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$100,000 grant awarded to Family Promise of Western New York

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Tue, Aug 6th 2019 05:20 pm

Major grant to benefit families experiencing homelessness

Family Promise of Western New York, an emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness, has been awarded $100,000 from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The award completes a $200,000 capital campaign the organization has been fundraising over the past year for critical upgrades to its emergency shelter for families.

The project will double capacity for the organization, allowing expansion from three families to six. Improvements will include major capital upgrades to the building, including a fire safety system, additional bathrooms, and new family units.

The work is expected to be completed through Lamparelli Construction Co.

“This grant is a game-changer for us,” said Lu Firestone, Family Promise of WNY Executive Director. “It is the central piece in our capital campaign, which will allow us to better serve our families and continue addressing the critical lack of family shelter space in Erie County. We thank the donors and foundations who have made this project possible. Significant gifts from the John R. Oishei Foundation and the National Fuel Gas Foundation, among many other generous benefactors, will enable us to achieve our vision!”

“Family Promise of Western New York fills a unique need for families in crisis,” said New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Mike Hein. “This shelter represents one of only two in Erie County that can house homeless families, so it’s especially gratifying to see a project to improve the existing facility and double its capacity. Simply put, this project underscores the importance of the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and New York state’s commitment under Gov. Cuomo’s leadership toward ensuring that families facing homelessness have a place to turn during their time in need.”

Family Promise of WNY partners with more than 500 donors and volunteers annually to live its mission of keeping families experiencing homelessness together by offering emergency housing and compassionate support as they work to find their way back home. Over the past 23 years, FPWNY has provided emergency shelter, case management, and preventative referral services all while keeping the family together.

For more information on Family Promise of Western New York, including volunteer and education opportunities, contact Firestone at 716-771-3007 or [email protected].

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