PUSH Buffalo - Updates

Mass Ave Park Campaign VICTORY!

9 Nov 2011 18:11:03 GMT

In response to the powerful voice and persistent hard work of PUSH members, Mayor Brown last week proposed a 2012 Capital Budget that includes $350,000 to complete Phase II of the Mass Ave Park. Thank you Mayor Brown for supporting our belief that we know what we need where we live! For those who don�t know, the Mass Ave Park is our neglected neighborhood park. In 2009, PUSH members got hundreds of community residents together to brainstorm ideas for turning the park into a community space that would work for our community. With those ideas we developed a plan and asked our Mayor Byron Brown, our Council Member David Rivera, and our Deputy Commissioner of Parks Andy Rabb to put our plan into action. Each of them has expressed their commitment to implementing our plan. As a result, Phase I is on track to be complete by Thanksgiving and Phase II could be underway next year with Capital Budget funding! We'll be celebrating the Mass Ave Park's (Re)Birthday--as construction on Phase I begins!--to celebrate our victory and thank Mayor Brown, Council Member Rivera, and Andy Rabb in person for their ongoing support of our community�s plan for the Mass Ave Park. Please join us if you can on November 17th at 3pm in front of the park. We�re getting this done because real people have real power! Thank you to our friends, allies and members for your time and effort on making our plan for the Mass Ave Park a reality. Who could have guessed that shortly after the National Fuel Accountability Coalition won a huge victory from the Public Service Commission--millions more of our dollars committed to low-income weatherization statewide-- PUSH members would achieve another amazing victory?! We really hope you can join us on November 16th to celebrate both these victories at the Fuel the 99% concert and march!

New Census Data Says 52% of Area Residents Below Poverty Live in the City's Suburbs

31 Oct 2011 21:29:47 GMT

To the initiated we know that poverty is a societal scourge that touches many, reaching across various ethnic, racial, age, and demographic lines. This past Sunday an article was published in the local paper (the Buffalo news) reminding us of this fact. New information revealed in the 2010 Census, says that in the Buffalo NY area 52% of those living below the poverty line reside in Buffalo's suburbs. To those of us who are hip to this, this information is nothing new. Poverty is not strictly an inner-city problem, but is something that affects many. This is an issue that PUSH Buffalo and others have spoken to in the past. It is refreshing when an article is published that reminds us that we're all in this together. The article written by Maki Becker and Jay Rey has been re-posted below. Here is a link to the original article. SUBURBAN PLIGHT FOR POOR Written by: Maki Becker and Jay Rey Originally published in the Buffalo News Buffalo may be one of the poorest cities in America, but a majority of the region's poor now live in suburbia. Of the 159,000 people in the region living below the poverty line, more than half -- 52 percent -- reside in the suburbs of Erie and Niagara counties, according to an analysis of 2010 census data by a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Ten years ago, it was 44 percent. The economy is a major factor behind the emergence of poverty in the suburbs. Also playing a role are the trend of people leaving the city, the loss of high-paying manufacturing jobs, the growth of low-wage service jobs and the aging population, experts say. "Poverty, like Americans themselves, has moved to the suburbs," said Alan Berube, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, which issued the report. "It was a trend under way for a long time, and the recession accelerated it." The fact that poverty is becoming as much a part of the suburbs as SUVs and soccer leagues comes as no surprise to those who deal with elderly populations in Amherst and Cheektowaga. Or those who see families on the edge of homelessness in the Town of Tonawanda. Or those who run food pantries in Clarence and Orchard Park, two of the region's wealthier towns. At the Tabernacle Food Pantry in Orchard Park, Cindy Cafarella used to have a half-dozen or so emergency "walk-ins" a month. These days, she said, "I get 10 to 12 per day." The demographic of people seeking food at the Tabernacle -- one of the Southtowns' few pantries -- has changed dramatically, too, she said. The pantry's main clientele used to be senior citizens, disabled people and people struggling with addictions. Now, they are joined by formerly middle-class people who have lost their jobs. "I have people with master's degrees who have no job, and they're coming in for food," Cafarella said. "The face of hunger has definitely changed." She wondered aloud: "This is America?" Even churches on the East Side of Buffalo have had suburban residents at their doors, desperate for help with feeding and clothing their families. "We're getting calls from people all over Western New York," said the Rev. Joseph Moreno, parish priest at St. Lawrence Church on East Delavan Avenue. "They're families that have lost their jobs, ran out of unemployment and, already, they've maxed out their credit cards. They are literally going from food pantry to food pantry just to feed their families." A couple of weeks ago, a couple from a Northtowns suburb approached the priest for help. Both the husband and wife had lost their jobs and had sent resumes all around the country in a desperate effort to find work. "In the meantime, they have three kids," Moreno said. The wife was mortified to have to ask for help. "I told her: 'Don't be embarrassed.' But the wife, she just broke down and cried," said the priest, who helped get the family groceries. "Before it was the working poor," Moreno said. "When the gas went up, they couldn't afford to go to work. Now it's the middle-class professionals. Now, they are the unemployed poor. That's what we're seeing now. It's so hard for them. When you're comfortable and then things fall apart, then you've got to start asking for help. People just break down and cry in front of us." Suburbs lack resources It's not that things are getting better in the City of Buffalo. Poverty remains a major problem within city limits, where nearly a third of the residents are under the federal poverty line -- calculated as $22,113 a year for a family of four. But, increasingly, people in the suburbs are falling below the poverty line, too. Carol Dankert, Erie County's director of social services, points to statistics on people who receive public assistance, food stamps or Medicaid. Back in 2004, the number of county residents living outside the city who received such aid was 70,000. In 2011, it is now 108,000 -- a 54 percent increase. During the same period, city dwellers receiving aid went from 150,000 to 194,000 -- a 29 percent increase. So far, no new programs or services are being offered specifically to deal with poverty in the suburbs, Dankert said. But, she said, the Brookings Institution study is generating talk about what may need to be done. The county may begin looking at ways to better serve the suburban poor through community centers that offer multiple services at a single location, like those found in the city. "You may see a conversation around the suburbs," she said. Poverty experts blame several factors for the rise in suburban poverty. The economic downturn is a major factor, they all agree. While below the national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent, Western New York has lost its share of jobs. Back in September 2007, the unemployment rate for the Buffalo Niagara region was 4.6 percent -- or 26,700 people, said Jon Slenker, labor market researcher for the state Department of Labor. As of this September, the rate is 7.3 percent, with 42,000 people unemployed, Slenker said. Then there are the workers who are underemployed at low-paying service jobs, which tend to be in the suburbs. About a third of Western New York's workforce is in the service industry, said Sam Magavern, co-director of the Partnership for the Public Good, a Buffalo-based think tank. "Home health aides, teacher's assistants, bus aides, retail clerks, sales assistants, landscapers and security guards. The median wages for all those jobs are at or near poverty level," he said. Old trend, new problem The shift of poverty to the suburbs also is a reflection of the general trend of people leaving cities, experts said. People in poverty, just like those with higher incomes, are "using the same considerations and deciding it's a better choice for them," Magavern said. But while suburban living may provide the poor with access to safer neighborhoods, better schools and proximity to a job, it also puts them farther from social services, nonprofits and philanthropies that are experts in helping the poor. It's a problem the suburbs are unaccustomed to dealing with on a growing scale, but one they must now face. "You have all these tiny places that just don't have the resources or the expertise or the recognition of the issues they're confronting," said Berube of the Brookings Institution. Berube analyzed 2010 figures recently released by the Census Bureau and found incomes dropped in 91 of the 100 largest metro areas between 2000 and 2010, while poverty rose in 88 of the 100. He also found a shift of poverty to the suburbs throughout the United States. Metro Buffalo is no exception. The poverty rate rose from 6.4 to 7.6 percent in Amherst, where officials are noticing more senior citizens in need. The rate rose from 6.5 to 9.7 percent in Cheektowaga, where a quarter of those living in poverty are children and a rising number of residents are contending for federal funds used to help low- to moderate-income households fix up their homes. "We have a waiting list of probably 250 to 300 people right now," said Jerome J. Gabryszak, the town's director of community development. "Up until about five years ago, we didn't have a waiting list." The poverty rate rose from 6.9 to 9.8 percent in the Town of Tonawanda, which received federal stimulus money for a homeless-prevention program that provides temporary housing assistance for residents. "We were wondering if we would even take the money to develop a program," said Jim Hartz, director of community development for the town. "It turns out we ended up assisting over 600 people. "When you think of a homeless person, you think of a person on the sidewalk panhandling," Hartz said. "But these are people that look like you and I. It was eye-opening." But the community with the largest percentage increase in poor over the past decade was Clarence, where the share of people in poverty went from 2 percent to more than 5 percent. "We see a lot of single parents, a lot of elderly," said Jim Owen, coordinator for the Clarence Community Pantry, which operates out of the Clarence Presbyterian Church. Pride gets in way Fighting the stigma of poverty is one of the problems the suburbs face. "You have to convince some people they need the help," Owen said. "They just feel, 'We live in Clarence. We should be able to afford our own food. We shouldn't admit that we need a food pantry.'" At Evangelistic E's on Ellwood Place in Cheektowaga, a dozen people were lined up at the door before the food pantry opened last Wednesday morning. They stepped inside, and each grabbed a slip of paper with nearly three dozen grocery items listed -- green beans, cereal, peanut butter and powdered milk, among others. They circled the items they wanted, then handed the slip to a volunteer who filled the order. Donna Marchiano, 45, was among them. She has four children and will be off work from her job at a Cheektowaga collections agency while she recuperates from shoulder surgery to repair an old Army injury. "If I don't have to come, I don't," Marchiano said of the food pantry, "but you can always use extra help as far as canned goods." She talks about the rising cost of food. "A lot of people get food stamps, but they don't raise those when the price of food goes up," she said. "You find a way to do it, one way or another." Another was a 25-year-old single mother of three young children recently out of a domestic violence shelter. "This helps a lot," she said, before carrying away her items. "At a certain point during the month, you run out of everything, and it's good to have a backup to fill in what you need." Another was a 62-year-old woman who found work as a home care aide a few months ago, after being unemployed for a year and a half. She lives with her 40-year-old son. "The canned goods come in handy, because you can do a lot with them, especially if you get the canned pork," she said. "It gets a little short on what you can buy at the market, even at the discount stores." "I do financial intakes on these people, and you'd be horrified to see what some of them live on," said Janet Ensmenger, who runs the food pantry. "I just had a lady who sold her truck to pay the rent." Pantries help many The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the Town of Tonawanda started a pantry in 2008, just as the recession was getting going. "There was a need outside the city," said Joanne White, chairwoman of the church pantry. The church had always maintained an informal pantry, but it was never open on a regular basis. The new pantry is open on the third and fourth Saturdays of every month. "That's when people's food stamps would be running out," White said. While she hasn't seen an increase in the number of people seeking help, White said the numbers have stayed constant. "About 45 families a month," she said. Carmaletta Zandi, executive director of the Evangel Food Pantry in Williamsville, said the downturn has brought a steady stream of people seeking help, many of them extremely reluctantly. Many clients who come for help accept emergency boxes but are hesitant to sign up for the pantry program. "They use [the emergency boxes] so they're not seen at the pantry," she said. "They live in Williamsville," she said, and are embarrassed at having to admit to needing help to make ends meet. Like Moreno at St. Lawrence Church, Sister Mary Johnice, who runs the Response to Love Center on Kosciuszko Street on the city's East Side, said her organization has helped more than a dozen suburban families over the last year. "This is starting to happen," she said. Several have come to the center's thrift store, and others get food from the pantry. "I think it's a humbling experience" for those seeking help, Johnice said. She recalled how a single mother from a suburban community recently brought her young daughter to the center. "Am I poor?" the girl asked her mother, Johnice recounted. The nun said she explained to the child that everyone is poor "in some way, and that's why we have agencies to respond."

WE ARE THE 99%

18 Oct 2011 1:07:52 GMT

I have a math question for you. Who are the 99%? Well if your math skills are as bad as mine I'll give you the answer and break it down into a simple equation. The answer is (drum roll please) we are the 99%. The equation that this answer is derived from is written as follows; 100% (all American citizens) – 1% (the wealthiest of Americans) = 99% (the rest of us). On October 17, 2011 a coalition of groups held a press conference at the headquarters of 1199 local Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which represents healthcare workers. Representatives from organizations like PUSH Buffalo, The NAACP, VOICE Buffalo, Citizen Action, The Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), The Occupy Buffalo Movement, and many others were in the house. Listening to speaker after speaker the message sent to New York State's elected officials was clear; extend the millionaire's tax. What is the millionaire's tax? It is a surcharge on the wealthiest of New Yorkers that so far to date has generated in the neighborhood of $5 billion yearly. It expires in December of 2011. With continuing cuts in state services such as healthcare, education and transportation, the 99% can ill afford to let a $5 billion windfall come at our expense. The 99% are the average working man/woman, our seniors, the working poor, the unemployed, police officers, bus aides, nurses, firemen, postal workers, teachers and many others too numerous to mention. The 99% are hunkered down in the trenches of life everyday in the war for survival. The 99% are those struggling to pay back school, or home loans. Try telling that to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. He recently said "The fact that everybody wants it doesn't mean all that much. I represent the people. Their opinion matters, but I'm not going to go back and forth with the political wind," Well Mr. Cuomo the majority of New Yorkers the 99% have spoken. The ball is in your court.

A BIG Week For Low Income Weatherization (VICTORY!)

14 Oct 2011 1:03:11 GMT

It has been a busy week for the fight against high gas bills, and the advocacy of low-income weatherization in Buffalo and the rest of the state. First on Tuesday October 11th, 2011 a group of about 20 people consisting of members of Voice Buffalo, Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope (NOAH), and PUSH Buffalo (all three groups are members of the National Fuel Accountability Coalition NFAC) visited the New York City office of the State Public Service Commission (PSC). Members especially wanted to meet with PSC Commissioner Patricia Acampora who previously refused to meet with the coalition. The group was met in the lobby of the PSC office by building security and vocalized their demands. The group chanted and periodically in between chants individual speakers from the group loudly and peacefully reiterated their demand Commissioner Acampora meet with them to discuss solutions for expanding low income weatherization in Western New York and the rest of the state. After about a half hour security was able to get a representative from the PSC on the phone to speak with Sean Davis a spokesperson for the group. A video teleconference was set up for the next day between members of the NFAC and the PSC. The fruits of the group’s labor were soon realized a few days later on Thursday October 13th when the PSC increased low-income weatherization to 50% of the Conservation Incentive Program (CIP). What this means is that almost $4 million will be added to the monies allocated for low-income weatherization as it relates to the CIP for households in Western New York. Statewide we are talking about an $18.7 million increase. This increase directly comes out of the advertising budget of National Fuel Gas. These were our demands for CIP reform and they were met, we now have a victory. My friends, hard work does indeed pay off and it would have not happened had it not been for you; the community. The work is not yet complete also on the same day our victory was announced, an article came out in the Buffalo News explaining that executives from National Fuel Gas were saying that the cost to heat our homes this coming winter could fall slightly. "This is very good news for our Western New York customers," said Karen Merkel, a National Fuel spokeswoman. "For the most part, their heating bills will remain at the same levels they paid last year, or they may be reduced slightly." Wow thanks National Fuel! While we celebrate this victory, we know that we have more work to do. With winter around the corner too many families are without gas right now, HEAP suffered big cuts, no National Fuel money has been put toward weatherization, and CEO David Smith is positioning himself to fight against millionaires paying their fair share in taxes.

