Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of West Side Homes, a $23 million affordable and supportive housing project in Buffalo. The development, led by Buffalo Neighborhood Stabilization Company, Inc. (BNSC), the housing arm of PUSH Buffalo, consists of 11 new buildings constructed on vacant lots and the rehabilitation of two existing two-family buildings. In total, West Side Homes provides 49 affordable apartments, with 16 units offering supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The selection of sites for the development was informed by a planning process in 2017 that involved local residents in identifying areas suitable for energy-efficient affordable housing. All apartments are designated for households earning at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income.
Sixteen units offer on-site supportive services and rental subsidies funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). BestSelf Behavioral Health is providing these services, which include care management and behavioral health treatment.
West Side Homes incorporates energy-efficient features such as ground source heat pumps, energy recovery ventilation systems, and rooftop solar arrays. The largest building at 625 West Avenue has received certifications from Passive House Institute US, Enterprise Green Communities, and WELL Building standards. Additional funding support came from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through its Buildings of Excellence Competition.
Amenities for residents include laundry facilities, porches, balconies, community spaces, five fully accessible apartments for people with mobility impairments, and two apartments equipped for those with hearing or visual impairments.
State financing included Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits generating $12 million in equity and an additional $4.6 million subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance contributed $3.6 million from its Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. NYSERDA awarded over $500,000 through various programs. The city of Buffalo provided $500,000 toward the project.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said: “The completion of West Side Homes marks a significant advance, providing high-quality, affordable residences tailored to fit the priorities of West Side residents. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re not just constructing buildings — we’re promoting stability and creating opportunities for families to flourish. In Buffalo alone, we’ve financed over 8,000 affordable homes. By collaborating with our public and private partners, we’re expanding housing opportunities to ensure all New Yorkers have access to safe, sustainable homes.”
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham stated: “Every New Yorker deserves a safe and stable home. This new supportive housing development in Buffalo is more than just a building; it is a critical investment in people. By providing not only affordable housing but also on-site treatment and services, we are creating an opportunity for individuals and families to reclaim their lives and build bright futures.”
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said: “The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s investment in West Side Homes on Buffalo’s West Side provides individuals who have experienced homelessness with safe modern homes and direct access to essential services they need to build and maintain successful lives in their community. We are grateful to PUSH Buffalo and all our state and local partners on this important community project and to Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to expanding supportive housing options across New York State.”
New York State Research and Development Authority President Doreen M. Harris commented: “New York’s commitment to creating a modern built environment will improve the quality of life for residents while helping us move toward a clean energy economy. The completion of the West Side Homes in Buffalo demonstrates how the adoption of all-electric building solutions and energy efficient features can benefit our diverse neighborhoods, including New York’s most underserved populations.”
Senator Charles Schumer added: “Every family in Buffalo deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to help build nearly 50 units on the West Side, turning vacant lots into homes for families and Western New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to housing for working families in Buffalo and across Western New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to deliver more affordable housing across New York.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Supporting our most vulnerable community members is one of my top priorities, and that starts with access to safe, secure, and affordable housing. I’m grateful that West Side Homes will provide state-of-the-art housing and integrated support services right here in Buffalo. I am proud of the federal funding that made this project possible, and I will continue fighting to expand access to housing across New York.”
Representative Tim Kennedy stated: “All families, no matter their income, deserve access to safe, affordable, quality housing. With the completion of the West Side Homes initiative, the City of Good Neighbors will gain 49 much-needed new housing units. As we work to increase the supply of affordable housing, this project serves as a model of what can be achieved when stakeholders at every level of government come together to improve lives. Congratulations to PUSH Buffalo and to all whose hard work made this day a reality.”
State Senator April Baskin remarked: “I grew up on the West Side, a historic part of Buffalo that still holds a special place in my heart. It is encouraging to know that modern, affordable housing will now become a reality for many underserved residents who have long struggled to find safe, affordable homes. Thanks to Buffalo Neighborhood Stabilization Company’s $23 million investment, a substantial number of West Side apartments will now include access to critical behavioral health treatment services and on-site supportive care. This project marks yet another win for Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Community Program,”
Assemblymember Jon D Rivera said: “West Side Homes is a powerful example of how state and local partnerships can deliver lasting solutions to one of our greatest challenges: the need for affordable housing… By combining affordability with supportive services and cutting-edge energy efficiency…the development strengthens Buffalo’s housing stock…and demonstrates the impact of a housing strategy that puts both people and communities first.”
Buffalo Mayor Christopher P Scanlon noted: “The West Side Homes project demonstrates what can be achieved when community partners …work together… These 49 new …homes will bring stability …to Buffalo’s West Side…”
PUSH Buffalo Executive Director Dawn Wells-Clyburn stated: “I can think of no better way …than cutting …on West Side Homes… That means …housing equipped …for climate crisis …addressing those historically marginalized by decades …These 49 beautiful units are designed …PUSH thanks every single partner…They deserve West Side Homes…”
Governor Hochul has focused on increasing affordable housing statewide through initiatives like her five-year $25 billion plan aimed at creating or preserving 100​000 homes across New York State—more than 65​000 have been created or preserved so far—with specific targets set aside for vulnerable populations.
More than 350 communities have received ProHousing certification under recent budgets passed by Governor Hochul’s administration—this includes exclusive eligibility for up ​to $750 million ​in discretionary state funding.
