Dropping 75,000 gallons of water every second and with a width of 1,075 feet, Niagara Falls, New York is a wonder of amorous proportions. Long known as a destination for honeymooners, this larger-than-life sight brings tourists from around the globe to watch in amazement as torrents of bright white frothy water cascade 180 feet downward to the cauldron-like bottom of the falls. After the sunset, the falls light up to provide visitors with colorful images of the powerful force of tons upon tons of water that echo a thunderous cacophony of sound.

The City of Niagara Falls has a history dating back to 1892 when then Mayor Roswell Flower, on St. Patrick’s Day, signed into law a bill that formed the city. Not surprisingly, the city of Niagara Falls sprang up utilizing the swift currents of the Niagara River and the immense power of the falls to provide energy to keep the many factories that built up around the area humming. Blessed by the relatively cheap and abundant supply of energy supplied by the falls, local industry blossomed and a wave of immigration from Europe followed around the turn of the 19th century. The resulting mass movement of families supplied the human capital needed to run the chemical, steel, and manufacturing factories that ran the turbines of the local economy for many years to follow. During the latter half of the 20th century, Niagara Falls experienced an outbound movement of its population. Areas located in the South and Midwest part of the United States provided more steady employment as the prices to manufacture goods previously made in Niagara Falls became less expensive. However, Niagara Falls brought the focus of its economy to what came naturally: tourism. Today, 8-10 million visitors come not only to Niagara Falls, but also to explore the local wine trail, Niagara Gorge, the Niagara Aerospace museum, and The Seneca Niagara Casino.

PHA’s positive impact

The Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA), which enjoys breathtaking views of the falls from several of its communities, is currently involved in two major revitalization efforts that will have a profound and positive impact on the city. The first is a HOPE VI initiative to revitalize NFHA’s Center Court housing community. Fueled by a 2006 HUD HOPE VI Revitalization $20 million grant, NFHA will demolish 134 obsolete units in the Center Court neighborhood and then construct approximately 280 new housing units in and around the Center Court area. These modern units will not only replace housing for residents, but will also offer a mix of homeownership and mixed-income level rental units to strengthen the surrounding community.

With the revitalization currently in the implementation phase, this initiative also brings a comprehensive community services plan that provides individuals and families with opportunities for job development and training, health care programs, personal and professional development, homeownership counseling, and much more. In addition, this initiative will generate new construction jobs in the area, of which 30% of those hired will be housing authority residents. The second initiative is as a co-development partnership for the redevelopment of Unity Park. This community, consisting of 198 units of publicly subsidized Section 236 housing, was constructed in the 1970’s. Deemed uninhabitable in 2003 and vacant since 2004, a redevelopment plan was created to demolish the existing 198 units and replace them with the construction of 40 modern units. Construction of this $9,740,000 project began this year with the demolition of the six existing structures. New construction has also started on the 40 new rental units. Unity Park will also have a community room in a separate building in order to serve the needs of the residents. In addition, the community building will house a management office with a laundry area, a resident meeting space, and an outdoor patio.

High-tech learning

In 2007, the digital divide no longer exists for the residents of the Niagara Falls community due to the high-tech computer lab located in the Doris W. Jones Family Resource building. This facility, which opened on September 22, 2004, is part of New York’s ATTAIN (Advanced Technology Training and Information Network) program designed to bring computer technology to communities that have previously had limited access. NFHA initiated the development of the ATTAIN lab with funding through the State University of New York and the University Center for Academic Workforce Development. The ATTAIN lab provides access to 24 IBM workstations with over 30 interactive, occupational, academic, and life skills courses. The lab provides free six-week multimedia computer-based instructional programs designed to provide the basic skills necessary for an entry-level position in a variety of fields. It is the only computer lab of its kind in the area that provides this unique and valuable type of job training. The lab also partners with several area businesses and nonprofit agencies to further assist in job training opportunities. On September 17, 2007, the lab began its first Microsoft IT certification program designed to offer people the opportunity to receive hands-on knowledge of Microsoft’s software and operational systems.

Another program designed to assist individuals and families in making better healthcare choices is the “Good for the Neighborhood” program. NFHA partnered with the Independent Health Foundation to provide residents with access to health information and experts. Comprehensive fairs are now held monthly with specialized workshops and seminars scheduled weekly to address numerous topics including Healthcare Screenings and Senior Wellness. Physical fitness and proper eating habits are also a main focus of the program. The “Good for the Neighborhood” program celebrated the completion of its first year on May 17, 2007 with 568 registered participants.

Community-based achievements

NFHA has been the recipient of numerous accolades for its innovative, community-based initiatives, including being a recipient of the United Way Bronze Award every year since 2003. In addition, NFHA has received three “Good Fortune…Good Friends” awards from the city school district for its collaborative partnerships with the 60th Street School, the Focus on Families program, and the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Programs. In 2006 The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) presented NFHA with the National Award of Merit in the category of Program Innovation-Resident and Client services for the success achieved by the ATTAIN Lab. In June 2007 NFHA was announced as HAI Group’s first ever Public Housing Accomplishment and Noteworthy Community Initiative (PHANCI) Award winner for its promotion and initiation of community activity among staff and residents.

The Niagara Falls Housing Authority today and in the future will remain a shining beacon of innovation, creativity, and achievement that benefits all those fortunate enough to participate in its focused initiatives.