Habitat for Humanity Buffalo Debuts Two New Homes in Western New York

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo continues its busy 2024 summer home building season, announcing the completion of two more newly constructed homes in Western New York – one at 503 Busti Avenue in Buffalo and another at 52 Olcott Place in Cheektowaga.

The two families benefiting from the completion of the houses are the Bush and Ngong families. Both families recently attended an unveiling and dedication ceremony for the homes, where they were handed the keys, “symbolizing a new chapter in their lives.”

The dedication of these homes underscores Habitat Buffalo’s mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. 

“These events are a testament to the strength and resilience of our community,” said Christopher Kennedy, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Buffalo. “Seeing the joy and relief on the faces of the Bush and Ngong families when they receive their keys is the most rewarding part of our job. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo creates homeownership opportunities for low-income families in the City of Buffalo by:

• Subsidizing the cost of housing through donations and volunteer work
• Families who purchase a home through the program must contribute at least 400 hours of “sweat,” working alongside community volunteers to build their homes and those of other families participating in the program.
• Once approved, families purchase their home from Habitat Buffalo by paying an affordable, low-interest monthly mortgage.

During the ceremonies, families discussed the importance of homeownership and what it means to them, as well as the struggles that led to these milestone achievements.

“These families told us they lived in constant uncertainty, always looking over their shoulders, not knowing when they might have to move again,” Kennedy said. “Now they can stop looking over their shoulders and start looking forward, because they finally have a place to call home.” »