Senator April Baskin And Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes Announce $750,000 For Salvation Army Of Buffalo’s Hope On Main Project

Funds will be used towards the build out and completion of Phase 1 construction for the Salvation Army of Buffalo’s new Family Emergency Shelter located at 954 Main St.

BUFFALO, NY – New York State Senator April Baskin and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes announced Tuesday $750,000 in state funding for the Salvation Army of Buffalo to complete the Hope on Main Family Emergency Shelter.

The new 32-unit, 80-bed family shelter located at 954 Main Street will provide private accommodations for families experiencing homelessness, including those with teen boys and single fathers. The shelter will strengthen the continuum of care for families in need by providing a safe, supportive environment and connecting residents with the resources they need to achieve lasting stability.

The first phase will replace the aging former Econo Lodge, which has served as the Salvation Army’s emergency family shelter for decades. The new building will include operations space, a food-service kitchen and dining area, common space, laundry facilities, and other amenities.

Hope on Main is a transformative, three phase, $100 million development that will expand access to safe housing and community resources in Buffalo. Future phases include the construction of 143 one- and two-bedroom affordable apartments, 17 three-bedroom townhomes for larger families, and a new East Buffalo Community Center.

Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “Hope on Main is a transformational investment that will provide families experiencing homelessness with a safe, dignified place to stay and the support they need to create lasting stability. Stable housing is the foundation for everything else, from finding employment to succeeding in school and maintaining good health. I’m proud to partner with Majority Leader Crystal Peoples Stokes to secure the final funding needed to move the first phase of this important project forward so the Salvation Army can serve Buffalo families for generations to come.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples Stokes said, “Housing of all shapes and sizes should be dignified and of the upmost quality. I am proud to support the Hope on Main project because it directly addresses a crisis in our community through a lens of support and compassion. I look forward to seeing the great things Salvation Army of Buffalo will do as this project evolves into its future phases.”

Major Annette Lock, Director of Operations of Erie County, The Salvation Army said, “The Salvation Army is deeply grateful to Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples Stokes and Senator April Baskin for their shared commitment to families experiencing homelessness in our community. This $750,000 CREST investment closes the final funding gap for our Hope on Main Emergency Family Shelter, bringing us one step closer to opening our doors to families in crisis. Their leadership ensures that this new facility will be fully equipped to provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, and the comprehensive services families need to regain stability and move toward permanent housing. Hope on Main represents what is possible when government, community partners, and nonprofit organizations work together to invest in people and strengthen our neighborhoods. We are honored to partner with them in creating a place where hope begins and brighter futures are built.”

For more information on the Salvation Army’s Hope on Main project, go to https://easternusa. salvationarmy.org/ empire/buffalo/hopeon-main/.