Organization Name: People Inc.
Project Title: People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments
Project Location: Buffalo, NY
Project Description:
People Inc. continues to broaden its scope to bring diverse audiences together for affordable and unique housing models, including to Buffalo’s East Side. Together with partners, funders and community leaders, People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments began construction in 2018, celebrating the public opening in August 2021. Located at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue, the innovative project features 71 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom apartments across two three-story buildings, including one caretaker unit. The head of household must be 18 years or older and meet income eligibility. Sixteen apartments are reserved for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, who live independently and have access to supports by People Inc. Plus, the building includes over 16,000 square feet of commercial space for People Inc. staff training; Northwest Banking Center; Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship, Inc., a postsecondary tuition assistance program; and ABC Learn and Play 2, a daycare facility. Mixed-income developments help provide an affordable, healthier and safe choice for neighborhoods. People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments is an example of what can happen when a community unites for a common goal.
Community Impact:
People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments supports its tenants with safety features, a community room, laundry facilities, easy access to public transportation and supportive services as needed. In addition to providing safe and affordable housing, People Inc. partnered with The WNY Urban Arts Collective for the Jefferson Avenue Apartments Art Mural Project to create a set of five murals that adorn the apartment building. The creative community collaboration is an important reflection of inclusion, one of the People Inc. agency values, and represents the rich history of Jefferson Avenue through artwork designed by local artists commissioned to help beautify the neighborhood. The desired apartment building has a waiting list of more than 200 people. As a result of a dedicated community partners, People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments provides tenants a safe place to call home and an opportunity for equitable housing.
Organization Description:
People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org.
Team Members:
Bellamy Enterprise; Cannon Heyman & Weiss; City of Buffalo; Creative Structures Services; Flaherty Salmin CPAs, Long Associates Architects; NYS HCR; Sinatra & Co.; Smith & Henzy.
Thank you for viewing NYHC's Community Impact Gallery. Please note: NYHC does not own or manage any property. If you have any questions about a specific building, please contact the project team listed. To apply for affordable housing opportunities, see housingconnect.nyc.gov or hcr.ny.gov/find-affordable-housing
