YMCA Buffalo Niagara Plans $10 Million Investment Into East Buffalo
YMCA Buffalo Niagara on Thursday announced its intention to invest $10 million to re-imagine the YMCA in East Buffalo. The $10 million project is the Y’s latest major investment in the City of Buffalo. Community support will be a critical factor for this project’s success.
A re-imagined YMCA will include improved senior, healthy living, and child care spaces, plus community-partner resources in one accessible location. YMCA Buffalo Niagara previously announced in July its plans to invest an additional $5 million into its land on 1984 Elmwood Avenue to create YMCA Camp Swan.
“The YMCA’s main purpose is to make our community stronger every day,” John Ehrbar, YMCA Buffalo Niagara President & CEO, said. “For years, there has been a high demand to do more in East Buffalo. We’re listening and we believe that action needs to be taken. We’re confident that in these new and re-imagined spaces, the YMCA will have the ability to do, and be, more for City of Buffalo residents. While we have high expectations for the YMCA in Buffalo, this critical project will only be possible through strong financial support from our community.
Providing solutions to the needs in the community is at the core of the YMCA’s purpose. The YMCA has been working to address the needs of East Buffalo residents since 1928. Over the last four decades, the William-Emslie YMCA has served as a haven of hope and motivation for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. However, the quality of life within this community continues to be unduly affected by significant challenge:
78% of house holds are economically disadvantaged
Nearly 40% of all Buffalo children live in poverty
53% of residents are considered obese
68% of children in East Buffalo do not have access to structured activities
45% of households in East Buffalo experience food insecurity
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old
To view the renderings and B-Roll, please click here. For more information, please contact YMCA Buffalo Niagara Communications Director Michael Baggerman or visit YMCABN.org.
Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA’s focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is reflected in the variety of programs that are offered to all ages and abilities. A not for profit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves more than 1 in 15 people annually through six membership branches and four camps throughout Western New York, as well as at over 40 community based program sites. For more information please visit YMCABN.org.