New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of Mt. Olive Senior Manor, a 65-unit affordable housing development for seniors in Buffalo’s East Side. Built on remediated land next to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, the project includes 20 apartments with supportive services for formerly homeless seniors. This marks another step in the Governor’s $25 billion plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State.

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Faith-Based Vision Realized

In a partnership between Mt. Olive Development Corporation and People Inc., the Mt. Olive Senior Manor revitalizes an underused site beside Mt. Olive Baptist Church. The three-story building now houses 65 affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and above, with 20 units reserved for those in need of support services. Governor Hochul stated, “Through strong partnerships with faith-based organizations like Mt. Olive Baptist Church, we are transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, affordable homes for New York’s seniors.”

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Homeless Seniors Supported

Twenty apartments at Mt. Olive Senior Manor are designated for seniors facing homelessness, helping them transition into stable, independent living. These units are backed by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and overseen by the Department of Health, with People Inc. delivering on-site services and rental support. Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said, “The 20 supportive housing units will help older adults in Erie County who have experienced homelessness by providing a safe, stable home and access to support services.”

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Features for Aging Gracefully

Designed with aging in mind, Mt. Olive Senior Manor includes accessible amenities such as grab bars, low-reach shelving, lever door handles, and zero-transition showers. Communal features include a lounge, a multipurpose room, a community kitchen, laundry facilities, a courtyard, and a bicycle storage area, ensuring both comfort and community.

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Energy-Efficient Living

The entire development meets EPA’s Energy Star Multifamily New Construction standards and operates fully on electricity. Environmentally friendly features include EV charging stations, Energy Star appliances, low-flow fixtures, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris remarked, “Integrating the latest clean energy technology into affordable housing helps improve the quality of life for many living in a historically underserved community.”

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Multi-Level State Funding

The $27 million project was financed through multiple state and local channels. HCR’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program generated $13 million in equity, while $3.6 million came from HCR subsidies. An additional $4 million came via the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. The development also benefited from $3.6 million in tax credits from the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency added $2 million in HOME funds, and NYSERDA contributed $260,000 in clean energy incentives.

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Local Leaders Applaud

Local and state leaders celebrated the project’s successful completion. State Senator April N. M. Baskin noted, “This type of collaboration is meaningful on many levels. Mt. Olive Baptist Manor is a safe and affordable place to call home.” Buffalo Council Member Zeneta Everhart emphasized the transformation of the land: “Thanks to major investments from the state and the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, what was once a vacant brownfield is now a great and affordable home.” Legislator St. Jean Tard added, “Transforming a long-vacant site into a place of safety, care, and opportunity is a powerful reflection of what can be achieved through meaningful collaboration.”

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Governer Advocates Statewide Housing Push

The development aligns with Governor Hochul’s broader housing strategy. Under her five-year, $25 billion housing plan, more than 60,000 homes have already been created or preserved statewide. The FY25 and FY26 Budgets expand on this effort, with over $1.5 billion in new funding, renter protections, and a Housing Access Voucher program. The Pro-Housing Community Program, now strengthened, offers certified communities like Buffalo exclusive access to $750 million in discretionary state funding. RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR Commissioner, summarized, “Mt. Olive Senior Manor exemplifies New York State’s commitment to creating affordable, supportive housing, allowing 65 households to stay and thrive in the community they love.”

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