Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Kaleida Health Foundation announces $100,000 commitment to Buffalo City Mission

Submitted

Thu, Feb 14th 2019 12:25 pm

Donation will help build two transitional resident quarters within ongoing facility construction of one-stop community center

Scheduled to open in 2020, $15 million center will provide community & preventative services, emergency shelter, transitional housing and recuperative care for the homeless

On Thursday, the Kaleida Health Foundation announced a $100,000 commitment to support construction for two transitional resident quarters in the new Buffalo City Mission Community Center at 100 E. Tupper St.

The resident quarters serve as part of the City Mission’s DREAM Program, an initiative to prevent homelessness through individual empowerment.

“On behalf of the Buffalo City Mission, we express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Kaleida Health Foundation for their incredible gift,” said Stuart Harper, CEO and executive director of the Buffalo City Mission. “Our work at the mission includes a strong focus on empowering our residents to become self-sufficient on the path to leading fulfilling lives. The funding of two additional resident quarters will help to advance our work to provide residents with the resources they need to increase their chances of future success.”

“The Kaleida Health Foundation is honored to support the City Mission in their work to create meaningful, transformative impact for this community’s homeless men, women and children,” said Carol Horton, vice president of the Kaleida Health Foundation. “The inspiring potential of the City Mission’s future community center aligns with our own organization’s mission to advance the health of our community. We are proud to contribute to their meaningful work.”

The announcement was part of a ceremonial press event and check presentation held at the Buffalo City Mission.

Housed on the third floor of the City Mission’s new community center, the transitional housing area will include 52 independent units, a chapel, education classrooms and a computer lab – all designed to empower self-sufficiency for guests.

“Today’s gift from the Kaleida Health Foundation embodies our organizations’ shared vision that, in working together, we can drive transformative change for every homeless individual in this community,” said Aubrey Calhoun, associate executive director of the Buffalo City Mission. “We applaud the foundation for its tireless work to advance our community’s health, and are proud to have them as a partner in our mission to transform lives of homeless individuals in our region.”

As part of its connection with the new community center, the Kaleida Health Foundation has also reserved two recuperative care beds that will be part of the center’s fourth-floor recuperative care unit – part of the City Mission’s plans to work with health partners to provide care for the physically and mentally ill following a discharge from the hospital, as well as a community health care clinic. There are only 11 units available to sponsor.

“As one of the largest health care providers in Western New York and a trusted resource in the community, Kaleida Health believes in the betterment of our patients and fellow neighbors. Our mission, vision and values extend beyond our four walls into the diverse neighborhoods and communities that we serve. We’re proud to partner with the Buffalo City Mission on this project to create a better, brighter and healthier future for all,” said Chis Lane, president of Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute.

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 $12.2 million of a target $15 million has been committed or is in process – all through the City Mission’s “Next Century Capital Campaign.”

The “Next Century Capital Campaign” now is $2.8 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 Kaleida Health Foundation

The Kaleida Health Foundation is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt New York not-for-profit operated for the charitable purposes of Kaleida Health and in support of other community charities. The Kaleida Health Foundation supports the care, programs, research, education and equipment at Kaleida Health hospitals, long-term care facilities and home care through Visiting Nursing Association of WNY Inc. Through the generosity of individuals, employees and corporations, the foundation is able to help Kaleida Health achieve best possible outcomes for patients, educate clinical experts, and provide charity care for those in need.

Hometown News

View All News