Community reaps rewards of new community garden

9 Oct 2011 16:47:00 GMT

It is said that you shall reap what you sow, what comes around goes around, you get out what you put in. In the case of PUSH Buffalo's Hampshire St. garden this sentiment couldn't be more true. This Fall PUSH Buffalo and members of the community christened this community garden with a celebration and a reaping of sorts. The idea sprang from PUSH's mantra of “we know what need where we live”. The Hampshire St. garden located at a former vacant lot on Hampshire St. near Lawrence (on Buffalo's West Side) was conceived by community members as a way to offer and show alternative ways to fresh food access and creative economical reuses for vacant urban properties. The garden stands as a testament to community organization around basic life needs that PUSH Buffalo has been advocating in favor of since its inception, life needs such as housing, food and jobs. The garden was groomed over the past months primarily by members of Buffalo's Burmese and Hispanic communities. Special thanks to PUSH Buffalo member Smiler Greely who served as a great resource for the project and whose home sits directly behind the garden. Real people real power in action! for more images of the action click here

Hundreds of Protestors Arrested on NYC Bridge

4 Oct 2011 21:58:54 GMT

View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.

The battle against Wall St. and corporate hoarding went up a level recently as almost 800 protestors (out of thousands) on New York City's Brooklyn Bridge were arrested. On the evening of Saturday October 1, 2011 in NYC there was a clash of the titans. Protestors with the Occupy Wall Street movement and the NYPD met head to head on the front line of the war against corporate greed. The protestors were banded together in a show of solidarity letting the big banks, the violators of mother Earth, and corporate interests know that they would not be denied. New York City's finest on the other side banded together in a big wall of blue. The result of the clash was the closing of traffic lanes for hours on the bridge. Occupy Wall Street is an ongoing series of events in New York City (a world financial capital) aimed at bringing attention to what many believe to be the main cause of economic inequalities facing the nation and world; corporate greed. In the end almost 800 protestors were arrested for disorderly conduct or resisting arrest. Erin Larkins who emailed the Associated Press and who took part in the action on the bridge sums the situation up very nicely; "I don't think we're asking for much, just to wake up every morning not worrying whether we can pay the rent, or whether our next meal will be rice and beans again,..…..No one is expecting immediate change. I think everyone is just hopeful that people will wake up a bit and realize that the more we speak up, the more the people that do have the authority to make changes in this world listen.” nuff said.

Raymond Jackson mural painting recap

28 Sep 2011 18:44:47 GMT

Raymond Jackson wasn’t just the voice on the other end of the phone he was a man that enjoyed every second of life. To many of you who knew or may have received a call from Ray or “Ray Cat” (as he was called by his closest friends), in the winter of 2011 Raymond Jackson went on to a better place. On Saturday September 3, 2011 PUSH Buffalo immortalized his life and memory with the dedication of a mural painting. The mural is in the likeness of Ray with him having angel’s wings seemingly in heaven looking down upon all of us. PUSH Buffalo celebrated Mr. Jackson’s life the way he would have wanted it to be with music, food, family, and community. Ray Jackson next to Aaron Bartley and Eric Walker was one of the founding pillars of PUSH Buffalo. Many will probably remember him as the “voice of PUSH” as he would often refer to himself. Ray amongst his other duties handled the phones for PUSH Buffalo since the organization’s founding about 6 years ago. Many in the community would hear his voice when receiving a call about the next PUSH Buffalo event or action coming up. His voice was immediately recognizable when one heard it at the other end of the line as many people would come to PUSH events just because of his warm friendly demeanor. Ray was also one of the earliest street canvassers for PUSH Buffalo, and went on many of the organization’s actions in and out of town. He was instrumental in helping the community based organization grow into what it is today. Mr. Jackson leaves behind a wife, two daughters, and many wonderful grandchildren whom he loved with all of his heart. He was a strong friendly man that never showed his emotions, liked to play video games, watch sports, took care of his family and who loved his community. He will be missed but never forgotten. We love you Ray…..Peaceful Journey. (Ray Jackson’s Mural is located at the corner of 15th & W. Utica Streets on Buffalo’s West Side behind the PUSH Buffalo garden: SPECIAL THANKS TO “RISK” THE ARTIST COMMISONED TO DO THE MURAL)

PUSH Buffalo to participate in solar and green buildings tour

26 Sep 2011 20:05:14 GMT

PUSH Buffalo’s Net Zero house located at 10 Winter St. in Buffalo NY will be one of the stops along the Western New York Sustainable Energy Association’s (WNYSEA) 2011 solar and green buildings tour. This is New York State's largest green buildings tour and it takes place on October 1, 2011 between the hours of 10am-4pm. The tour will feature over 30 buildings in the area that either use solar, geothermal, wind, or other forms of sustainable energy sources. The tour is free and open to the general public. The tour is self-guided and starts off with a celebration at the Innovation Center in the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (640 Ellicott St, Buffalo NY). The Net Zero House will be available from 10am-2pm. There will also be workshops happening in conjunction with the tour. Please visit the facebook event page or WNYSEA website for more complete details.

David Smith selected as chair of New York State Business Council

26 Sep 2011 19:36:57 GMT

The National Fuel Accountability Coalition (NFAC) has released this statement about National Fuel Gas CEO David Smith's recent appointment as chair of the Business Council of New York State INC: “New York’s business community needs a forward-thinking, honest, accountable, and engaged leader to tackle the challenges posed by the worst economy since the Great Depression. Unfortunately, in National Fuel CEO David F. Smith, the Business Council of New York State has selected a leader with none of these qualities. As the highest-paid executive in Western New York, Smith has proven himself to be the least engaged and accountable executive in the region. For the past two years, as CEO of National Fuel, Western New York’s gas utility, Smith has outright refused to meet with the community regarding efforts to address the region’s home energy crisis. The National Fuel Accountability Coalition, an umbrella group of Western New York organizations led by People United for Sustainable Housing and VOICE Buffalo, has been seeking energy efficiency initiatives that address this crisis by insulating housing stock and creating green jobs. Rather than embrace this vision to tackle pressing economic and environmental challenges, Smith and National Fuel have ignored all requests for constructive engagement and pushed forward with a sham energy efficiency program that earmarks millions of dollars in ratepayer funds for television commercials that tout National Fuel’s brand. The Buffalo News has labeled Smith “Clueless about Community,” arguing that “Sopranos” sets the tone for Smith and National Fuel’s behavior. Smith and National Fuel filed a costly lawsuit against PUSH following a peaceful protest outside of company headquarters, and have followed up by threatening retributive action towards any organization that works with PUSH. Smith and National Fuel have repeatedly lied to the press, the public, and regulators in characterizing PUSH’s agenda. National Fuel under Smith’s leadership appears to be entering a deeply unstable period, due to its headfirst plunge into risky hydrofracturing in the Marcellus Shale. The company has exponentially increased its capital spending and drilling in Pennsylvania in the last two years, despite growing environmental concerns surrounding hydrofracturing. In 2010, one National Fuel well experienced a BP-style blowout that resulted in a historic fine from Pennsylvania’s DEC. Currently, National Fuel’s stock is down 26% from its 52-week high. In July, it tripped a single stock circuit breaker on the New York Stock Exchange after the company announced that it had failed to secure a joint venture partner in the Marcellus Shale. With Smith at the helm, the Business Council will likely pursue a petty, short-sighted, and divisive agenda, rather than work to address the huge economic challenges facing the state. His appointment is a lost opportunity for true business leadership and will likely do lasting damage to the state’s business community and economy.”

I am Troy Davis & You are Too

22 Sep 2011 23:39:11 GMT

I am Troy Davis and you are too. You ask who is Troy Davis and why should you care? Troy Davis was a former death row inmate executed on Wednesday September 21, 2011 at approximately 11:08am in the State of Georgia. He was arrested in 1989 and tried in that State in 1991 for the murder of off duty Savannah Georgia police officer Mark MacPhail. Davis 42, fought courageously until the music stopped telling anyone who would listen that Georgia authorities had the wrong man. His situation was eerily similar to many others and it polarized the nation. "I am innocent. The incident that happened that night is not my fault. I did not have a gun. All I can ask ... is that you look deeper into this case so that you really can finally see the truth," said Davis who was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald. Despite having millions of supporters across the globe including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Pope Benedict XVI, former FBI director William Sessions, and many in the hip hop music community in the end no court would set the man free. A dark cloud of too much doubt hovered over Davis' case from the beginning. There was never any murder weapon found, many of the witnesses in Davis' trial later recanted their initial testimony, and many have come forward saying another man may have actually killed MacPhail that evening. Davis was pronounced dead by lethal injection in the State of Georgia on Wednesday September 21, 2011 at 11:08am. In the U.S. according to the DPIC 138 people have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence since 1973, I am Troy Davis and you are too. Thousands of people are wrongfully convicted of crimes in the U.S. Each year, I am Troy Davis and you are too. False confessions/incriminating statements, eyewitness miss identification, improper forensic science, and improper information from informants are the leading causes of wrongful convictions, I am Troy Davis and you are too. You See Troy Davis could have been any one of us. All it takes is one unfortunate situation, an instant, and a case of their words against mine to change my life and yours forever. I am Troy Davis and you are too. R.I.P. TROY DAVIS

Western New York Regional Economic Development Council meets for the 1st time in Buffalo

15 Sep 2011 23:00:26 GMT

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) met in the city of Buffalo at Buffalo State College on September 14th , 2011 for the first time (first time in Buffalo). Underscoring the fact that Western New York and the city of Buffalo are serious about pumping economic life back into the region, was the sight of a capacity packed room filled with various types of people from the community. Representatives from organizations like V.O.I.C.E. Buffalo, the Partnership for Public Good, Citizen Action NY, Wind Action Group, and many others were in the house. The WNYREDC is one of 10 regional economic development councils that focus on job creation needs specific to their region of New York State. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo created these councils based on the reasoning that each region or locality in the State knows how to better tackle their own economic problems. The WNYREDC is made up of individuals from the local Western New York area who represent the corporate sector, academia, non-profits, community foundations, and local chambers of commerce. The meeting ran from 6-8pm and as mentioned before the room the meeting was held in was packed, so much so that many people had to be turned away. The meeting was nothing extraordinary as a 39 slide power point presentation was the reference point for the evening. The power point listed economic priorities that have been floating around Western New York for a very long time, a who's who of Buffalo's most unimaginative ideas. Some people gave speeches and there was even time left for a few members of the community to give public comment. People were invited to either fill out a public comment card or directed to an online survey to express any concerns. Left out of the conversation were solutions to the big challenges facing this region (like energy efficiency, environmental hazards, and access to fresh food). How do these ideas make it into the conversation and not be left to the "other" box on a survey? “All in all, I think there was some general and genuine interest in making sure the plan that the (WNY) REDC comes up with over the next month reflects some approach to dealing with the region's biggest challenges as a way to create jobs” Said Eric Walker of PUSH Buffalo who actually made it inside the meeting. Thankfully this is only the first meeting and if we collectively speak up things can only go up from here. Here is a link to the REDC website and to the survey let your voice be heard!

FUNDRAISER TO HELP THE PAGAN FAMILY

31 Aug 2011 18:04:40 GMT

Technically this is not an event that anyone will attend, it is for people to send in their donations. Maria Pagan, was fatally stabbed in January on Normal Avenue of this year (2011). She was a PUSH Buffalo Member. She left behind her son Emmanuel and her daughter Zayra, who was also gravely stabbed but survived. Now that the trial is over and Emannuel and Zayra are working on starting over without their Mom, PUSH Buffalo opened up a fund to raise $5,000 to help Emmanuel and Zayra with some furnishings for their new apartment along with a gravestone for their Mom Please send in your donation (any amount is ok , it will add up ) in the form of a check or a money order made out to: PUSH Buffalo 271 Grant Street Buffalo NY 14213 This fundraiser will be going on now until November 15, 2011 For More Information please call: Aminah Johnson @ 884-0356

Liberty Partnership Intern Talks About Her Time at PUSH Buffalo

16 Aug 2011 1:16:19 GMT

By Deliana Figueroa My name is Deliana Figueroa and I am a participant of the Liberty Partnership Program at UB, and this summer of 2011 I interned at PUSH Buffalo. PUSH is on 271 grant St. I had interned from July 25, 2011 to August 10, 2011. My first day at PUSH was very interesting; I learned what they do and how they push for a better community. On my second day at PUSH, I had gone to a press conference about Andrew M. Cuomo, governor of New York State decision on creating more jobs. Cuomo had read a speech about how he was going to redesign the relationship between the state government and businesses to stimulate regional economic development and create jobs statewide. Cuomo’s intentions were that each Regional Council will develop a plan for the development of their region. The state will work with the Regional Councils to align state resources and policies, eliminate unnecessary barriers to growth and prosperity, and streamline the delivery of government services and programs to help the Regional Councils carry out their plans for development. Meaning we need more jobs so that people who are unemployed can be employed. Going to the press conference really was an experience for me, to come close to shaking the governor's hand and to be able to witness and say that I was there. Also to be more educated on what’s going on in the state today. I was also able to attend a public hearing at city hall where PUSH testified about what they needed for jobs and/or houses. Being able to witness the things that PUSH has done. In the Common Council Chamber, where organizations relating to PUSH had put together a speech on what they need to continue to make progress in making the community a more better environment. So that they could have homes, and/or jobs. I had observed what others wanted to do with buffalo and also what the head chair in the room kept considering. Connecting to wanting to make buffalo a better place for the working world and also for the people who are looking for the working world, I attended a training meeting where adults had trained to work in the construction field, so that we can have safer homes to live in. being in the meeting made me realize that there is always a place in the world for us to fit in. Whether it’s being in the working field or just being a voice to make the world and communities a better place to live in. And in conclusion, my last day at PUSH, I went to a leadership training meeting. “To become someone who is recognized in the world can happened, whether you are the kid down the street who can beat box or the old lady who walks around picking up trash so that her neighborhood won’t be considered as trash”. I express this quote because I attended a leadership training meeting. The people who came in had a voice and really wanted to make a change, so that we as the people could live better. The meeting was leadership house party on the national fuel campaign. I remember the first day I had learned that David F. Smith, the CEO of national fuel, earns 3,500 dollars per hour. Just hearing about how he makes so much money off of people who don’t make that much made me upset. And just to know that PUSH wants to make a difference with the people of the community, to have them come out and speak of their experience on how they were without gas. Also how they didn’t have light because they had to pay for gas, showed that as individuals we can come together and make a difference. Being at this meeting made me feel as if I could be a part of this change to better for the people. I really enjoyed working at PUSH this summer, and to witness and be a part of the events that are happening. I have learned so much about what PUSH does within the community, and how they push towards their goals so that in the end they can be successful. I want to thank Aaron, Sara, Clarke, and Eric for letting me observe the types of jobs that they do, and also the people at PUSH for making me feel welcomed.

National Fuel Gas's stock recently dips into the negative

9 Aug 2011 19:37:36 GMT

National Fuel Gas (NFG) recently experienced their stock dropping into the red. This was preceded by an announcement that one of their planned drilling expansions into the Marcellus Shale (MS) region failed. NFG has now gone on record stating that they will move forward with the MS drilling expansion without a partner. “We’re not capital constrained. Our balance sheet is strong,” said NFG CEO David Smith, alluding to NFG's ability to finance the entire expansion project. National Fuel Gas executives and CEO David Smith can never be found when the discussion of Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) reform is brought up by the public. Having a conversation that would help create living wage green jobs, and help to lower heating bills for many who reside in Western New York does not seem to be a priority for them. NFG executives however have no problems at all discussing more ways to expand their monopoly, and exploit the consumer and the environment to make their pockets fatter. Don't take our word for it, you can listen for yourself here as NFG executives (in their own words) explain their quest to horde more profit. At a rate of about $7+ million yearly, $583,400 monthly and $3,500 hourly, it is not too much to ask that NFG put people first and profits later. The weatherization crisis in Western New York cannot be fully addressed without CIP reform. The NFG rate payer (this means the public) pays into a program that most of us do not fully benefit from. Instead of using CIP money (our money) for things like promotion at sports events, this money must be used to help reduce energy costs for Western New York residents. NFG just took a dip into the red zone this is nothing for them, the rest of us though have been drowning in red for years. CIP reform needs to happen now!

