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Russell J. Salvatore Foundation announces $200,000 commitment to Buffalo City Mission

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Thu, Oct 25th 2018 06:05 pm
Donation will help fund Russell J. Salvatore Veterans Wing, within ongoing facility construction of one-stop community center
Scheduled to open in 2020, the $15 million center will provide community and preventative services, emergency shelter, transitional housing & recuperative care for homeless
On Thursday, the Russell J. Salvatore Foundation announced a $200,000 commitment to support construction for the veterans wing in the new Buffalo City Mission Community Center at 100 E. Tupper St. The new wing will be named the Russell J. Salvatore Veterans Wing.
"The Buffalo City Mission is humbled by the commitment that the Russell J. Salvatore Foundation and its namesake have displayed with this generous gift," said Stuart Harper, CEO and executive director of the Buffalo City Mission. "Our homeless veterans are an important part of the community we serve, and this special gift honors them by supporting a dedicated wing that will serve as a resource, and a proud reminder of their service, for years to come."
"We are honored to be part of such an important initiative that supports our community's homeless," said Salvatore, founder of the Russell J. Salvatore Foundation. "As a proud Army veteran, recognition for our current and former service men and women is close to my heart. On behalf of the foundation, I am proud to support the Buffalo City Mission in its work to prevent homelessness for veterans and all individuals in our community."
The new Veterans Wing underscores the City Mission's commitment to veterans as part of its broader work for the homeless community. The City Mission invests $565,000 per year in supporting its homeless veteran guests, and last year served 138 men and women veterans.
The announcement was part of a ceremonial press event and check presentation held at the Buffalo City Mission.
"Today's gift from the Russell J. Salvatore Foundation is a perfect example of how one contribution can spark the next wave in a communitywide movement," said Aubrey Calhoun, associate executive director of the Buffalo City Mission. "It is also an inspiring reminder of the homeless veterans in our community, whose service and dedication to this country deserve our support in their time of need."
Scheduled to open in 2020, the 75,000-square-foot flagship community center will provide preventative services on the front end to decrease the percentage of homelessness year-over-year for those who are on the brink of homelessness. It will also deliver more complete care to individuals who already experience homelessness. Notable features will include space for social service agencies, case management, mental health services, medical care, job training, basic family services, legal services, food and clothing.
The current Buffalo City Mission will remain open throughout the construction process.
The building is part of the City Mission's vision moving into the next century to provide services that help prevent and decrease homelessness in the community. Today, approximately $11.1 million of a target $15 million has been committed or is in process - all through the City Mission's "Next Century Capital Campaign."
The drive now is $3.9 million from its goal. To learn more about the campaign and how to donate, visit nextcenturycampaign.org.
About Buffalo City Mission
The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a nonprofit organization providing preventative, emergency and transitional housing programs to thousands of people who are homeless and impoverished every year. The City Mission includes a women and children's shelter (Cornerstone Manor), the Men's Community Center, and the Dick Road thrift store to serve the Western New York community. For more information, visit buffalocitymission.org or call 716-854-8181. Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloCityMission and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CityMission.
About Russell J. Salvatore Foundation
The Russell J. Salvatore Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making Buffalo a better place to live. Founded by business owner, restaurateur and philanthropist Salvatore, the organization provides support for regional schools, businesses and nonprofit organizations to champion their community impact and individual missions to improve the quality of life in the community.

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