BUFFALO, N.Y. — The YMCA Buffalo Niagara recently announced plans to invest $10 million into reimagining the YMCA in East Buffalo.
This project will be the YMCA's most recent major investment into the City of Buffalo. They say they believe community support will play a critical role in the project's success.
A re-imagined East Buffalo YMCA will include improved senior, healthy living, and childcare spaces. It will also offer community-partner resources all in one accessible location.
“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 reimagined 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."
According to a press release from the YMCA Buffalo Niagara they said that "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 challenges"
- 78% of households 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.
View renderings of the East Buffalo site attached below
