Washington is sending $169,000 into Buffalo's West Side to help with the improving housing picture. West Side & Black Rock Riverside Neighborhood Housing Services is getting the money from the federal NeighborWorks America program. Rep. Brian Higgins appeared on Connecticut Street Wednesday to announce the grant.
Executive Director Linda Chiarenza says the money goes for staff training and small capital projects to help improve the community. Chiarenza says her agency also works on rehabs.
"We are just completing the livery projects on Jersey and Richmond, which are 14 units that are dedicated to being affordable. In a neighborhood where the rents are going for $1,200-1,500, our rents are $500-600," Chiarenza said.
Chiarenza says she has staff members who speak many of the myriad languages of the West Side and help people buy and rehab homes.
NHS also helps people who have financial problems deal with finances through programs like credit counseling.
