By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – A leaky roof is threatening the viability of a long-time recreational facility that provides much need health and wellness programs on the City's East Side. The Humboldt Family YMCA on East Ferry Street is in drastic need of repairs.
The East Ferry Y is bounded by Humbolt Parkway and Jefferson Avenue. It is one of the oldest Y's in the City, but at 77-years-old, the building needs plenty of upkeep and now the roof is in rough shape.
The YMCA's vice president of operations Matthew Hilton took me on a tour. He started with the large gymnasium that includes a full basketball court. It was empty during the noon hour, but Hilton says at the end of the school day its filled with 40 to 70 kids. He says that area is their main concern.
"This is an area where we have children using the gymnasium," Hilton said. "You can see by looking up the water damage is getting worse and worse. We have repaired it a number times, but the true solution is to replace it."
The Humboldt Family YMCA provides a safe after school environment for children and hosts the "lighted school house" program. And for adults and senior citizens, it's a place to get in shape.
We found Reba Betha of Buffalo working up a sweat on the resistance and weight machines. Betha says she's at the East Ferry Street Y at least three times a week.
"It is very important for me to have a fitness facility right in my own community," Betha said. "I come often and try to maintain my health and fitness. I want to see the YMCA remain here, in good condition."
But the Y received an estimate of $40,000 to replace the roof. YMCA officials say it's an incredible amount of money for a non-profit to raise, so State Senator Byron Brown has stepped in and is calling on the community to help save what he says is a "beloved center."
Thursday and Friday, a local gospel radio station will host a radiothon to help the YMCA raise the needed cash. Brown says the Y is an asset to the East Side Community.