Building Equity and Opportunity

Building Equity and Opportunity

Buffalo’s East Side is home to a vibrant and resilient community with a rich cultural heritage, thriving local businesses, and a strong sense of interconnectedness. However, the neighborhoods also face deeply entrenched challenges rooted in systemic racism and disinvestment. Historical policies like redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and exclusionary zoning excluded Black residents from homeownership and wealth-building opportunities, leaving a legacy of inequality that persists from generation to generation.

The realities of housing and homeownership inequities:

• Nearly 60% of Buffalo’s housing stock predates 1939, with many homes in disrepair.
• East Side residents face a significant income gap with a median household income of $34,000 (it is $67,000 for the Buffalo-Niagara region). Compared to the $90,172 required to afford a home, this gap leaves many hardworking households struggling with a disproportionate burden of high housing costs.
• Discriminatory practices in the rental market and a racial appraisal gap continue to limit access to stable, affordable housing and homeownership for East Side residents.

These disparities are not just numbers—they represent real families facing barriers to safety, health, and financial stability. Addressing housing and homeownership inequities on the East Side is a critical step toward creating a more inclusive Buffalo and aligns with our mission to advance racial and financial prosperity.

Our focus on affordable housing and homeownership as one way to build prosperity emerged from a thorough review of research conducted by several local, regional, and state organizations, which consistently highlighted it as a critical issue. Additionally, ongoing conversations with our community partners have repeatedly underscored the urgent need for affordable housing and homeownership as a foundation for addressing broader inequities and building a stronger, more inclusive community.

We also recognize that housing and homeownership is just one of many complex and interrelated systems that influence financial prosperity. While we are currently focused on affordable housing and homeownership, this work represents the beginning of our broader systems-change approach. Our goal is to address the interconnected systems that impact opportunity and equity in Buffalo; to advance long-term financial prosperity by working collaboratively across multiple areas.

Housing and Homeownership as a Foundation for Financial Prosperity

Access to stable, affordable housing and homeownership is more than just a basic need—it’s a cornerstone of, and a proven inheritance of, financial prosperity. When families can secure quality affordable housing, they unlock opportunities to build wealth, achieve economic mobility, and improve overall well-being:

• Wealth-Building: Through Homeownership: For many families, homeownership is the most accessible pathway to building generational wealth. However, systemic inequities have historically excluded communities of color from this opportunity. By increasing access to affordable homeownership, we can help narrow the racial wealth gap.
• Stability to Pursue Opportunities: Affordable housing reduces the financial strain on families, allowing them to invest in education, job training, or entrepreneurial ventures that drive upward mobility.
• Healthier Foundations for Success: Housing quality impacts physical and mental health. Safe, well-maintained homes reduce the risks of chronic illness, allowing families to focus on employment and education rather than medical bills or unstable living conditions.
• Community Revitalization: Investing in housing also strengthens neighborhoods, attracting businesses, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic activity that benefits the entire community.

Housing is more than shelter—it’s the foundation upon which individuals, families, and communities thrive. As we continue this work, we’ll explore the interconnections between housing and homeownership and other systems, ensuring our approach remains comprehensive and responsive to community needs.

A Community-Centered Path Forward

At the heart of our approach is the belief that solutions must be rooted in the voices and expertise of East Side residents. We are committed to:

• Engaging with the community, grassroots organizations, and other stakeholders to understand the challenges and opportunities.
• Amplifying the rich heritage, resilience, and innovation that already exist within the community.
• Collaborating with nonprofits, policymakers, and private sector leaders to align resources and scale impact.
• Supporting efforts, whether new or already underway, to increase access to safe, affordable housing and homeownership while fostering wealth-building opportunities for marginalized communities.

We’re in the early stages of this initiative, and transparency is central to our process and collective progress. As we move forward, we will share updates, invite community input, and work together toward sustainable, community-driven solutions.

How You Can Help

The path to equitable housing and homeownership requires a collective effort. Here are ways to get involved:

• Learn More: Understand the systemic barriers impacting housing and homeownership access on Buffalo’s East Side. 
• Share Your Insights With Us: Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, government agency, or private organization, your expertise and collaboration are invaluable.
• Amplify Voices: Share the stories and experiences of East Side residents to highlight the urgent need for change.
• Stay Connected: Follow our journey and learn how to support this work at oishei.org.

Together, we can create a Buffalo where everyone has access to safe, quality, and affordable housing and homeownership—a foundation for endless opportunity and prosperity.