Thankful Gardens Involves the Construction of Two Buildings and Rehabilitation of an Existing Two-Unit House in the City of Buffalo

Supplements New York State's Ongoing Efforts to Address Homelessness and Expand Permanent Supportive Housing Opportunities Across the State

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced the start of construction on Thankful Gardens, which will create 20 units of permanent supportive housing in the City of Buffalo for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. The $8.4 million project received $4.4 million from OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program.

“When completed, Thankful Gardens will provide vulnerable individuals and families who have experienced homelessness with safe, permanent housing, along with the supportive services they need to stabilize their lives and prosper in their community,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “We are grateful to Thankful Missionary Baptist Church for their longstanding commitment to strengthening their community and to Governor Hochul for prioritizing the development of permanent supportive housing across New York State.”

Thankful Gardens is being developed by Thankful Community Development Corporation (Thankful CDC), a not-for profit corporation established in 2006 by Thankful Missionary Baptist Church for the purpose of carrying out community development activities such as the development of affordable housing. The project involves the construction of two new buildings on vacant land next to the church, as well as the rehabilitation of an existing two-unit house in Buffalo's Lovejoy District. All 20 permanent supportive housing units in Thankful Gardens will assist homeless individuals with a history of substance use. Supportive services will be provided by Bestself Behavioral Health, Inc.

Other Thankful CDC activities include operating food for the hungry programs, summer programs for students, grades Pre-K-6, and running a community garden program to make fresh fruits and vegetables available for residents of the neighborhood.

Additional funding for Thankful Gardens includes $2.2 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal's Housing Trust Fund Program and $300,000 from its HOME program, $1 million in HOME funds through the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, and $63,000 from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC NY).

Operating funding for the project is being provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “We are pleased to invest $2.5 million towards Thankful Gardens, which will provide affordable and supportive homes so the community can thrive. Thank you to New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Thankful Missionary Baptist Church, and other State and local partners for these 20 units that will make a life-changing impact in Buffalo.”

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Access to safe and secure housing is a vital part of recovery from addiction. Under Governor Hochul, New York State has made strong steps in expanding housing options for individuals affected by addiction, and this new project will help more people in Erie County access the lifesaving care and support that they need.”

State Senator Sean M. Ryan said, “Thankful Gardens is exactly the kind of public-private partnership that delivers real results for our communities. This project will bring together state resources, local leadership, and a mission-driven organization to create stable housing and essential support services that will help give individuals and families in Buffalo a fresh start. I'm grateful to Governor Hochul and all of the partners whose collaboration made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact Thankful Gardens will have in the City of Good Neighbors.”

State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “It is a great day in the City of Buffalo when construction begins on projects to help our most vulnerable. Substance abuse, and the problems exacerbated by substance abuse, have destroyed many lives and torn families apart. Thankful Missionary Baptist Church, Thankful Community Development Corporation and housing and abuse counseling agencies here in Buffalo and across the state are doing their part to change the lives of individuals who are suffering at the hands of substance abuse.”

Senior Executive Director of LISC NY Valerie White said, "This investment into this vibrant and culturally rich section of Buffalo represents yet another opportunity to improve the lives of underrepresented New Yorkers and revitalize a community in need of support. Through our partnerships with faith-based organizations like Thankful Community Development Corporation and state agencies, we remain committed to advancing projects like Thankful Gardens that create much-needed affordable housing in neighborhoods that need it most.”

Thankful Community Development Corporation President, CEO, and Pastor Rev. Tommie L. Babbs said, “If a community looks good, the people will feel good, and they will do good. We are grateful to New York State and all our partners who supported this project and look forward to many more projects like this to beautify our community and provide hope for those who feel left behind.”

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 and preservation of permanent supportive housing in New York State, HHAP provides capital funding that is vital to constructing, rehabilitating, and repairing emergency shelters.