Organizations will receive $5.4 million in ARP funding from Buffalo

The Buffalo Common Council has approved nearly $5.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for programs to support economic recovery, improve community services and preserve the city’s cultural institutions.

The Buffalo Urban Development Corp. received the largest amount, $1.2 million, to improve housing affordability in East Buffalo, support downtown recovery planning and help local businesses impacted by the pandemic.

As of May 2021, Buffalo received $331,356,932 in federal stimulus funds. As of June 20, the city had committed $220.6 million, or about 66% of the grant. Of that amount, $164.3 million has been spent.

The city has about $110.6 million, or about 33 percent, of the grant available, Finance Commissioner Delano D. Dowell said.

All ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31 and expended by December 31, 2026.

Some of the allocations approved by Council Tuesday will go to city organizations to address public health initiatives and improvements to cultural institutions.

The Buffalo African American Cultural Center received $1 million for stabilization, abatement and renovation of the Paul Robeson Theater and community center common areas.

The Nyamekye Foundation received $1 million to build a new public health clinic on Jefferson Avenue, aimed at expanding access to affordable health services.

Candles in the SUN will use $187,540 to implement restorative justice healing circles for at-risk youth ages 16 to 21. The program aims to reach and enroll 50 individuals from high-needs areas, provide certificates for an eight-week healing circle program, assign mentors and place enrollees in job training.

The Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo will receive $500,000 to renovate and reconfigure the first floor of the Jazz Museum, connecting it to a new main entrance and ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

And the Italian Cultural Center of North Buffalo received $100,000 to support, preserve and promote Italian heritage through educational and cultural programs.

“These investments underscore our commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Buffalo continues to emerge stronger from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Council President Christopher P. Scanlon said in a statement. communicated.

The Council also approved ARPA programs to support workforce development, youth entrepreneurship and food accessibility initiatives in Buffalo neighborhoods.

The Matt Urban Human Services Center of Western New York will spend approximately $199,593 to improve the job readiness skills of local residents to ensure they have the tools needed to succeed in a competitive market competitive work. The program targets high school graduates and GED holders and provides access to health and wellness services through Matt Urban’s Hope Center.

WAVE Women Against Violence Everywhere/Gerard Place received $199,996 to improve youth entrepreneurship and job training. The agreement focuses on preventing incarceration through initiatives such as teaching business basics to 40 young people, providing mentoring as an alternative to prison, partnering with local businesses for internships and providing mental health first aid training to adolescents and leaders.

Dress for Success Buffalo received $340,400 to empower women through career counseling, interview training and employment wardrobe support.

FreshFix received $312,016 to improve food accessibility and promote local economic resilience through community food ownership initiatives. The initiative includes hiring and training at least six East Side priority area coordinators, improving fresh produce deliveries in Buffalo by 50%, engaging community members in developing product offerings, expanding SNAP acceptance, reducing home delivery costs for government benefit recipients, and supporting community coordinators to promote food sovereignty.

And Home Beneath Our Feet received $333,540 to implement community restorative justice projects aimed at improving community well-being through preventative interventions. The program serves 100 participants each year, assists with job placement for 35 individuals, conducts leadership and safety workshops, and hosts healing circles with mental health professionals. The organization will prioritize residents in targeted zip codes (14207, 14208, 14209, 14211), focusing on community empowerment and public safety through its restorative justice program.

Ellicott Council Member Leah Halton-Pope said in a statement, “By approving these crucial initiatives, we are ensuring that these organizations who need help and the residents across the city who benefit from these organizations have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the dynamic future of our city. “.