PUSH Buffalo on the Radio

1 Aug 2011 19:49:10 GMT

On June 28th 2011 PUSH Buffalo Director of Organizing Eric Walker appeared on “The Public Good” radio show. The Public Good is a show hosted by Sam Magavern of The Partnership for the Public Good (PPG). The PPG is a grass roots organization dedicated to fostering better approaches towards correcting the social and economic ills that have plagued Buffalo NY. The show airs every Tuesday afternoon from 1-1:30pm on WUFO AM 1080 and features a member of the community working on progressive issues. On this particular show Mr. Walker discusses PUSH Buffalo’s involvement in what is called Buffalo’s Green Development Zone (GDZ). The GDZ is a two city block area located on Buffalo’s West Side on Massachusetts Avenue. The GDZ aims to fight blight by redeveloping/weatherizing older housing stock, rebirthing a city park, and in the process create living wage green jobs. PUSH Buffalo recently won an international competition for their work in this area. Click the link below to listen to the show online. The Public Good: Buffalo's Green Development Zone with Eric Walker

PUSH @ Regional HUD �Delivering Together� Conference!

27 Jul 2011 0:28:06 GMT

On June 28th and 29th, 2011, PUSH Buffalo was one of the presenters at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regional office's "Delivering Together" conference in Syracuse, NY. HUD's regional office in Buffalo brings together community development partners across the region it serves--much of upstate New York--each year for this conference. The goal of the conference is to foster better approaches towards community development. PUSH represented well at the regional HUD conference. Terry Richard and Whitney Yax of PUSH Buffalo sat on a panel for a Community Engagement Strategies workshop. They were invited by regional HUD CPD Director Bill O'Connell because of PUSH's track record for successful community planning in our neighborhood. Terry and Whitney shared with conference attendees what PUSH Buffalo has learned about what works based on the ideas of "community control of resources" and "we know what we need where we live." They also had the chance to present to the entire conference about PUSH Buffalo's Green Development Zone model. HUD regionally now has an eye on what successful community planning can look like because they're consulting with PUSH!

PUSH Buffalo monthly meeting & National Fuel Accountability Coalition (NFAC) strategy session

19 Jul 2011 20:24:23 GMT

We shouted, sung, chanted, spoke, but most importantly we made a powerful declaration. On Wednesday July 6th in downtown Buffalo NY in the presence of NYS utility regulators, elected officials and utility rate payers we made it known that National Fuel Gas’s handling of our Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) has been a huge failure. Getting to this point is great step towards winning the war for energy efficiency in the State of New York but we have not yet reached our goal. This Saturday at 3pm as part of our monthly member meeting PUSH Buffalo will gather with our brothers from the NFAC in a brief session to strategize our next set of moves. WHAT: PUSH Buffalo monthly meeting & NFAC strategy session Where: 271 Grant St, Buffalo NY When: 3pm, This Saturday July 23rd 2011

New York Becoming a Model for How to Effectively Create Green Jobs

14 Jul 2011 23:27:09 GMT

PUSH Buffalo is helping to create a model that others are taking notice of. This article recently appeared on Alternet.org and discusses the Power NY Act recently passed by NYS law makers. This legislation will generate more funding for home/building retrofitting, and will create many full time green jobs. (A new law will help generate 1 million energy efficiency retrofits on homes and businesses and create over 14,000 full time permanent jobs) AlterNet / By Emmaia Gelman and Chloe Tribich July 13, 2011 The New York State Legislature's passage of the Power NY Act was a bright moment in a session marred by budget cuts and layoffs. The new law allows the Green Jobs-Green NY program to advance toward goals of generating 1 million energy efficiency retrofits on homes and businesses and creating over 14,000 full-time permanent jobs. Consider this: Sealing and insulating a home saves 20 to 50 percent on energy. But many owners can't afford this work. That's where Green Jobs-Green NY and the Power NY Act come in. If you're a homeowner and a utility customer in good standing, the state will pay upfront for retrofits. Using "on-bill recovery" -- the financing mechanism created by the Power NY Act -- you'll repay the state over time via your utility bill. The repayment is less than the monthly energy savings, so it doesn't increase expenses. The fact that utility customers rarely default on their bills -- even if they pay late -- allows the state to attract billions from investors. The potential environmental impact is also impressive: The program could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of removing about 1 million cars from the road. To date, New York, like other states, has focused on saving the most energy at the lowest cost without regard to community impact. Not so Green Jobs-Green NY with on-bill recovery. Among other unique elements, the program provides funding for community groups to recruit and educate homeowners. It's a real effort to channel the benefits of efficiency toward hard-hit families. This vision did not emerge from an office in Albany. It emerged from organizers whose daily work -- knocking on doors of cash-strapped homeowners and unemployed workers -- showed the necessity of interdisciplinary policymaking. Across the state, grassroots organizers saw that low- and moderate-income families couldn't afford heating costs. They pointed out that utilities annually consume about a month's household income in moderate-income households, and up to 17 percent in poor households. The problem was compounded by inadequate government policies: homeowners who struggled to pay energy bills usually earned too much to qualify for grant-funded weatherization and too little to take advantage of rebates. So when Center for Working Families built a multi-sector coalition to devise solutions, grassroots groups emerged as driving forces. They laid out the challenges facing homeowners. They kiboshed proposals that may have appealed to financers but wouldn't work on the ground. They built partnerships with local businesses and labor leaders. As a result of this work -- and with the powerful support of the Working Families Organization (connected to the Working Families Party), small business owners and labor unions -- the Green Jobs-Green NY Act of 2009 passed the state legislature with near unanimity. The state's initial implementation efforts were rocky. For timing reasons, on-bill recovery was excluded from the Green Jobs-Green NY Act. NYSERDA -- which has a deserved reputation as a top state energy organization -- was forced to begin implementation quickly. Community groups were not fully engaged. The consequences became clear when NYSERDA created a loan product that would not work for vulnerable homeowners. Community groups quickly pointed out the problems with mounting late fees and untenable loan criteria. (One income stability requirement would've excluded workers with sporadic or seasonal incomes.) Disturbingly, promises to implement wage and hiring standards -- a critical component of the green jobs vision -- were mostly unmet, in spite of support from the NY State Department of Labor. In the face of these challenges, the coalition, still anchored by Center for Working Families, held to its goals. Three years of organizing and wrangling are producing results.

The Fellowship of Accountability (The July 6th Public Hearing on CIP in Buffalo)

8 Jul 2011 17:30:54 GMT

The message was crafted, the call sent, and the message was received. The accountability ring was cast, forged and its protectors stepped up to lead; a fellowship of community based organizations. As one of the protectors in this fellowship PUSH Buffalo lead a battalion of rate payers to Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo NY to join a rally of more than 300 rate payers. This rallying call took place right before the scheduled 3pm Public Hearing with National Fuel Gas (NFG) regulators. The Fellowship of Accountability also known as the National Fuel Accountability Coalition (NFAC), had for months been trying to get a meeting with the very powerful rulers of National Fuel Gas. We wished to discuss ways of ending the weatherization crisis in our area of the State namely the reformation of the Conservation Incentive Program (CIP). The Fellowship of Accountability demanded a public hearing on CIP and one was granted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) the council which regulates utilities in our land for July 6th 2011. The NFAC urged rate payers to come out and voice their concerns. The Public Hearing on CIP reform held in Downtown Buffalo was a great moment in the battle for weatherization and energy efficiency. PUSH Buffalo joined our brothers and sisters in the NFAC to demand change in how the CIP is now administered. We stood side by side with members of other battalions such as V.O.I.C.E. Buffalo, Dorian Gaskin/Outsource Center, F.A.T.H.E.R.S., Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), our Niagara district Councilman David Rivera, County Legislator Maria Whyte, Buffalo Councilmen Demone Smith/Richard Fontana, the Youth Planning Council (YPC) and many others. There was much chanting, and sign carrying. Bob Cook of PUSH Buffalo and Voice Buffalo opened with words. The Rev. Bruce McKay of V.O.I.C.E. Buffalo then led all with a prayer. Inside the Public Hearing the NFAC presented its ideas for reforming the CIP for all of the land's rate payers. Speaker after speaker which most were NFG rate payers repeated the message that the CIP as it is currently administered is not addressing the problems associated with heating a home. One of these problems is high gas bills due to the fact that many houses in the Buffalo metropolitan area are old and need weatherization and repairs. Many rate payers particularly lower income pay for heat to literally go out their window. The rulers of National Fuel Gas were previously unaware of the scope of the Fellowship's mission. The Fellowship has been assembled and our journey is begun. See Below for media coverage of the event WIVB WBFO YNN Buffalo WKBW The Buffalo News

5 Reasons to Be There Tomorrow

5 Jul 2011 19:10:58 GMT

1. WE DID THIS! Have you been to a PUSH event in the past year? Written a letter? Liked us on Facebook? Told a friend about PUSH? Are you a member of one of the organizatons in the National Fuel Accountability Coalition? Pat yourself on the back! Give yourself a high five! YOU helped us build the power we needed to get the regulators to bring National Fuel to our table. Now get down to Lafayette Square at 2:30 tomorrow so we can celebrate this victory together! Stand up with us and say: Real people, real power! 2. As "the gap between workers and executives continues to widen," who heads the shortlist of WNY's wealthiest executives? The CEO of National Fuel, David Smith! Smith makes $7.1 million per year, which breaks down to about $3500 per hour. In short: one drafty old house could be weatherized for every hour David Smith is at work. Stand up with us and say: Enough is enough! 3. This Public Hearing is all about National Fuel's Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) that you pay for. Yes, you. Every month National Fuel customers pay into a program intended to help customers reduce their energy costs, but National Fuel uses more of its customers' money on commercials and advertising than on weatherization. Stand up with us and say: CIP don't work for me! 4. National Fuel really doesn't want you to be there. While we've been letting folks know the truth about how their conservation dollars are being spent, National Fuel has been telling our partners and allies that the energy crisis is only on the West Side (it's not) and that CIP doesn't need to change at all (it does!). Stand up with and say: National Fuel, partner with our community now! 5. Heating bills are too high. If you haven't experienced this firsthand or known someone who has, listen to Brenda, Bob, Shawn, Teresa and Jen tell their stories about the problem and our solutions. Stand up with us and say: It's time to put the people first! When we show up in big numbers, people listen! See you tomorrow! Your Friends at PUSH BE THERE TOMMORROW! JULY 6th Rally @ 2:30pm - Lafayette Square Public Hearing @ 3-6pm & 7-9pm - Downtown Library

Community Challenge to National Fuel CEO David Smith: We'll Be At The Public Hearing on July 6, Will You?

1 Jul 2011 22:37:32 GMT

Next Wednesday, July 6th, hundreds of community residents, organizations and elected officials will participate in a Public Hearing convened and facilitated by the Public Service Commission to evaluate National Fuel�s Conservation Incentive Program (CIP). The goal is to hear recommendations for improving CIP. The National Fuel Accountability Coalition (NFAC) issued a challenge today in a video to National Fuel CEO David Smith: Will you be there too? The Public Hearing is a result of a year of pressure from the NFAC on National Fuel�s misuse of CIP fund. NFAC has been particularly critical of millions in CIP money that�s been spent on National Fuel advertising campaign and an inadequate focus on best practices in energy efficiency. In the past year, National Fuel ran 2,053 commercials with CIP funds. While Western New Yorkers are making tough choices to keep their gas on, National Fuel executives are the highest paid in the region. CEO David Smith made $7.1million last year. That�s $3,500 an hour, enough to weatherize a typical house in our community. �In a community where heating costs are among the highest in the nation it�s outrageous for National Fuel�s four top executives to have made over 15 million last year. Furthermore, National Fuel spending millions of our public conservation money on commercials, while thousands of people are making tough choices to stay warm in the winter unacceptable.� said Pastor M Bruce McKay of VOICE�Buffalo, a founding organization in the National Fuel Accountability Coalition. �Many people from my congregation will be at the Public Hearing next week proposing bold solutions to this crisis. As the leader of Western New York�s most powerful corporate citizens, I hope David Smith will be there too.�

New National Fuel Accountability Coalition Video (spot lighting regular people affected by high gas bills in the Buffalo NY area)

1 Jul 2011 22:24:30 GMT

The National Fuel Accountability Coalition (NFAC) files a foil request for Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) Data

21 Jun 2011 20:06:49 GMT

The National Fuel Accountability Coalition (NFAC) last month filed a freedom of information law (foil) request for data on how National Fuel Gas (NFG) executives spend our Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) dollars. The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) which is charged with regulating utility companies in our State responded that the information requested will be available to the public on July 7th 2011. The problem with this is that the information will come 1 day after the scheduled public hearing on CIP reform in the city of Buffalo which takes place July 6th. This episode reaffirms the public's call for more transparency in the CIP. PUSH Buffalo is apart of the NFAC and has been instrumental in building up public focus of the issue of energy efficiency program reform in New York State. The NFAC wants the CIP to be facilitated by State agencies with better track records in administering energy efficiency programs. These agencies would include NYSERDA which oversees the State's Green Jobs NY/Green NY and Empower NY programs. Three NFG executives were in the top 9 of highest paid corporate officers in Western New York after the recession last year. NFG head David Smith (who is atop the list) alone made over $7 million dollars last year. Behind the scenes NFG executives live a life of luxury while hard working families in New York suffer the cold winters. It is imperative that NFG customers have all pertinent information regarding how their money is being spent by NFG before the public hearing on July 6th. It is time for the games to end as the only losers in this dangerous game will be the public and energy efficiency reform in the State of New York. Power concedes nothing without a fight and a fight we will give them. The NFAC will release a proposal on CIP reform before the July 6th Public hearing in Buffalo. Stay tuned for further developments.

National Fuel To Negotiate With The Community on The Issue Of Conservation

13 Jun 2011 19:25:31 GMT

The community has walked a step forward in it's effort in combating the weatherization crisis in New York State. We won a victory on Friday June 3rd 2011. The New York State Public Service Commission agreed that the community should be allowed to have a hearing on how their CIP money is being spent. The National Fuel Accountability Coalition (NFAC) got the PSC to hold a public hearing on reforming National Fuels Gas's (NFG) CIP. Taking place on Wednesday July 6th starting at 3pm inside the Central Branch Library in Buffalo, it will be preceded by a rally inside Lafayette Sq. at 2:30pm. There will be hearings the following day in the towns of Amherst and Cheektowaga. PUSH Buffalo along with the community, and our partners in the NFAC have been fighting for this for over the past year. The CIP is funded by a charge on the customer's monthly utility bill and tops $10 million annually. The NFAC believes that this money could be put to better use than it is now. Among the reforms being proposed is that NFG match funds paid by the public ($10 million) and place it into the program. The CIP should make creating green jobs in high unemployment communities a bigger priority. The CIP must also be more accountable to the public. We don't think it is fair that NFG CEO David Smith made $7.1 million dollars last year while many in the community struggled to pay their gas bills. �Going green is just not a lifestyle, it's about survival� The war on the weatherization crisis in New York continues.

