere else, but research and discussions proved the fact that the appropriate result was to stay where they are at.
"We realized that one of our greatest assets is this Main Street complex and with this complex, we have the ability to provide much needed housing and more enhanced services to individuals downtown, where there are jobs, services and transportation and all of the things that will support those who will one day live here. We came to the conclusion, affirmed by many entities and individuals across the city, that this is the right location for the Salvation Army and for those whom we serve."