President Pro Tempore Everhart Proposes Program to Bridge the Divide Between Public Housing and Homeownership

Councilmember Everhart’s proposal would support low-income residents with job training, banking access, and skills necessary to purchase a home

Common Council President Pro Tempore Zeneta Everhart (Masten District)

Buffalo, N.Y. - As the City of Buffalo advances new housing development, Common Council President Pro Tempore Zeneta Everhart (Masten District) is calling for the establishment of a program to bridge the divide between public housing assistance and homeownership by expanding access to job training, banking access, and other skills and knowledge necessary to build generational wealth.

Called “The Bridge to Ownership Initiative: From Housing Assistance to Generational Stability,” the program would involve collaboration between public housing authorities, financial institutions, community organizations, workforce development programs, Buffalo Public Schools, and SUNY Erie. The goal is to expand public housing residents’ access to financial literacy training, banking access, credit repair support, workforce development training, education and skill development, and homeownership preparation resources.

The Council has recently advanced numerous housing plans in the Masten District, including approving designated developer agreements for housing units on 51 city-owned lots in the Masten Park and Hamlin Park neighborhoods and approving an application for state funding to build modular homes across Buffalo. President Everhart’s proposal also comes amid efforts by the Council to improve conditions and maintenance in public housing units.