The 2021 Eight Days of Hope (EDOH) community revitalization effort in the Masten District proved to be a sensational undertaking, for numerous reasons. In partnership with KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation, 1,190 volunteers and 60 local businesses and churches came together over the course of 8 days, to provide 202 families with free home repairs.
Altogether, the Masten District community was the benefactor of a restoration project that saw the replacement of 16 roofs, painting of 28 homes, and repair of 15 porches. Additional projects included window and door installation, landscaping, tree removal, electrical work, fence repair, demolition, concrete work, and gutter replacement.
“What an honor it was to serve the Masten District. Our Buffalo outreach continues to amaze me as so many local businesses, contractors, and churches came together to lift up our neighbors,” says Stephen Tybor III, EDOH President and CEO. “KeyBank played an integral role in this event, and we cherish their support. We are also so grateful for the City of Buffalo and Councilman Wingo’s office for their efforts in helping this outreach be so successful.”
The estimated $1 million worth of work also saw repair efforts underway in Manhattan Park (where the Buffalo Vets organization operates). Volunteers not only fixed up the concession stand and block house, they also installed three sets of new bleachers, painted the fences, and replaced the playground’s mulch.
“Eight Days of Hope Buffalo was an extraordinary effort that brought new investment and new hope to homeowners and neighborhoods in the Masten District,” said Kawanza Humphrey, Corporate Responsibility Officer for KeyBank in Buffalo. “This effort was a continuation of KeyBank’s investment on Buffalo’s east side. We are proud to have partnered with Eight Days of Hope Buffalo to transform more than 200 homes and bring the good things happening in the Masten District to life for neighborhoods and homeowners.”
Eight Days of Hope is a national organization that operates in a number states and regions throughout the US, providing relief efforts to disadvantaged and struggling communities.