The goal of the South End Housing Initiative is to revitalize and expand housing from Fourth Street to Portage Road with the surrounding perimeter from Niagara Street to Pine Avenue. The revitalization of this corridor of homes will encourage economic development on the outlying areas of the neighborhoods. By refurbishing the existing homes and looking at new housing units, the neighborhoods gain “curb appeal” to possible investors and expand mixed use development throughout the South End of the city. Return on this investment in this gateway corridor – that will spur economic development and change perceptions – far exceed the cost of the initiative. 

Upcoming Events:

• Niagara University IMPACT Day of Service - May 4, 2019
• Rock the Block 2019 - Date TBA

Community partners we are working with include: City of Niagara Falls Community Development and Economic Development departments, Niagara Falls City School District, Element Development, Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative, Habitat for Humanity, Isaiah 61, Leadership Niagara, M&T Bank, National Grid, New York Power Authority, Niagara Community Action Program Inc., Niagara Falls Block Club Council, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Niagara Falls Neighborhood Housing Services, Niagara Global Tourism Institute, Niagara Street Business Association, Niagara University, Niagara USA Chamber, Orleans/Niagara Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), Pine Avenue Redevelopment, The Service Collaborative of WNY, TM Montante Development, United Way of Greater Niagara, Verizon Wireless, YWCA of the Niagara Frontier and others.

We have established subcommittees, which include: 

• Neighborhood focus groups
• Neighborhood communications/involvement
• Workforce development programs
• Recruitment of organizations/volunteers
• Organization block assignments
• Home repairs/block needs coordination
• Planning for materials/supplies
• Media/communications
• Housing audits (to determine necessary repairs and upgrades)

Read the Niagara University press release announcing the initiative here.