Buffalo's pro hockey franchise, a local developer and a ministry are among many partners celebrating the grand opening of a home in Buffalo's Masten District for single women who are military veterans.
What was once the Humboldt YMCA in Buffalo on East Ferry Street is now known as Patriot Heights. A ribbon cutting was held Monday at the building, which features 16 housing units dedicated to low-income single mothers with military experience. The first floor has been set aside for a community center.
The Buffalo Sabres Foundation is among numerous partners who brought the $2.7 million project to fruition. Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Foundation president Rich Jureller, who recalled the project began under the watch of Cliff Benson, who has since retired from the Sabres organization. Jureller said it was Benson who insisted the Sabres Foundation, which had been interested in becoming involved with inner city development, aid the city's homeless. It became even more enticing when an opportunity arose to assist those who were military veterans.
"It was really our board's belief adn support of this project that helped this come to life," Jureller said. "They authorized the single largest one-time gift in our Foundation's history.
The housing will be managed by Saving Grace Ministries. Its CEO, Reverend Terry King, said futures have become "a whole lot brighter" for the resident who have left military service and run into struggles that include homelessness.
"One of the things that was on our heart was to create a project of sustainability. I think we've done that," Rev. King said. "We've upgraded all the mechanics on every floor. You're going to see the pool rebuilt, the gymnasium, we're envisioning a children's learning lab on the first floor, and there's many other amenities that will be added."
The Resource Council of Western New York will run the community center.
Reverend King said there are plans to add an inline hockey surface and football field next to the apartments in the future.
