The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency approved a $395,000 grant to Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) yesterday for its project at Main and Ferry streets. Before approving the item, Mayor Bryon W. Brown praised the work of the 47-year-old civil rights organization and the impact this project will have on a highly visible city intersection and surrounding community. Work could start by the end of the month.
The Home for HOME project involves saving an architecturally significant nineteenth century building at 1542 Main Street, construction of a three-story addition and adjoining off-street parking. The buildings will house the offices of the region’s principal fair housing agency plus ten units of energy-efficient barrier-free affordable housing.
We are moving heaven and earth with the goal of beginning construction by the end of August. – HOME Executive Director Scott W. Gehl.
The project’s total cost exceeds $2.8 million. Other sources of government support include the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. In addition, HOME has undertaken a $500,000 Capital Campaign which has to-date raised 80% of its goal through the support of local foundations and more than fifty individual donors.
With City funding now approved, HOME will move toward closing on construction financing provided through the Community Preservation Corporation.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal is a civil rights organization which, since 1963, has led the struggle for fair housing in the Buffalo Niagara region. HOME’s mission is to promote the value of diversity and to ensure the people of Western New York an equal opportunity to live in the housing and in the community of their choice through education, advocacy, enforcement of fair housing laws, and the creation of housing opportunities.