Hope on Main Includes 32 Units and 80 Beds of Emergency Housing for Families Facing Homelessness

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance today announced that construction has begun on Hope on Main family homeless shelter, which will provide 32 units and 80 beds of emergency housing in downtown Buffalo. The $20 million project, developed by the Salvation Army of Buffalo, is the first step in the Salvation Army's plan to transform its Main Street campus, which calls for the construction of 143 affordable apartments and 17 townhomes, in addition to a worship and community center.

“It's important that communities have a range of housing types to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness, and this shelter will allow families to live together with dignity while they work to secure permanent housing,” New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “We are pleased to support the Salvation Army of Buffalo's development and look forward to the completion of this shelter and the positive effect it will have on the community.”

The Hope on Main family shelter will include 32 private living units that will include a total of 80 beds that can house families, including those with teen boys and single fathers. The new shelter will replace the Salvation Army's existing 77-bed shelter located on another parcel, so no residents will be displaced during construction.

The first floor of the new building will have activity areas, a learning lab, administrative offices, and a laundry facility. The shelter is part of the Salvation Army's larger three-phase Hope on Main project in downtown Buffalo that is expected to create 160 affordable apartments and 17 townhomes, as well as a community center and church.

Capital funding for Hope on Main includes $10 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, $2 million from the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, $1.2 million from the Erie County Capital Improvement Program, $1.9 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and $1.5 million from the Salvation Army of Buffalo. Additionally, the site is participating in the Department of Environmental Conservation's successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and, when complete, will be eligible for $3.7 million in tax credits administered by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

In addition, operating funding for the project will be provided by the Erie County Department of Social Services, City of Buffalo Emergency Solutions Grant, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, and New York State Department of Health Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, via FeedMore Western New York.

“People experiencing homelessness face barriers to achieve basic needs such as adequate nutrition and health care, which can potentially lead to preventable illnesses or delayed development in children,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Access to temporary housing and nutrition assistance are vital supports for families experiencing homelessness.”

“Today marks a significant milestone as we break ground on The Salvation Army's new Family Emergency Shelter, a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of community. Together, we are building a brighter future for families in need, providing them with safe shelter and resources to rebuild their lives,” said Major Annette Lock, Director of County Operations at The Salvation Army. “We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community whose generosity and commitment have made this possible. Thank you for standing with us in this vital mission. This is the beginning of the Hope on Main project, and with each phase, we will continue to build on this foundation of hope and possibility.”

The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) is an important component of Governor Hochul's five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. In addition to playing a central role in the development of permanent supportive housing in New York State, HHAP provides capital funding that is vital to constructing, rehabilitating, and repairing emergency shelters.