Niagara Falls Housing Authority residents hosting town hall meeting to present community development proposals

The participants of a program designed to enable housing authority residents to identify and address local environmental issues are ready to present their projects to fellow residents, community members and city government officials.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on July 18 at the Center Court Housing Office Meeting Space (1700 Center Ave., in Niagara Falls), enrollees of the GreenRoots Leadership Development Program will host a town hall meeting to discuss their findings.

Made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the GreenRoots program is a collaborative effort between ReNU Niagara, a community outreach program of Niagara University, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority and Niagara Falls Weed and Seed. It allows Housing Authority residents to take ownership of a local environmental issue and develop methods to implement the desired change. Throughout the program, participants have been gaining insight from community leaders and Niagara University's faculty and staff.

During small workshops, participants have proposed a project that would improve playgrounds and serve as an outdoor education center in their own community. Plans also include erecting a greenhouse to extend the planting season at the Highland Community Vegetable Garden.

"The project that will be presented at the town hall meeting is one that, with help from the city, could increase awareness of the issues facing areas like Highland Ave. and the surrounding housing redevelopments," says Leehe Shmueli, an AmeriCorps VISTA serving as project coordinator with ReNU Niagara. "Furthermore, it allows residents to beautify their communities and provide youth with fun places to hang out."

ReNU Niagara, established in 2006 with government support and university investment, has worked in partnership with non-profits and other community-based organizations to build individual and organizational capacity in the City of Niagara Falls and surrounding areas. Consistent with the core values of Niagara University, its mission is to engage, empower and educate diverse community stakeholders to improve Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas.

To attend the event and/or obtain further information, contact Leehe Shmueli at 716-205-0289 or [email protected].