The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 10 a.m. today. The completed renovation converted the existing building at 347 E. Ferry St. in Buffalo into 16 units of affordable housing, which will be run by Saving Grace Ministries, Inc. In addition to the apartments, a community center on the first floor will be operated by the Resource Council of Western New York.
Officials from the Sabres, Saving Grace Ministries and True Development were joined by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Common Council President Darius Pridgen, Council Member Ulysses Wingo, Council Member Rasheed Wyatt, Assembly Women Crystal-Stokes, Regional President of Empire State Development Sam Hoyt, State Senator Tim Kennedy, U.S. Senator Brian Higgins, Commissioner of Erie County Department of Social Services Al Dirschberger and Commissioner of Erie County Department of Mental Health Mike Rainey.
"Today is a proud day for the Sabres Foundation, as we officially celebrate the opening of the Patriot Heights facility," said Rich Jureller, president of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. "We are honored to be a part of a project that will help Buffalo's military veterans in such a meaningful way while helping to restore an important community center for families in Buffalo."
Saving Grace Ministries, Inc. acquired the property, formerly the Humboldt YMCA, on May 27, 2015 with the financial support of the Buffalo Sabres Foundation member companies and equity partners. The project is also funded in part by the City of Buffalo's HOME Investment Partnership Program. The partners, in collaboration with the City of Buffalo, invested a total of $2.7 million into the renovation of the property.
The Buffalo Sabres Foundation member companies that contributed to this project include: First Niagara, the John W. Danforth Company, National Fuel, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, New Era Cap Company, Inc., Kaleida, Health Now, Hodgson Russ and the John R. Oishei Foundation.
Buffalo Sabres Foundation Mission Statement:
To identify and support local organizations which share our core objectives: serving children and military personnel, caring for the sick, assisting physically and mentally challenged athletes, and supporting youth hockey initiatives. By utilizing financial resources and community influence, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation assists these organizations and their beneficiaries in realizing their highest potential and succeeding in their endeavors.