PUSH Buffalo Member Headed To Survivor's Conference

11 Jun 2011 23:33:16 GMT

Push Buffalo member Zaw Win has been invited to the TASSC annual June Survivor Week scheduled this year for June 22-26 at TASSC International in Washington, DC. TASSC was founded by torture victims and is a group that is dedicated to fighting torture and abuse. During the week survivors of torture from around the world will gather in Washington D.C. to join in five days of public activities. Zaw is a survivor, he is the embodiment of “Real people, real power”! A Burmese native Zaw spent a number of years in a Thai refugee camp where life was rough as he endured torture and abuse himself. He was afforded the opportunity to come to the U.S. a few years ago. Upon arriving he has been busy at work making a new life for himself on the West Side of Buffalo. He is an active member of PUSH Buffalo and he recently celebrated the one year anniversary of his business. We wish Zaw well as he prepares to embark on this journey.

Our Niagara District Council Member Makes Commitment to Our Mass Ave Park Plan!

6 Jun 2011 16:46:26 GMT

The park on Massachusetts Avenue on the West Side of Buffalo, NY was identified as a problem by the community a few years ago. Neighborhood residents were concerned about decades of neglect catching up to a newer generation of youth. Perceptions of the park included a lack of lighting, the need for additional park entrances/exits, maintenance, and the updating of general park facilities. A group of neighborhood residents concentrating on the rebirth of this park was formed. They have been busy at work and the fruits of their labor keep unfolding! Two weeks ago, PUSH leaders Bob, Alba, Terry, Mike and Linda met with our Niagara District Council Member David Rivera. We asked him to put $200,000 in the 2012 City of Buffalo capital budget to be used for Phase II of getting our Mass Ave Park back in order and he agreed! Thank you Council Member Rivera for supporting your constituents' efforts to rebuild our neighborhood park! Please follow our website for updates on the progress of the Mass Ave Park.

Recap From The Annual Meeting 2011

6 Jun 2011 16:31:38 GMT

The PUSH Buffalo annual meeting held this year was a big success. Keeping in tune the meetings carnival and circus theme, members were treated to a wonderful time. The Grant St. Neighborhood Center was transformed into that place under the big top. Through circus like games such as tic tac toe the community was able to see through a rotating set of presentations the different types of work that PUSH Buffalo has been involved with over the past year. Our greatest motto has always been �We know what we want where we live� with presenters such as Aaron Bartley, Suzzane Montalalou, Eric Walker, Janice Li, Sean Ryan, Bob Cook and Terry Richard nowhere has this ever been more aptly demonstrated. Community involvement over the past year was represented in our struggle with weatherization, efforts to restore the Massachusetts Avenue park, and the Buffalo green development zone. All current PUSH Buffalo board members were reelected to another term. PUSH Buffalo members were also able to voice their vision for the organization's campaigns for the upcoming year. There was Hispanic and African food available to all attendees after the meeting. To all who missed it was an informative great time and we hope that you can make it to our next annual meeting.

In The Zone

31 May 2011 14:58:34 GMT

Going green is not just a lifestyle, it's about survival. It's about taking the lead in demonstrating to the world what a sustainable community looks like. PUSH Buffalo is about practicing what we preach. The momentum from winning the International Sustainable Urban Housing Competition has kept PUSH Buffalo and our partner organizations moving. This award is only part of the battle, there still is much much work to be done. The Buffalo Green Development Zone located on Massachusetts Avenue on Buffalo's West side, although not yet completed is a beautiful thing. It includes a half city block of vacated properties that were first identified and then acquired by the community. They are being transformed into energy efficient, affordable, and livable housing units for community residents. As was the goal all along, the community has been on the winning side of this development. PUSH Buffalo members previously involved with the Youth Build program have been able to gain living wage employment working for contracting companies associated with this project. Several properties within the Zone have recently been gutted in preparation for retrofitting and weatherization work. Just around the corner on Winter St. PUSH Buffalo's Net Zero House (a home being completely energy efficient, generating its own heat and electricity) will be ready for opening in early summer 2011. The definition of a leader is one who shows what is possible and this would not be possible without the leadership of the community. We want to thank the community, it's stakeholders, and our partner organizations for standing in the trenches with us. We may have lost a few battles, but we will win the Green Development Zone War.

PUSH Buffalo Annual Meeting 2011

27 May 2011 20:20:55 GMT

Step right up, come one, come all! See the might of Net Zero and his incredible shrinking utility bill! Watch the Bearded Green Zone Lady revitalize a half city block. Observe gas company executives do the death defying tight rope walk. See the clowns and fire eaters, play the wonderful games, and see the magician's tricks. Women and men, boys and girls circus time is here! Once a year, the PUSH Buffalo Board of Directors reports on all the community power that we have built throughout the past year. Everything from our potential partnering with National Fuel to our campaign to get the Massachusetts Avenue Park fixed up will be discussed at the meeting for this year. We will also update members about how our Net Zero House is developing, and our progress in the Green Development Zone on Massachusetts Avenue. This year's annual meeting takes place on May 28, 2011, 3pm at the Grant St. Neighborhood Center. PUSH Buffalo members will vote on the plans for the coming year. With our circus theme for the meeting members are encouraged to dress appropriately in their best costumes.

PUSH Buffalo Member Profile: Shawn Davis

23 May 2011 0:39:29 GMT

1.Why did you become involved with PUSH Buffalo? SD: I didn't like the fact that privatized corporations take advantage of working class people. Working class people become victims of a system designed for big corporations and the system is without accountability. 2.How long have you been a member of PUSH Buffalo? SD: For 1 year 3.Why did members of PUSH Buffalo go to Columbus Ohio? SD: We went to the Showdown in Ohio to the front gates of the JP Morgan Chase Bank headquarters. We assembled with other organizations from across the country under NPA (National People's Action) 4.How many people did PUSH Buffalo take to Columbus? SD: We took 25 people with us. 5.Describe the site of the Columbus action SD: We went to the JP Morgan Chase headquarters, The McCoy office Building. It is the second largest office building in the country, it has 6 different entrances and is surrounded by an 80 yard moat. 6.Why is it important for JP Morgan Chase and other big banks like them help in our national foreclosing crisis? SD: Banks were bailed out with taxpayer money, while at the same time CEOs made millions. Common people who owned homes were forced out of them because of fraudulent loans.

Green Jobs/Green NY (1 down), On Bill Recovery (1 To Go)

20 May 2011 16:24:46 GMT

PUSH Buffalo has in the past championed weatherization legislation that has become reality in the State of New York. Green Jobs/Green NY GJ/GNY was passed by the State in 2009 and was a huge victory for not just the city of Buffalo, but for the entire State. As the greatest energy efficiency program in the history of the State, it aims to retrofit (the process of making a house more energy efficient) 1 million homes/businesses and create 120,000 jobs in New York State. It also offers money up front to homeowners to pay for these retrofits. The money comes in the form of a low interest loan to be paid back over a 15 year period. This is only half the battle. Enter On Bill Recovery PUSH Buffalo has been working diligently behind the scenes on what is known as on bill recovery. In practice without any upfront payments, this would allow homeowners to repay the cost of the retrofits on their monthly utility bill. The monthly payment would be less than the amount of money a homeowner would save in energy costs. It also proposes to raise a $5 billion pool towards retrofitting more homes. As it stands now the one (Green Jobs/Green NY) cannot really go much farther without the other (on bill recovery). On bill recovery will help poorer consumers and homeowners in New York State who do not have good credit and who definitely are unable to afford the upfront costs of the one. By taking the cost of home retrofitting directly from the utility bill on bill recovery the other, ensures that poor and low income folks will have a better shot at survival during the State's cold winters. PUSH Buffalo has been working closely with a local coalition of contractors and job trainers to put pressure on State politicians to pass strong on bill recovery legislation. Utility companies are working hard to strip out key provisions of the legislation. Strong on bill recovery legislation needs to be passed this legislative season, it must conserve consumer protections, and it must be implemented quickly in order to take Green Jobs/Green NY to scale.

PUSH Buffalo & The Showdown in Ohio

20 May 2011 15:15:18 GMT

On May 16th and 17th 2011 Robin Hood and his merry band of men stormed the castle walls of the Sheriff of Nottingham. They fought their way through the first regiment of the Sheriff's soldiers and crossed a dangerous moat to the drawbridge of the Sheriff's hideout. The purpose of their campaign was to let the Sheriff know that the commoners had enough and that they weren't going to take his unfair rule anymore. No this scenario was no scene from the Howard Pyle book, but modern day heroes and heroines embracing that spirit. This was a modern day adaptation starring members of PUSH Buffalo along with members of other community minded organizations across America as Robin Hood and JP Morgan Chase Bank as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The hard working people of America made homeless by this banking crisis starred as the commoners. Instead of Nottingham the scene of the story was Columbus Ohio. The JP Morgan Chase headquarters is the McCoy office building, the second largest office building in the world per square foot which is actually surrounded by a moat. Dubbed the Showdown in Ohio protesters banded together outside the world headquarters of JP Morgan Chase Bank in Columbus Ohio to express their displeasure with the banking and foreclosure crisis in this country. PUSH Buffalo members Terry Richard, Dorian Gaskin and Bob Cook were part of the contingent of protesters who were able to get into the inside of the Bank's headquarters holding court for 10 minutes before soldiers were able to close off the gates. The protest of about 800 commoners was organized by NPA (National People's Action) and The New Bottom Line a coalition of community minded groups and organizations from across America. For a Flicker slide show the Showdown please click here Showdown in Ohio

Our Green Development Zone Wins!

5 May 2011 18:16:58 GMT

We won! Buffalo�s own Green Development Zone, developed by PUSH Buffalo and other partner non-profits, was declared a winner of the international Sustainable Urban Housing Competition on April 13th, 2011. The competition was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of State, and the American Planning Association. After the Green Development Zone was declared one of eleven Finalists (from a total of 289 entries submitted from 48 different countries), Western New Yorkers showed their incredible support for homegrown solutions by voting for the Green Development Zone in a two week online voting competition . Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us! Buffalo�s Green Development Zone will be awarded a prize of $10,000 to be used to continue our work in the Zone. As a winner, we�ll also be recognized in Washington, DC by numerous public and private partners. This is an incredible opportunity for us to elevate community control of resources in the Zone as a solution to the economic, housing, and energy crisis facing our neighborhoods. We celebrated our victory at our Net Zero House at 10 Winter St, slated to be completed early this summer, with PUSH members, staff, and friends! A special thank you to Mitch for emceeing the event and to Bill O�Connell from HUD, our Council Member David Rivera, Tom Van Nortwick from the NYS DHCR, and the Center for Working Families for their support of our efforts. Check out some clips from our press conference and the coverage we got in the Buffalo News and WNED. Check out this great feature of the work going on in the Green Development Zone to learn more! And the work to control community resources continues... We couldn�t be more pleased about our Green Development Zone being recognized, but we still have plenty of work to do to carry out our vision and bring it up to scale. So later that day, we got over 100 residents of the Zone together at the Butler-Mitchell for a Community Planning Congress. PUSH leaders Bob C, Linda, Rosey, Mike, Bob M, Terry, Suzanne, Shawn, Julie, Alba, James, Mitch, and Brenda led residents on tours around our Zone to share details about some of the different projects and their impacts on folks� lives. The residents who attended were energized by the work going on in their community and got right to work letting us know what it all means to them. At PUSH, we believe that people know what they need where they live! We want the Green Development Zone to be a model for connecting those ideas to real housing and community development. Check out more pictures from our Congress!

Green Development Zone Named Finalist in International Competition!

24 Mar 2011 17:54:14 GMT

UPDATE: Big thanks to Artvoice and the Buffalo New and Buffalo Rising for their recognition of this tremendous honor. Let's go Buffalo! Vote for the Green Development Zone and put Buffalo on the world map! We need YOUR VOTE to win this contest! After being named an Early Winner of the international Sustainable Urban Housing Competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of State, and the American Planning Association, Buffalo's Green Development Zone was declared a Finalist yesterday by the competition judges! The Green Development Zone is the only project in the United States named as a finalist in this competition. The Green Development Zone, located on Buffalo's West Side, is emerging as an internationally-recognized laboratory for sustainable housing, community planning, and green jobs training. The Zone combines efforts by PUSH, MAP, Outsource Center, Homefront, and Habitat for Humanity. This is a huge honor for our city and country to be recognized worldwide as leaders in sustainability innovation. If you haven't voted yet, please go vote right now. Post the link on your Facebook! Email it to your friends and family! Tweet about it!

PSC Chairman Brown Meets with NFG Accountability Coalition Leadership

21 Mar 2011 23:20:12 GMT

PUSH, VOICE Buffalo, NOAH and our amazing partners statewide (shout out to VOCAL, CVH, SUN and NWBCCC!) in the New York Stimulus Alliance went to Albany last week to deliver a petition to the Public Service Commission for a public hearing. We've been calling for a public hearing around National Fuel's Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) since last year because even though customers pay for CIP, customers aren't seeing its impact! CIP don't work for me! As the agency responsible for regulating utilities in New York, the Public Service Commission has a responsibility to help us hold National Fuel accountable. When we arrived at the PSC offices in Albany with our petition, Commissioner Garry Brown met with our leadership right away and agreed to help us hold National Fuel accountable. He will work towards holding a Public Hearing around CIP in Buffalo and ask David Smith to meet with the National Fuel Accountability Coalition. PUSH members are confident that Chairman Brown will use his power to help us achieve a just solution to the energy crisis in our communities. What a victory!

David Smith: Meet with the Community!

21 Mar 2011 19:18:45 GMT

After an exciting weekend in Washington, PUSH came home to Buffalo and kept the momentum going! National Fuel Accountability Coalition partners mobilized over 150 folks who are fed up with high heating bills to the People's National Fuel Stakeholder Meeting on March 10th. While CEO David Smith and the shareholders were down in Florida figuring out how to make more money off of our high bills, the National Fuel Accountability Coalition passed the following resolutions for making National Fuel a responsible community partner: Community Participation We resolve that National Fuel CEO David Smith meet with the National Fuel Accountability Coalition to discuss community solutions to the energy crisis. Investing in Weatherization We resolve that the Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) is reformed so that it prioritizes long-term solutions to the energy crisis for low-income and working people. We further resolve that National Fuel match the customer contribution to the conservation incentive program with company money. We further resolve to that National Fuel executives participate in all public hearings regarding the effectiveness of the conservation incentive program. Executive Compensation We resolve that CEO David Smith is over paid and from this point forward he will no longer be compensated at $7.1 million a year, rather his salary will not exceed twenty times the lowest paid employee. Green Jobs We resolve that National Fuel invest in green jobs and training programs that put low income customers to work weatherizing homes. We further resolve that weatherization work created by National Fuel will use high road job standards and contract with minority and women owned business enterprises. Environmental Stewardship We resolve to stop hydrofracking, and rebuild communities that have been harmed. We further resolve that National Fuel stop investing in dirty, dangerous and wasteful hydraulic fracturing and instead invest in energy conservation and efficiency, the cheapest cleanest solution to our energy crisis. After an exciting People's Stakeholder Meeting, we marched over to National Fuel's downtown office to deliver our resolutions and continue our call for CEO David Smith to meet with the NFG Accountability Coalition. Check out the Buffalo News coverage here!

