Construction has begun on Thankful Gardens, a new housing development in Buffalo that will provide 20 units of permanent supportive housing for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. The project is supported by $4.4 million from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, with a total development cost of $8.4 million.
Thankful Gardens is being developed by Thankful Community Development Corporation (Thankful CDC), a not-for-profit organization established by Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in 2006 to focus on community development, including affordable housing. The initiative involves constructing two new buildings on vacant land adjacent to the church and rehabilitating an existing two-unit house in Buffalo’s Lovejoy District. All 20 units are intended for homeless individuals with a history of substance use, with supportive services provided by Bestself Behavioral Health, Inc.
“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,” said Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner of OTDA. “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.”
Additional funding 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 via the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency; and $63,000 from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC NY). Operating funding comes from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal 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 stated: “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 commented: “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 added: “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.”
Valerie White, Senior Executive Director at LISC NY 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.”
Rev. Tommie L. Babbs—President & CEO at Thankful CDC as well as Pastor—remarked: “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 forms part of Governor Hochul’s five-year plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes statewide—including 10,000 with support services—and electrifying an additional 50,000 homes.