Winning Back Our Democracy at NPA 2011

17 Mar 2011 16:11:22 GMT

Wow, have we been busy! From Washington, DC, to Albany, PUSH members have been hard at work taking action to win back our democracy from corporate control. Our government is facing a revenue crisis because it's not bringing in enough money to meet it's expenses, like schools, health care, HEAP and other programs folks rely on. But there's good news: we found the money! It's on Wall St, down at National Fuel, and in the pockets of the Committee to Scam New York. In Washington, twenty-five PUSH members and hundreds of folks from other community organizations nationwide got together for the National People's Action annual conference. When we arrived on Saturday, Brenda introduced our PUSH crew to the entire conference: "We, we are the Mighty Mighty PUSH!" On Sunday, PUSH members James, Nico, Dorian, Bob, Jen and Lonnie shared their stories of what we're building in Buffalo and helped facilitate discussion in four different workshops about bank accountability, green jobs and CDBG. On Monday, Tato, Saint, and Shawn really shined as marshals when we shut down Bank of America and visited Speaker Boehner and Senator McConnell in their offices to send the message that we are fed up with bankers and corporate executives getting richer and richer on the backs of the poor and working class! Check it out: After all of the action, we met with policy officials at HUD and our Senators Schumer and Gillibrand. We told HUD officials about our Green Development Zone and asked them to support community-driven community development solutions that work! We asked our Senators to oppose any cuts to the HEAP and CDBG programs their constituents rely on because this is a revenue crisis, not a budget crisis! Thank you to NPA and all of the affiliates for another amazingly powerful conference. We had a really great time building power with all of you!

March 10th: Join the NFG Accountability Coalition for the People's Stakeholder Meeting!

28 Feb 2011 16:29:25 GMT

While National Fuel executives are on vacation in Florida plotting to make more money, the real stakeholders in Buffalo are left out in the cold! That's why the National Fuel Accountability Coalition is holding the People's Stakeholder Meeting: March 10th 4:00pm St. Paul's and St. Mark's UCC Come tell National Fuel to stop getting rich off us and take responsibility to the community! The fight against income inequality in America is going on right here in Buffalo, NY on March 10th. Will you be there? Will you stand up with us to say: enough is enough! Learn more at NFGAccountability.com

We Beat the Winter Blues at our PUSH Winter Bash!

28 Feb 2011 15:27:19 GMT

This Saturday PUSH members and folks living around the Mass Ave Park got together to play in the snow, eat, dance, and celebrate our community on a beautiful winter day in Buffalo! A huge thank you to the Mass Ave Park team: Bob and Linda got the party going with snow painting; Rosey and Joann brought delicious cookies; Augustine cooked up gallons of hot chicken soup to keep us warm; Terry organized an awesome sled race; Mike manned the pinata; Michael assembled tug of war; and Nico made snow football happen. Plus we can't forget all the kids (young and old!) who kept snow flying through the air all afternoon and Ismail and Lonnie for filling the air with great dancing tunes! Amid all the fun, we updated partygoers about our progress on the community-created Mass Ave Park Revitalization Plan. Our team identified over $100,000 and got it committed to implementing Phase I of our Plan this summer! Now we're making sure the funding for the next phase is in place to keep our Plan moving forward. Our community deserves a safe, fun and accessible park! Everyone at the party was excited about what we've accomplished so far and energized to help us move forward because we know what we need where we live!

Thanks for Joining PUSH Members For Our 1st Spaghetti Dinner!

21 Feb 2011 23:09:49 GMT

PUSH members got together on Friday night to throw a spaghetti dinner to raise money for our trip to Washington in a couple of weeks and it was a HUGE success! We couldn't have done it without the amazing effort of our members. Brenda, Maxine, Bob Cook, Saint, Zaw, Lonnie, Jude, Chivon and Nico sold tickets to their friends, family, and neighbors. Linda, Bob Murphy, Terry, Shawn, Maxine and Aminah put together all of the delicious food. We raised half of the money we need for our trip! If you couldn't make it on Friday and want to make a contribution to send a PUSH member to Washington, DC to fight for our neighborhoods, click Donate above.

PUSH Welcomes New Trainees to 10 Winter

21 Feb 2011 22:55:12 GMT

As construction of our Net Zero House at 10 Winter moves full steam ahead, PUSH welcomed three new trainees from the Outsource Center today! Credo, Roc, and Terry and working with Outsource trainer Tony to learn and practice construction skills that they will hopefully soon be able to apply to good-paying jobs in the field. PUSH is demonstrating that green jobs training that leads to jobs is a solution for our neighborhoods that WORKS! To see more of what we've been doing lately at the Net Zero House, check out our photos!.

National Fuel Accountability Coalition Asks David Smith to Meet with the Community

21 Feb 2011 22:36:44 GMT

The National Fuel Accountability Coalition is made up of twelve organizations and their members who are demanding more transparency and better use of National Fuel's customer-funded conservation program: VOICE-Buffalo PUSH Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S. The Outsource Center The Belle Center Hispanics United of Buffalo The Coalition for Economic Justice Millions More Movement - Buffalo Local Action Committee (BLAC) Prisoners Are People Too Erie County Prisoner's Rights Coalition 100 Mighty Men Citizens Campaign for the Environment At the launch, Coalition members testified about the tough choices they've been forced to make between paying their bills and feeding their families---because high heating bills are an issue facing National Fuel customers everywhere! The Coalition asked David Smith, CEO of National Fuel, to meet with the community. Check out the News coverage and WNYMedia coverage and more pictures of the Coalition launch. To learn more, check out the Coalition's new website

PUSH Members Rodney and Tefilio Hired Full-Time on the MAD Plan!

31 Jan 2011 1:19:57 GMT

Two of our own, Rodney Rainey and Tefilio Cotton, began work on the Massachusetts Avenue Development plan today! They will be involved in every phase of transforming three vacant properties into 11 units of affordable, energy-efficient housing. By creating these living wage green jobs in our neighborhood, PUSH is showing that our solutions work. We are demonstrating that building a new green economy is already having an impact on people and their neighborhoods. We need the banks, National Fuel, and our government to invest in our solutions and bring this neighborhood transformation up to scale! Congrats to Rodney and Tefilio! Thank you to Paul Lamparelli for working with us to create these green jobs. Going green isn't just a lifestyle, it's about survival!

Remembering the Voice of PUSH

18 Jan 2011 22:24:22 GMT

We had a beautiful memorial event for Ray Jackson last night. The Acropolis was packed with PUSH members and Ray's family. Ismail, Saint, Aminah and Bob Cook, offered songs to commemorate Ray and many others shared reflections on what made Ray such an important person to all of us. The room felt like one big family, which is exactly what Ray would have wanted. Thanks to Jen, Aminah and Sara for putting the event together and to Ismail, Lonnie and Tom for the great entertainment. Check out more photos of the night! Thank you to everyone who made it out! If you weren't able to join us last night, but would like to make a contribution to Ray's family in their time of need, you may do so at PUSH, 271 Grant St, Buffalo, NY 14213.

PUSH Breaks Ground on 11 Units of Quality Affordable Housing!

12 Jan 2011 23:13:30 GMT

Today, PUSH and many of our friends and partners join together to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Massachusetts Avenue Development (MAD) Plan, which includes the complete renovation of three vacant buildings using cutting-edge �green design� building techniques, including super efficient heating systems and insulation techniques. The project will create 11 units of green, affordable, high-quality housing. This project builds on the momentum created by community-based organizations including PUSH, West Side NHS, Homefront, MAP and Habitat for Humanity and will strengthen PUSH�s Green Development Zone, which has gained national attention as a model for integrating green affordable housing, renewable energy projects, job training and urban agriculture. The project was made possible by funding from NYS Housing and Community Renewal, the City of Buffalo and funds raised privately by PUSH. Thank you to PUSH Board Chair Jen Mecozzi for emceeing the event and to Mayor Byron Brown, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, Councilmember David Rivera, Legislator Maria Whyte, and John Maggiore for recognizing and supporting our efforts today. And a special thank you to every PUSH member who joined our celebration, especially Augustine for sharing her story as one of the first PUSH tenant. We couldn't accomplish this project without the dedication and hard work of our members! Check out our press coverage and more pictures!

In Memory of Ray

12 Jan 2011 23:02:33 GMT

Unfortunately, we also began 2011 having to say goodbye to our dear PUSH leader, mentor and friend--the "Voice of PUSH"--Ray Jackson. We will be celebrating Ray's life and incredible contributions to PUSH on MLK Day, this, Monday, January 17th at 6pm at the Acropolis (708 Elmwood). If you can make it, please RSVP to Aminah. We'd love you to join us to celebrate Ray!

PUSH rings in 2011!

12 Jan 2011 21:47:20 GMT

We celebrated the holiday season and the New Year in true PUSH fashion, by throwing an incredible holiday party and taking a trip to Albany! Over 200 West Siders and PUSH members and their families came out to celebrate the holidays with us over games, tons and tons of food, impromptu dance performances, karaoke, cotton candy and a beautiful dance party. We've never seen so many people having such a good time at 271 Grant St! It was amazing, thanks to the hard work of PUSH leaders Maggie, Karan, Linda, Shawn, PJ, Aminah, Bob C, Bob M, Augustine, Mike, Annie, Ismail, Lonnie, Brigidann, Ray and everyone who brought a dish or two. After a restful holiday break, PUSH leaders Bob C, Rodney, James, and Tommy traveled to Albany to advance some of our issues at the state level! Bob called on incoming Governor Cuomo to put the people first during the People's State of the State. We began to develop a partnership with NYS Senator Maziarz to pass on-bill financing for Green Jobs Green NY and to hold the Public Service Commission more accountable--goals which PUSH and the Senator share! Finally, we joined our partners in the New York Stimulus Alliance at the State of the State to ask Cuomo to adopt some important New Year's Resolutions. Check out the media coverage of our event!

PUSH Leaders Meet with Federal Officials at NPA's National Leadership Conference

7 Dec 2010 19:33:55 GMT

A couple of weeks ago PUSH leaders Terry, Shawn, Rodney and Dorian went down to Washington, DC for the National Leadership Conference. The NLC is organized annually by National People's Action, an awesome national coalition of community organizations like PUSH! Community leaders from across the country attended a series of trainings, planning meetings, and celebrations that prepared us for meetings with federal officials. PUSH participated in several of these meetings: *Rodney told Elizabeth Warren of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about PUSH's work building a green economy in Buffalo and asked for her help getting the banks on board. She committed to visit us in our communities and attend the March NPA Conference! *Dorian told Ben Seigel of the Department of Labor about the green economy PUSH is building in Buffalo because green isn't just a lifestyle...it's about survival! He agreed to check out our work by coming to Buffalo and to help us make connections to other federal departments that can help us with job creation. *Terry told HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims about our Green Development Zone and asked for federal funding to support community-based development because people know what they need where they live! He agreed to work with us on implementing a pilot program in Buffalo. Many thanks to NPA and all of its affiliates. We had a lot of fun making new friends, learning about some other issues and getting fired up to reclaim our democracy! For more information about everything we accomplished at the conference, check out NPA's report and more of our pictures!

Green Jobs and Housing Victory!

30 Nov 2010 22:51:57 GMT

Last week, Governor-elect Cuomo announced a new Green and Healthy Homes fund in the amount of $2.1 million to be administered by the Community Foundation. PUSH helped shape the proposal for the fund and is eager to see the monies used to dramatically expand weatherization, abatement and green jobs training in Buffalo's neighborhoods. Kudos go to the Foundation and the Attorney General's office for having the foresight to create the fund. As PUSH co-founder Eric Walker states in the following release from the AG's offfice, "The fund dovetails perfectly with the state�s effort to bring energy efficiency upgrades to tens of thousands of homes, spur economic development, and deliver on the promise of green jobs. For PUSH, going green isn't just a lifestyle, it�s about survival.� Check out the press release to learn more!

Geothermal heating in the house!

23 Nov 2010 23:20:05 GMT

PUSH broke ground on its cutting-edge residential geothermal heating system last week! The system is a core element of what will be Buffalo's first NetZero house at 10 Winter Street, which will produce as much energy as it consumes. NetZero construction is now the norm across Europe but it's virtually unknown in the United States. Cutting energy consumption to Zero at 10 Winter is achievable through a combination of solar and geo-thermal systems. Yesterday, PUSH was joined by key partners including Watts Engineering, which designed the system, the Operating Engineers Local 17, the Outsource Center, CIR Electric and the Community Foundation. We're already planning for another NetZero house right next door at 16 Winter Street, which will access the same geothermal system. Check out PUSH's Flickr to see more pictures of the Net Zero House construction!

Buffalo Takes Manhattan IV!

8 Nov 2010 21:58:22 GMT

As the 4th Buffalo Takes Manhattan party approaches, tickets are going fast and we're gearing up for our best NYC party--Buffalo style!--yet. Buffalo Takes Manhattan IV! Saturday, November 13th, 7:30 PM to 1 AM A Tailgate Party in Times Square 330 W. 42nd Street, 33rd Floor $25 online (click the button above!) $30 at the door A free drink to those dressed in Buffalo tailgate apparel This year's honoree and special guest is Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion Steve Mesler, a Buffalonian with a strong commitment to community service and his hometown. Here are some new and exciting party developments: --Two new powerful film shorts about Buffalo will receive their NYC premieres at 7:30 PM. The first was produced by the Convention and Visitors bureau in conjunction with Buffalo's preservation community and features stunning aerial footage of Buffalo. The second chronicles organizations, including PUSH, on the edge of the urban sustainability movement. --Several leading Buffalo artists, including Julian Montague, will show work at the party. --A date with Steve Mesler, our honoree, will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. --Thanks to our sponsors, we will have plenty of Buffalo's two favorite beers--Labatts and Flying Bison--on hand. Looking forward to a true Buffalo tailgate party in Times Square on November 13th! Don't forget to order your tickets now at the top of the page!

Green Jobs in Action!

19 Oct 2010 16:26:39 GMT

If you've been through our Sustainable Development Zone lately, you've probably seen a lot of folks hard at work! We are taking advantage of the last few months of beautiful weather in Buffalo to make further progress on some our land-banked properties and on our Net Zero House at 10 Winter. This work is being done by minority/women-owned businesses in the Green Jobs, Green NY contractor network PUSH been assembling over the past year. At 10 Winter, the new fiber cement siding got a beautiful paint job by Spencer Gaskin and his Outsource Center crew. CIR Electrical installed a 4.5 kw photovoltaic array on the metal roof which will supply electricity to the house and power the soon-to-be geothermal heating unit. We are getting closer and closer to completing the rehab of a once-vacant property into a beautiful home that creates as much energy as the household will consume. Along with our rehab projects, PUSH is "land-banking:" buying up abandoned properties in order to preserve and maintain them until development is feasible. Two of those properties are on Lawrence Place, the next block over from Winter. Dalex Roofing put a brand new roof up on 60 Lawrence. PUSH has donated this house to Habitat for Humanity so that a Burmese family, using sweat equity, can become first-time homeowners on the West Side. This house is one of Habitat's first rehab projects in our neighborhood and we are thrilled to be a part of it! Dalex has since moved over to 135 Chenango St. to replace the roof. On both projects Dalex has put a West Side YouthBuild grad to work and hopes to keep him on the payroll full-time. Across Lawrence from the new roof, Jabril Shareef and his C&R Housing crew demolished a house that unfortunately couldn't be salvaged due to damage sustained in a summer fire. The now vacant double lot will soon become a new entrance to our Mass Ave Park! PUSH leaders are working with the City of Buffalo to revitalize this park, sandwiched between Lawrence and Winter, and turn it from a problem into a community asset. We hope that new entrances to the park will make it safer and more accessible to residents. People know what they need where they live, so at PUSH, we're mobilizing residents to share and implement those ideas. This great construction progress demonstrates how all of the work of PUSH and our partners is interconnected--from building sustainable housing and creating green jobs to campaigning to bring more resources into Buffalo's low-income neighborhoods. And the work continues! This Thursday, October 21st at 11am, join us to break ground on facade and energy-efficiency improvements to our first Housing Co-op at 456 Massachusetts. Over the next few months, Lamparelli Construction and C&R Housing will be removing asbestos, insulating, installing a metal roof and new siding, landscaping the adjacent parking lot, and restoring the storefront facade. Thank you to the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal for making this project possible. Our tenants can't wait for their home to be as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside! If you happen to pass by while any of these incredible folks are hard at work, be sure to thank them! With their help, PUSH is successfully rebuilding our neighborhood.

Apply for our new Community Organizing Training Program

8 Oct 2010 14:56:25 GMT

People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo) is a community organization which works to rebuild the West Side of Buffalo. The mission of PUSH is to mobilize residents to create strong neighborhoods with quality affordable housing, to expand local hiring opportunities and advance economic justice in Buffalo through community control of resources and sustainable neighborhood building. Our current effort, PUSH's Green Jobs and Housing Campaign, has been ongoing for 2 years. For us, that's connecting people to development where they live to solve the big-ticket challenges in the neighborhood: passing Green Jobs, Green NY state legislation to weatherize 1 million units with local hiring requirements; working with with the Federal Reserve to create local green jobs by reforming the Community Reinvestment Act; securing $100,000 from the City of Buffalo towards a park revitalization effort in our neighborhood; and campaigning to reform National Fuel's conservation program. PUSH is seeking individuals interested in participating in a paid Organizer Training Program to help us build power on Buffalo's West Side. Trainees learn the craft of organizing through taking on real responsibilities to help advance an actual campaign. Trainees will be integrated into PUSH's Green Jobs and Housing Campaigns and will focus their outreach efforts on the West Side of Buffalo. Trainees will be trained and mentored by a combination of PUSH staff and directly supervised by the Campaign Leads. The program will include on-the-job training and field practice in the following basics of community organizing (and more!): *Recruitment: Bringing new people into the organization through doorknocking, making phone calls, house meetings *Mobilization: Conducting one-on-one meetings to identify people's self-interest and why they might get involved; moving individuals met to participate in meetings, trainings, actions, etc. *Leadership Development: Building the skills of active membership to understand, develop, and carry out campaigns, as well as mobilize others, through campaign activity, self-analysis, 1-1 development, and trainings. *Campaign Development: Facilitating issue identification, target identification, power analysis, and research to develop a winnable campaign with leadership. *Campaign Strategy and Action: Facilitating the development of demands and figuring out the best ways to move power figures to make changes with leadership; planning and carrying out a series of actions and activities to accomplish your goals. *Coalition and Stakeholder Work: Working with ally organizations to move forward campaign goals and demands. The program is one year long. Trainees will learn by doing; they will be instructed in the basics at the office, sent to the field to practice daily, and return to reflect on their experiences. The typical PUSH organizer schedule is 12pm to 8pm, Monday through Friday, but may start earlier, end later, or include weekend work when necessary. Qualifications -Ability to work independently, yet take direction, according to goals of the organization. -Interest in building community power & fostering the leadership of others. -Comfort in talking to strangers and engaging them in dialogue about community issues. -Eager to learn new things and apply them immediately. -Commitment to self-reflection and evaluation with staff, in order to develop new skills and strengthen existing skills. -Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, active listening and writing -Strong commitment to PUSH's mission, values, and understanding of power, particularly economic and racial justice for low-income people in Buffalo. -Spanish or other language skills are strongly desired, but not required. To apply, please email, fax or drop off a resume and cover letter (including a statement of why you are interested in the program and why you believe you are a good candidate for it) to: PUSH 271 Grant St. Buffalo, NY 14213 email: info@pushbuffalo.org fax: 716-884-0358 The deadline for submitting applications is October 15th, 2010. PUSH is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information please check out our web page at www.pushbuffalo.org

PUSH Demands Meeting with National Fuel CEO

20 Sep 2010 22:05:08 GMT

PUSH's Executive Director writes in to the Buffalo News today to further our call on National Fuel to partner with PUSH and create a conservation program that works for all of its customers. While working to continue the momentum started by "Extreme Makeover" in Buffalo, PUSH has built many public and private partnerships. We ask that CEO David Smith meet with us to hear our ideas and consider partnering with PUSH. Check out Aaron's article here!

PUSH's Net Zero House Gets National Recognition

20 Sep 2010 21:42:00 GMT

The American Institute of Architects and WNED love PUSH's idea to turn a vacant house and the vacant lot next door into a quality West Side home that produces as much energy as it consumes. Yet it's not the state-of-the-art solar technology or the geothermal field we'll be building that's really caught their attention-- it's the fact that our NetZero house is one part of a community-based sustainable development plan that PUSH is implementing to improve the quality of housing and create jobs on Buffalo's West Side. Read more here! American Institute of Architects WNED

Great News Coverage of CIP Press Conference

3 Sep 2010 16:04:47 GMT

Howdy folks, Take a look at the great coverage by The Buffalo News and Western New York Media Thanks to everyone who came out to the press conference , especially the elected officials that came out: Senator Bill Stachowski, County Legislator Maria Whyte, and Councilmember David Rivera.

CD Release part with PUSH and Nov!

2 Sep 2010 19:58:21 GMT

From Nov's Press Release: BUFFALO, NEW YORK, August 24, 2010--Native son of Buffalo Thomas "Nov" Baines is officially releasing his debut album The War in Music in spectacular form at Buffalo's own Burchfield Penny Art Center. Nov is destined to take the city of Buffalo and the entire music industry by storm. An extremely talented individual with a keen ear for music and a lyrical genius in his own right has raised the bar from what is the status quo for Buffalo artists. From his intellectual play on words to the enticing melodies and rhythms, Nov invites the world to experience his world through music. The War in Music is the first of its kind and is sure to satisfy an extensive audience. Nov unlike so many young talents of Buffalo, who venture off into other cities, is committed to his home town. Although the production and creative processes for this debut album was locally based, the end product definitely maintains and even surpasses industry standards and quality. Nov is everything but your average run of the mill artist, also CEO of Majeestyle Entertainment LLC with an M.B.A., he has a drive and a sincere commitment to the advancement of Buffalo NY, fostering an environment within his company to form a sense of social responsibility. The release will be held Friday, September 3rd at 7:30pm at the Burchfield Penny Art Center an endeavor that promises to be groundbreaking. Allied with P.U.S.H. Buffalo, a non-profit organization that focuses on creating strong neighborhoods with quality affordable housing, expanding job opportunities and advancing local economic justice, this will be an evening of music and social awareness. Visit: www.thisisnov.com

PUSH Demands Fair Conservation Program from National Fuel

2 Sep 2010 19:12:57 GMT

On Thursday, September 2nd at 11:30 AM, PUSH Members, joined by State Senator William Stachowski, Councilmember David Rivera, and Erie County Legislator Maria Whyte, gathered outside the Public Service Commission Office in Buffalo, to formally submit public comments urging the Public Service Commission to reject National Fuel�s CIP petition and require a program that works for the community, instead of one that passes costs on to customers who can least afford it. PUSH leaders gave personal testimony on the high cost of high heating bills, as well as discuss community solutions to the problem. National Fuel has submitted a formal request to the Public Service Commission to extend its CIP program. PUSH has sought a dialogue with National Fuel CEO David Smith about ways the program could be improved to reduce heating costs and create jobs in Buffalo�s low-income neighborhoods. Thus far, the company has rebuffed PUSH�s request to offer community input. �National Fuel fails to pay for its own CIP, instead shifting the cost to its customers,� said PUSH leader Bob Cook. �The program is funded by a surcharge on customer bills, authorized by the Public Service Commission in National Fuel�s most recent rate case and the $10.8 million that National Fuel puts into the program amounts to approximately $22 per customer.� Cook continued. According to a study in Forbes, Buffalo is the 4th most expensive city to heat in the country. This forces Buffalonians to make tough choices to meet daily needs and this burden falls heaviest on the city�s poorest residents. Despite having disproportionately high heating costs, low-income customers receive less than 30% of CIP aid. Marketing, evaluation, and appliance rebates targeting well-capitalized homeowners account for the bulk of the budget. PUSH believes a real Conservation Incentive Program would include the following: �

PUSH & Stimulus Alliance Team Up

31 Aug 2010 17:18:54 GMT

PUSH Buffalo teamed up with our friends at VOICE Buffalo, Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope, Common Cause, and Community Voices Heard as the NY Stimulus Alliance at the Church of the Nativity in Tonawanda this past Thursday. We held a town hall style meeting to hold elected and program officials accountable regarding our stimulus dollars! The NY Stimulus Alliance is a coalition of six organizing networks, multi-chapter organizations, and four policy/research partners who have joined together for the purpose of tracking federal stimulus money coming into NYS and maximizing its positive impact for marginalized communities. The meeting was packed with over 150 community leaders from the greater Buffalo-Niagara region. PUSH members marched into the meeting singing a song to the tune of "When the Saints go Marching In" entitled, "Oh When PUSH Goes Marching In." Barbara Barlow, Bob Cook, and Jen Mecozzi from PUSH all spoke at the event. Jen and Barbara gave testimony on the need for our stimulus dollars in weatherization programs to be spent. The NY Stimulus Alliance will continue to monitor the spending of Stimulus dollars and make sure the money is hitting the ground where it's needed!

You Need a Job?

25 Aug 2010 18:45:29 GMT

Check this out! From the University of Michigan: "Part-time employment opportunities are available for candidates interested in conducting in-home interviews for a national study in the Buffalo NY area. Selected hires will attend training in Ann Arbor, Michigan the first week of October for seven consecutive days. After training, employees are required to have a flexible work schedule of 25-30 hrs/wk. during the day, evenings, and weekends and have reliable transportation. Pay rate for the Buffalo area is $12.00/hr. and employees are reimbursed for all business related mileage and expenses. The university is interested in English speaking and bilingual candidates. Spanish/English bilingual candidates receive an additional $2.00/hr. once the candidate passes certification. Higher starting rates for candidates with prior door-to-door data collection experience may also be available." Check out the full description of the job here.

Caribbean Day Parade!

23 Aug 2010 22:04:58 GMT

This past Saturday PUSH members and staff showed up to march in Buffalo's Caribbean Day Parade! Led by Board Member Terry Richard, PUSH danced the entire length of the parade (a not inconsiderable feat) and managed to enjoy themselves thoroughly AND get to our monthly community meeting on time. Go PUSH!

An Evening of Art in the Park!

19 Aug 2010 16:19:02 GMT

Please join PUSH Buffalo and the Urban Soccer Initiative Friday, August 20 at Sweet_ness 7 (216 Grant St at Lafayette Ave) for An Evening of Art for the Park! We will be hosting a party to raise money to aid rehab efforts of Massachusetts Avenue Park, located in the heart of the city's West Side. The event will feature a silent auction, where guests may bid on pieces donated by many of Buffalo's premier artists. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by hitting the Paypal button at the top of our homepage. PUSH leaders have been working hard to get our community-developed plan for the park up and running. Hundreds of West side residents have participated in the planning process and now we have a great blueprint to work off of! The plan for the park includes a splash pad, multi-purpose field, refurbished basketball courts, an amphitheater and a skate-park. PUSH truly believes that people know what they need where they live and that the Mass Ave park could become a jewel of the West Side if we get our plan implemented. We need all hands on deck if we are going to make this event truly successful!

Check Out PUSH on Channel 2's WNY Living

16 Aug 2010 17:03:12 GMT

This past weekend PUSH Leader Grady Davis and Organizer Harrison were on Channel 2's WNY Living with media personality Janet Snyder. Check out the video! They plugged a couple of PUSH's upcoming events, including: An Evening of Art for the Park (a fundraiser for the Mass Ave Park) Friday, 8/20 @ 8p.m. @ Sweetness 7 Cafe PUSH Informational Meeting Saturday, 8/21 @ 3pm. @ 271 Grant St. Hope to see YOU there!

Flowers for the Park!

9 Aug 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Following up from our awesome Summer Bash at the Mass Ave Park, PUSH leaders decided to gather together Saturday morning to keep working on sprucing up our park! Mike R and Michael fired up the weed whackers and knocked out some of the park's many, many weeds. Mike N and Linda took the lead on hand-cultivating a raised bed for planting. Rosey showed her green thumb and planted beautiful flowers all over the park, including some to spell out "PUSH," and Wilton stepped in to spearhead the clean-up effort just as the rest of us were really losing steam. Great work by all! Thanks to Urban Roots and Snyder Ridge Landscaping for their generous donations.

Raising Money for Nothin' a Big Success

5 Aug 2010 18:25:39 GMT

PUSH would like to give a big thank you to everyone who came out to our 'Raising Money for Nothin' event this past Friday. With your help, we're going to have the greenest help in all of Western New York! We hope that everyone had a great time, ate some good food, took a tour @ 10 Winter (thanks Clarke) and got down to some good tunes. We'd like to extend a special shout-out to Shakti Yoga for letting us use their amazing loft and just being terrific hosts. We'll see everyone there next time!

Communities of Color Taking on Green: The Movement and the Money

4 Aug 2010 16:43:46 GMT

PUSH's own Eric Walker is speaking at "Communities of Color Taking on Green: The Movement and the Money " a panel hosted by George Soros' The Open Society Foundation to examine how people of color are playing a leadership role in the fight to stop global climate change; how activists are working to reduce the influence of money in politics and community revitalization; and opportunities for economic, environmental, and community sustainability.

Edwin Gets a Job!

27 Jul 2010 19:02:33 GMT

PUSH is incredibly happy to announce that Edwin Andino, a PUSH leader and YouthBuild worker has recently been accepted into the Local 22 Plumber's Union as an apprentice and will start working right away. Edwin was able to secure the apprenticeship thanks to his hard work and the training he received at PUSH's 'Net Zero House' at 10 Winter St. In addition to all of his work at 10 Winter Street, Edwin also is a leader in PUSH, NPA, and Green For All's campaign to Green the CRA. He recently told his powerful story about the problems he sees on a daily basis and the need for jobs in his neighborhood at a convening around greening the CRA with banks, regulators, and elected officials in attendance. GO EDWIN!

Raising Money for Nothin'

26 Jul 2010 15:38:28 GMT

PUSH is having an event in support of our West Side net-zero (that's energy usage of zero, nothin, nada, zilch!) rehabilitation project at 10 Winter Street. The house--a training site for 20 young from YouthBuild/WNY Americorps--will be the greenest residential structure in WNY, with a geo-thermal heating system, advanced solar systems and super insulation. Youthbuild memmbers and our sponsors have helped to move the project forward (we've completed interior framing, electrical, plumbing and the metal roof), and now we need your help to finish the final stages. Youthbuild members and PUSH staff will be on hand to explain the advanced energy-saving features of the house and we will host tours of the site for those who want to visit over the course of the party. Please join us at a fundraising party at the beautifully renovated bank that now houses Shakti Yoga, just a few blocks from the PUSH office. Purchase $25 tickets at www.pushbuffalo.org or call (716) 884-0356. Friday, July 30th 7PM-10PM Shakti Yoga 133 Grant Street

Summer Bash!!!

22 Jul 2010 17:11:38 GMT

This past weekend, the PUSH Park Committee hosted a clean-up/cookout/fiesta at the Mass Ave Park. Over 150 people attended and helped pick up the park with food courtesy of PUSH and music courtesy of DJ Lonnie. We'd like to thank everyone who attended an encourage folks to keep their eyes peeled for more park clean-ups/fundraisers that are coming your way SOON!

PUSH Testifies @ CRA Hearings

21 Jul 2010 15:06:43 GMT

PUSH Buffalo's Aaron Bartley headed down to DC with National People's Action to let federal regulators know that we need real investment in our backyards! Check out the Buffalo News article here

Green Jobs Buffalo Convening!

14 Jul 2010 17:22:49 GMT

First and foremost, check out this awesome video made by our friends at Green For All PUSH Buffalo and Green For All joined together on Tuesday, July 13th at the Cornell ILR School to convene representatives of regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and foundations to present Green Jobs for Buffalo, a community-based urban green jobs training and job placement program. We managed to get 5 banks, a Wall St. consulting firm, elected officials, the New York Fed, the FDIC, and the OCC all in one room to listen to what we had to say! How awesome is that? Grants to the program are expected to serve as qualified CRA investments for the purposes of satisfying bi-annual bank examinations. The program's community-based genesis, its integration of best practices in urban green job creation, and the program's CRA worthiness make Green Jobs for Buffalo a unique option for promoting high-impact community reinvestment. As we always say, for us going green isn't just a lifestyle, it's about survival. �Green Jobs Buffalo aims to create pathways out of poverty for emerging sectors in the green economy,� said Grady Davis, a PUSH leader. �We know what we need where we live and part of the answer to rebuilding our neighborhoods is getting people trained and into the green collar economy.� PUSH has partnered with Green For All to turn Green Jobs Buffalo into a national model for how to translate banks' CRA responsibilities into real neighborhood development. People are Policymakers!

Mott Conference 2010!

2 Jul 2010 22:15:07 GMT

Sara, Aaron, and Sergio from the PUSH staff and PUSH leader Grady Davis recently attended the 2010 Mott Foundation Conference. They helped lead various workshops including a public narrative workshop taught by Harvard Professor Marshall Gantz. We got to know folks from community groups all across the country and it was a lot of fun to boot. Big thanks to the Mott Foundation, NPA, and CCC for making the trip worthwhile!

PUSH Presents Park Proposal & Wins City Partnership!

29 Jun 2010 18:02:39 GMT

On June 11, 2010, a group of 14 PUSH Buffalo leaders and staff headed down to Buffalo City Hall to further the park conversation. Terry Richard, Nico Walker, Suzanne Montalalou, and Bob Murphy testified on behalf of PUSH's Massachusetts Avenue Healthy Neighborhood Park plan, which nearly 100 West Side residents and architect Kevin Connors directly developed through a series of public meetings. They gave powerful, heartfelt testimonies to an attentive Common Council about why they support the park plan, how the plan was developed, and what it would mean for the community. These PUSH leaders discussed what the park proposal meant to them: Nico wants the skate park, Suzanne is excited about the 3 new entrances and lights, Terry likes the Family Pavilion and improved soccer field, and Bob emphasized the urgent need to make some small but significant progress. Nostalgic memories abounded about the former glory of the park with its swimming pool and bustling activity. These memories gave hope and vision for a future in which the park is once again a place of family fun and community pride. Councilman David Rivera also spoke in support of PUSH and park renovation, adding weight to the residents' words. Ultimately, the Common Council agreed to work with PUSH to make the new park a reality. With the City as a partner, we are one step closer to creating the park YOU designed!

Press Conference Turns Up the Heat on National Fuel!

28 Jun 2010 23:25:15 GMT

Last Sunday, June 27 about 40 PUSH members met at the corner of 15th and Hampshire St. and held a press conference to let National Fuel know that the high costs of heating bills are burying neighborhood residents. PUSH leaders and members spoke about community solutions to the problem of high heating bills and the need for PUSH and National Fuel to work together to lower neighborhood energy costs. The target of the conference was National Fuel CEO David Smith who has so far refused to meet with PUSH to discuss a potential partnership. According to a study published in Forbes Magazine, Buffalo has the 4th highest heating bills in the country. In addition, the vast majority of homes on the West Side are not weatherized. By partnering with National Fuel, PUSH would be able to create jobs by having homes weatherized. This initiative would not only lower heating bills, it would also open up green jobs to the community, lower energy use and protect the environment. Following the press conference, PUSH members put up 100 signs in order to "Turn Up the Heat on National Fuel". These signs demonstrate that the residents of the West Side of Buffalo are behind PUSH's efforts to meet with National Fuel and lower the heating bills crippling the West Side. These 100 signs will be followed by 400 more in the coming weeks. Check out some awesome media coverage on Channel 4 and Channel 7

State Senate Passes On-Bill Financing!

24 Jun 2010 18:30:36 GMT

The New York State Senate has passed legislation allowing on-bill financing for home retrofits supported by the Green Jobs/Green New York program. PUSH Buffalo has been working day-in and day-out to make this legislation happen and we now await approval from the New York State Assembly. If passed by the assembly, the bill will make home retrofits much more accessible to homeowners and small businesses. As Senator Daniel Squadron of Brooklyn/Manhattan said, “Increasing the energy efficiency of consumer products is an easy and effective way to cut families’ electricity bills and reduce greenhouse gases. This is a big win for wallets and the environment, and I thank the Senate Majority for passing this legislation.” The link to the State Senate Statement is below: New York State Senate Announces On-bill Financing

West Side Sustainable Communities Develops 9 point plan!

16 Jun 2010 17:10:31 GMT

Over 40 West Side Community Organizations gathered together on Saturday June 5th to present a 9 point plan developed by community residents for neighborhood revitalization 5-YEAR COORDINATED HOUSING PLAN �� Project Goals: 1. Generate and implement a 5-year coordinated housing plan among the various housing development organizations on the West Side, including: Combined market data and trend analysis Explanation of each housing development organization and the housing projects they are working on over the next 5 years. Action Step: Complete draft plan by October 1st. 2. Increase access to quality, affordable housing and prevent displacement through Homebuyers Clubs, increased tenant and landlord education efforts, and eliminating barriers which restrict groups according to their primary language or income. ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT �� Project Goals: 1. Increase our capacity as organizations to provide start-up support to entrepreneurs. Action Step: Meet with Senator Antoine Thompson on June 25th to gain his assistance with: → Identifying or establishing an ombudsman within City Hall to assist entrepreneurs through the permitting process. → Promoting City-led strategic planning for small business development, including market analysis and increasing the availability of micro-lending. 2. Provide continued support to entrepreneurs by patronizing their businesses. GRANT-FERRY COMMERCIAL GATEWAY �� Project Goals: 1. Re-design this important commercial district node to highlight positive economic activity and provide opportunity for greater small business development. Action Step: Bring together key stakeholders in the area, especially property owners and nearby residents. 2. Create stronger connections between nearby residential areas, the Mass Ave Park, and the Grant-Ferry commercial district through streetscape and traffic pattern improvements. HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS �� Project Goals: 1. Increase patronage of the Growing Green Mobile Market�s fresh healthy food Jericho Road Ministries, Santa Maria Towers and the Growing Green Urban Youth Farm. Action Step: Door-to-door outreach by Growing Green Summer youth and interns around Mobile Market sites. 2. Assessment of corner stores and residents to identify needs and opportunities to carry more healthy foods in corner stores. Action Step: UB Planning Department designs survey for Growing Green Summer youth to conduct and issues report based on findings. 3. Provide education to residents about growing organic food at home, on vacant lots, and in community gardens. 4. Gather community input for increasing neighborhood-based healthy food and active living options through policy. Action Step: Coordinate visioning meetings with residents this summer to identify policy goals. NEIGHBORHOOD LITERACY �� Project Goals: 1. Share resources and help organizations looking to create literacy programs. Action Step: Bring additional partners together, beginning with a meeting at West Side Community Services on June 21st at 9:30 am. 2. Develop and implement a streamlined referral system for those in need of literacy/ESL services. 3. Coordination with service learning institutions to manage a broader volunteer intake to staff literacy programs. SCHOOL 18 NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT �� Project Goal: Leverage the strong community-based programming inside School 18 together with the physical improvements soon being made by the Buffalo Board of Education to stabilize and enhance the surrounding area. Action Step: Formalize agreement between the City of Buffalo and project partners to build school garden at 125 Hampshire Street. SCHOOL 30 NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT �� Project Goal: Generate and implement a community plan for vacant property reuse in the area, by leveraging recent physical investment in School 30 through the Joint Schools Reconstruction work. → Improve streetscape and traffic flow at the Five Points intersection to better suit the needs of residents and business owners. → Connect existing neighborhood resources in the immediate area (Loretto Ministry Center, community gardens, local businesses, etc.) with the School 30 building and community. Action Step: Hold a School 30 Neighborhood Planning Meeting in the fall to gather parents, students, teachers, and residents� ideas for development-based solutions to area problems. WEST SIDE YOUTH PARTNERSHIP �� Project Goals: 1. Sharing information among members of the Partnership about what�s available to youth. → Connecting engaged youth with additional resources. → Coordinating outreach efforts to disengaged youth. Action Step: Create a seasonal directory of programs and services offered by Partnership members. Action Step: Encourage every organization working with and serving youth on the West Side to become an active Partnership member. 2. Determining holes in services and programs currently offered, according to the needs of youth on the West Side, and identifying collective resources to fill those holes. 4. Bridging any gaps which may exist between West Side youth organizations and larger entities like the Buffalo Public Schools. YOUTHBUILD �� Project Goal: To train an increasing number of at-risk young adults in the building trades on local construction sites and to empower them as leaders of a movement to bring good green jobs to West Side residents. Action Step: Placement of YouthBuild trainees in college programs, paid employment, or apprenticeships, including connecting four trainees with living wage jobs in a weatherization pilot program.

Green Development Zone!

9 Jun 2010 16:55:02 GMT

PUSH has concentrated all of its development efforts in its Green Development Zone to make a more demonstrable impact on the community. The Zone streches across Buffalo's West Side from the Niagara River to the Elmwood Village for 25 square blocks. The objective of the Green Development Zone is to create a national model of urban revitalization by concentrating strategic investments in green-design housing rehabilitation, environmental sustainability projects on vacant land, community gardens, and other urban agriculture projects. An important component of any healthy neighborhood is access to fresh, healthy food. To this end, PUSH is making sure we dot our Development Zone with community gardens. Our Community Development Coordinator, Whitney Yax, has been working with the kids at School 30 to design the garden at the corner of 15th and West Utica. The kids worked on a couple designs and chose the one they liked best. PUSH is eager to see some filled garden beds! PUSH is also very excited by HUD's announcement of the 3rd round of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding. We put the first couple rounds to good use by acquiring property in our Zone to clean, green, and seal, and then to later rehab them!

10 Winter St. is Moving Along!

4 Jun 2010 16:51:29 GMT

PUSH has been making tremendous strides with our green, Net-Zero house, 10 Winter Street thanks to the tireless efforts of our YouthBuild crew, our property manager Clarke, and donations from various unions. We are tremendously excited and really eager to see it completed! Here are the features of our Net-Zero House: When completed, 10 Winter St. will stand as a model of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and will produce as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis. hence the phrase "Net-Zero House": Solar electricity—plans call for installation of a 4.5 kw roof-mounted photovoltaic array which will supply electrical power to the home and will power the mechanical equipment. Geothermal heat—heat in the home will be produced and distributed through a closed loop geothermal and radiant floor heating system. A heat pump in the basement will circulate a mixture of water and anti-freeze through piping buried underground in the vacant lot next door. As the mixture cycles through the system it is heated by the constant 50 degree temperature of the ground at that depth. A heat exchanger then transfers the heat to a storage tank where it can be used to supply the radiant floor heating system. Solar hot water—nearly all of the potable, domestic hot water needs of the home will be supplied by roof-mounted, evacuated tube solar panels. A highly efficient backup on-demand hot water heater will provide supplemental heat only on the coldest winter days. Super insulation—the home’s “thermal envelope,” or the insulated shell that buffers the interior living space from the weather, will be established combining the application of spray foam, dense pack cellulose, and rigid foam techniques. “Cool” metal roof—the home will be fitted with a standing seam, galvanized mill finish roofing system. The reflective finish of the roofing material will work to passively cool the home during the hottest summer months, thus reducing the need to mechanically cool the home which can require additional energy. In addition, the roof is 100% recyclable. 10 Winter Street has long been the most blighted property on an otherwise solid block and the residents of Winter Street consider this renovation a community priority. PUSH looks forward to using 10 Winter as a model of green energy production and sustainability in Buffalo's West Side.

Campaign Planning at the Leader's Meeting

28 May 2010 19:07:53 GMT

We had a couple of great leader's meetings recently where PUSH leaders got together to take on the work of the organization. We talked about next steps regarding planning the new park at the Butler-Mitchell Boys and Girls Club and talked about how we can get National Fuel CEO David Smith to meet with us. The real work of PUSH is done by the community members and leaders who take time out of their busy schedules to build neighborhood power. Hats off to them!

PUSH Goes to Visit National Fuel CEO David Smith!

24 May 2010 15:47:52 GMT

On Friday May 22nd, PUSH went to National Fuel H.Q. in WIlliamsville to secure a meeting with CEO David Smith after he ignored our letters and phone calls. We want to partner with National Fuel in weatherizing homes and creating green jobs in Buffalo's neighborhoods! Please check out the video after the cut:

NPA 2010: Taking Back Our Democracy and Reclaiming America!

19 May 2010 18:55:10 GMT

On May 15th, we took 40 PUSH members and leaders down to Washington D.C. PUSH joined National People's Action, a network of community organizations from around the country to hold lobbyists, politicians accountable to Real People. We let them know that enough is enough and that we need an economy that works for us! As part of NPA, we helped serve notice to lobbyists by shutting down K Street for half an hour before marching through downtown DC! PUSH leaders Bob, Julie, Nico, Jalal, Mitchel, Chivon, and Barbara helped lead workshops on Green Jobs and Cities that Built America which demonstrated PUSH's innovative and groundbreaking organizing and development work. We met hundreds of amazing community leaders from Springfield, MAss. to Los Angeles, California and struck up some friendships that will last a long long time! And, we had a great time! Please check out our Flickr Site to check out pictures from the conference/actions.

West Side Takes Wall St.!

3 May 2010 15:59:57 GMT

On April 29th 30 PUSH members, leaders, and staff joined our allies at National People's Action the AFL-CIO, PICO, SEIU, and Move-On.org at a 10,000 person rally and march in NYC to hold big banks accountable for their role in the economic crisis that has hit our communities across the country. Wall Street wrecked OUR economy and now it’s high time that they FIX IT! We also went down there to ask the politicians that are supposed to be for us, “Which side are you on?” Are they with the big banks that destroyed our neighborhoods, cut our jobs and services and got rich off of our misery? Or, are they with us, the people to whom they’re responsible to? We need to know because it’s more important than ever that we hold these people accountable and force them to take a stand, make a choice, and answer the question, “Which side are you on?” Hopefully we’ll keep hearing the right answers as the fight continues. In addition to the rally and march, PUSH helped NPA take over the lobbies of Chase Bank and Wells Fargo/Wachovia in order to get our message of reform to the leadership and CEOs of those institutions. We chanted, sang, and refused to be moved until a letter with our demands in it was delivered to the offices of the CEOs! A big thank you to Heidi Hines of the Mary Mitchell Center the the Northwest Bronx Community Clergy Coalition for hosting us and letting us catch some must-needed rest. We look forward to continuing the work on May 15th-17th when we will meet up with NPA in Washington D.C. for the Showdown on K Street! If you fired up and can’t take it NO MORE, and want to come to D.C. give us a call @ 884.0356 In the meantime, please check out these press clips from the actions on Thursday: New York Times New York Daily News New York Post Dylan Ratigan, CNN, Democracy Now: CNN Democracy Now

Annual Meeting a Circus and a Success!

27 Apr 2010 16:18:50 GMT

This past Saturday over 150 community residents attended PUSH's 2010 Annual Meeting! There was a 'circus twist' as PUSH leaders, staff, and board members were stationed at different "carnival booths" which represented different facets of the organization. Each booth had a carnival game such as "Tug-o-War with the National Fuel Bandit" that empasized the important qualities of each part of PUSH whether collective action or community development. We saw a lot of new faces which made us incredibly happy. As PUSH continues to grow, it becomes more important than ever that we are made of the community we are in and we saw some steps in that direction on Saturday. We also elected two brand new board members! Congratulations to Terry Richards Suzanne Montalalou. The board is so happy to have you! Thank you so much for coming out and we hope to see you soon.

PUSH is Headed to the Showdown on Wall St.!

8 Apr 2010 18:27:52 GMT

Fed Up with Wall Street & Big Banks? Join the movement. Thursday, April 29, 2010 @ 3p.m. in downtown NYC. Location details TBA! Check out the Showdown in America website for updates from all around the country and join the Facebook Event! The same financial institutions that drove a record foreclosure crisis, sent our economy into a deep recession, and needed billions upon billions in taxpayer bailouts are back to raking in billions in profits and awarding themselves huge paychecks and bonuses. Enough is Enough. Stand Up New York. Tell Wall Street and the Big Banks: * Do your part- fix the state budget crisis * Invest in our communities and our economic recovery: We need jobs now * Fix your foreclosure mess: People must stay in their homes and tenants need good landlords not falling apart foreclosed buildings. * Good Credit not Gouge Credit: No more subprime schemes, crazy credit card interest rates, and predatory products. Get good loans moving again to businesses and our communities Join PUSH members and leaders as we meet our allies at NPA and tell Wall St. that we need some real development in our backyards!

Did you know about PUSH's Tool Library?

1 Apr 2010 15:34:21 GMT

It's open for business at 389 Massachusetts, in partnership with our friends from MAP! Hours: Wednesday 6p - 9p Saturday 9a - 1p Do you need an expensive tool to complete a home repair or yard cleaning project? Instead of buying it, borrow it from PUSH! Become a member of PUSH's Tool Library and you can borrow any of our tools for FREE! If we don't have something you need, request it and we'll work on making it available soon. To become a member, you'll need: -$10 (only $5 if you're already a member of PUSH) -Photo ID and a piece of mail to verify your address -Contact info for 2 personal references We have a wide selection of power tools, including a miter saw, circular saw, tile saw, and more, hand tools, and yard tools! Contact Whitney at [716] 884-0356 for more info or to ask about a particular tool.

Green Power Speaking Tour!

4 Mar 2010 17:31:51 GMT

Howdy friends! We are currently engaged in organizing a speaking tour titled, the "Green Power Speaking Tour" around the green jobs and sustainable neighborhoods movement sweeping the nation. Recently, PUSH was fortunate enough to be featured on 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' when one of our board members and community activists, Delores Powell, was chosen to receive a new, green home. Through that platform, we were able to showcase how Buffalo and PUSH are at the forefront of the nation-wide sustainable community movement. The Green Power Tour speakers include Buffalo Bills linebacker Chris Draft, a 12 year NFL veteran, and Extreme Makeover star Delores Powell. Other speakers include Myo Thant, a prominent international human rights activist from Burma now living in Buffalo, Eric Walker, a founder of PUSH Buffalo, and Michael Gainer, the founder of Buffalo ReUse, the nation's leading organization in "green demolition" and building materials salvage.. Want the Green Power Speaking Tour to come to YOU? Let us know! Email harrison@pushbuffalo.org if you're interested!

Park Planning Victory!

2 Mar 2010 22:27:14 GMT

Today, 3.2.10., PUSH staff and leaders Terry, Mike, Jalal, and Nico met with Buffalo's Commissioner of Public Works today about the plan we're working on for our neighborhood park on Mass Ave. We told the Commissioner about our planning meeting in October, where nearly 100 residents came out to give their ideas for improving the park, and showed him the park plan we made from all those ideas. The Commissioner and his staff gave us their input on our plan and committed close to $100,000 of City funding to our park. They committed to meet with us again by the end of March to figure out a plan for spending that money. We are really excited as not only is a good chunk of money coming to our park, now we have a seat at the table to decide what it's used for! After this victory, we have plenty of work ahead to see our plan for the park through.

Board and Staff Retreat 2k10 + Power Analysis

26 Feb 2010 16:46:14 GMT

PUSH had an incredibly busy couple of days this past weekend! First, members and staff headed to Harvest House in South Buffalo to attend a Power Analysis training with VOICE Buffalo and NOAH (Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope) to help plan our strategy for our campaign against National Fuel! It was a great training and we would like to thank Harvest House for their hospitality as well as our technical advisor, Tammy Greaton, for putting on a great training. PUSH staff members then raced to meet up with our board at the Stella-Niagara retreat center in Lewiston right on the Niagara. We talked about our favorite moments at PUSH, socialized, and got down to business amending our 5 year strategic plan and reporting on the various aspects of the organization. We managed to get a lot of important work done while we enjoyed each other's company. We definitely want a ton of input on the plan which we will present at our annual meeting in April, so stay tuned!

PUSH Documentary!

24 Feb 2010 17:16:15 GMT

Check out the only feature film that we star in,PUSHing People Power, by our amazing documentarian Ruth Goldman. Copies of the film are available for sale at the PUSH office, so hurry up and call (716.884.0356) while supplies of PUSHing People Power last! Thanks to Squeaky Wheel for funding the project!

Co-op Goes Bowling!

15 Feb 2010 19:53:55 GMT

The PUSH co-opers headed to Voelker's Bowling Center the other night, for some bowling, pizza, and fun! PUSH's 2 co-ops consist of 6 families that engage in collective decision-making with regard to their shared spaces and participation in PUSH. The co-op periodically sets out in search of awesome and fun things to do. We'll make sure to let you know when we head out in the future, so maybe you can meet us there!

Poverty Research Workshop, February 26

11 Feb 2010 17:58:05 GMT

PPG is helping bring community groups and scholars together to better understand and address Buffalo's poverty crisis. Please join us at the Merriweather Library for a Poverty Research Workshop on February 26, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by a social hour. Speakers include Dr. Kathryn Foster, University at Buffalo, Regional Institute Dr. Wende Mix, Buffalo State College, Geography Dr. Samina Raja, University at Buffalo, Planning Dr. Erin Robinson, Canisius College, Sociology Dr. Henry Taylor, University at Buffalo, Center for Urban Studies We will highlight existing research by local scholars, hear from community groups about their research needs, and brainstorm about how to meet those needs and facilitate more community-university collaborations on research that makes a difference. See www.wnyhomeless.org for more details. You can reserve a seat with Kristin Cipollone, cipollone@wnyhomeless.org. You can also propose topics for research projects, identify existing research to showcase at the workshop and put in our new poverty research library, and help us expand our directory of community-oriented scholars and community economic development directory.

Power Analysis at Harvest House

4 Feb 2010 16:08:54 GMT

As hopefully everyone knows, We are in the midst of our Green Jobs and Housing Campaign and right now we have National Fuel in our sights. We want them to show some real investment in our neighborhoods by committing to help us weatherize 1,000 units in 2010. Part of the campaign is figuring out how strong we are, who can help us, and who won't help us. That's why we're teaming up with a couple other groups, VOICE Buffalo and NOAH (Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope) to run what we call a Power Analysis. To do this successfully, we need all PUSH members to be there! The meeting is at Harvest House on 1782 Seneca Street in South Buffalo at 1p.m. We will be carpooling from the Grant St. library (271 Grant) at 12:30p.m. Don't miss it!

PUSH Gets Trained at Mahoning Valley

1 Feb 2010 16:52:34 GMT

This past weekend, several PUSH staff and members went westward to Ohio to spend some time with our friends and allies at the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative . MVOC lead a great training about issue-based campaign organizing where we learned about identifying targets, doing a power analysis, and identifying people's self-interest. MVOC is a great organization and we are working closely with them on getting the Community Regeneration and Sustainability Initiative passed among a host of other national issues. If you are ever in the Youngstown, Ohio area, you should stop in and say hi to them!

Extreme Makeover Premieres!

26 Jan 2010 19:24:27 GMT

This past Sunday, PUSH Buffalo board member and West Side resident Delores Powell and her family starred in an episode of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. You can check out the episode in its entirety here! We are so excited and happy for Delores and her family as well as the spirit displayed by Buffalonians from all parts of the city. Over six thousand volunteers worked on over 70 homes on and around Massachusetts avenue. Nothing like this has ever been done before in the show's history! We would like everyone to remember though, that the work doesn't stop here. As Delores said on the episode, "Real People, Real Power!" and we are determined to keep rebuilding Buffalo's West Side with the strength and commitment of regular hardworking people just like YOU. Give us a call, 716.884.0356 or shoot us an email, info@pushbuffalo.org!

Counting Down to the Extreme Premiere!

21 Jan 2010 15:55:57 GMT

Only a couple more days before the Premiere of Extreme Makeover: Buffalo Home Edition on Sunday, Jan. 24th at 7p.m. at Shea's Performing Arts Center. Don't miss your chance to see Buffalonians at their finest. Pick up your tickets at the Shea's Box Office or come down to PUSH at 271 Grant St. Check out the great writeup of the episode in today's Buffalo News! Check out the event on our Facebook Page! Thanks! And see you there!

Premiere of Extreme Makeover Buffalo at Shea's!

13 Jan 2010 16:04:02 GMT

Join us, JANUARY 24th, 2010! Check out the event on our Facebook Page! Tickets are available now at Shea's! The only way to guarantee you'll get a seat for the show is to pick up your FREE TICKETS from the Shea’s Buffalo Box Office asap. Once the 3,000 tickets are gone--that's it. All tickets will be distributed in advance of the evening’s events. Tickets are complimentary, limit of 2 per person, No tickets at the door, unless there are some still available. The Shea’s Box Office is located at 650 Main Street and is open M-F 10 a – 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 am– 2 pm Event Parking is available on Pearl Street, Washington St. etc. You were there when the Hero Family was announced, You were there when Buffalo ReUse performed the Green Demolition, You were there when volunteers from PUSH and Re-Tree WNY built the community gardens, You were there when WNY Americorps and others descended on the block and over 70 houses in the neighborhood got a facelift, You were there when David Homes built the brand new house!…Now you can be there as all of Buffalo celebrates the national spotlight! On behalf of PUSH Buffalo, Buffalo ReUse, Re-Tree WNY, and WNY Americorps, as well as The Powell Family–we hope you will join us all in thanking David Homes for their investment and commitment to WNY community. Doors open at 7pm Folks can meet The Powell Family, mingle, and learn about the ways they can volunteer and contribute to future neighborhood improvements. Channel 7 (WKBW) will feature a documentary of behind-the-scenes footage of the 106 hours of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition while the cast, volunteers, and neighborhood worked around the clock. Finally, from 8-10pm ABC will broadcast the Special Buffalo Episode and we’ll all watch together as the story unfolds. We hope that everyone will come and celebrate the national spotlight on Buffalo and the neighborhood revitalization igniting across The Queen City! **This event is on FACEBOOK. Please, invite all your friends!!

PUSH Meets the Gov!

13 Jan 2010 18:28:42 GMT

Yesterday PUSH members and staff headed to the Buffalo Science Museum to meet Governor Paterson at his 'State of Upstate' address. We were really excited to meet the Governor as we have fought a 2 year battle moving the idea of sustainable neighborhoods from the streets to the capitol. We are looking to collaborate, coordinate, and innovate with the governor's office while looking towards making our sustainable neighborhood a national model. PUSH leaders Maxine and Amy got a chance to tell Gov. Paterson that a green development zone would mean they could erase the stereotype of affordable housing equaling substandard housing. It would also provide an easier pathway for them to get their homes weatherized as they currently both have landlords who are unwilling to help them have greener, healthier homes. When Amy shook hands with Gov. Paterson and asked him to, "Remember PUSH," the Governor said he would! As we know here at PUSH, greening our neighborhood also leads to having jobs right here in our backyards. We need to train community residents to do weatherization and then put them to work! Remember, for us, going green isn't just a lifestyle, it's about survival!

Movement 5: Holiday Party Rocks Theaterloft!

12 Jan 2010 22:45:21 GMT

The day after Christmas hundreds of Buffalonians, friends, and ex-pats descended on The Movement V: Holiday Dance Party to shake off some of that tryptophan-induced drowsiness and break a sweat or two on the dance floor. After tons of greats performances by a variety of artists, two of Buffalo's finest DJs, Cutler and LoPro, bounced the party into the early morning hours. PUSH woud like to thank everyone who came out to the party, all of our sponsors of the event, everyone who helped out by volunteering, and everyone who performed. Be sure to be on the lookout for the next Movement Party. They are a great way to have a good time and support organizations like MAP and the Ujima Theater Company that do so much work in the community year-round. Please keep in touch and we'll let you know when the next party is as soon as WE know. Hopefully you caught PUSH's own Aaron Bartley out on the dance floor as rumor has it that he absolutely killed it until about 3 in the morning.

The Movement V: Holiday Party is coming SOON!

21 Dec 2009 16:01:39 GMT

Everyone's favorite post-Xmas bash is right around the corner! Whether you're coming back to B-lo for your annual pilgrimage or you're living the Queen City dream year-round, you know the place to be on December 26th. Reunite with old friends and make some new ones at: The Holiday Dance Party Ujima Theatre Loft (at 545 Elmwood Ave.) Saturday, December 26th at 9 PM $10 at the door, proceeds support Ujima, PUSH Buffalo and PPG Check out the schedule of events which start at 9p.m.! Events Schedule Internationally recognized playwright and poet Gary Earl Ross will read his prolific poem “In My America” that encapsulates the consciousness of what the Partnership for the Public Good (PPG), its members and the ProLove Tour artists stand for. Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee Rodney Appleby with his All Star Band is the house band backing up all the performers. Versatile songstress Marta Corchado, Buffalo’s latest sensation, will sing in both English and Spanish. Zoe Viola, soulful teen sensation, will sing a new original song and maybe an old favorite. Then we begin the Hip Hop Battle! Rock-Child Vs. Stockbridge (represented by Big Spence and City Honors Alum – Cochise) Rock-Child, Milk and Nomadik, define themselves as the U2 of hip-hop while Stockbridge, Big Spence and City Honors Alum – Cochise, represent the pure back to basics of having a good time. We move the party into the Green Room and dance the night away to Buffalo’s Best DJ’s LoPro and Cutler. The party ends…when the tap is tapped out! To Buy Tickets Online, Please follow Link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/91720

Anti-Freeze Rally

18 Dec 2009 16:05:21 GMT

This past Thursday, 12/17/09, PUSH Buffalo and 70 community residents gathered in Lafayette Square to demonstrate against the high cost of heating bills and to call on National Fuel Inc. to invest in our neighborhoods to the tune of weatherizing 1,000 units in 2010! We had a lot of fun at the rally even though it was very, very cold. We sang our very owned utility-themed Christmas Carols such as the now-classic, "Heating Bells" and were even visited by a cousing of St. Nicholas, St. Brokemas who helped lead the singing. Unfortunately the 'National Fuel Bandit' made an apperance and we had to beat back the bill attack with a little people power. Check out the Buffalo News article on the rally. Two PUSH leaders, Anaida Cruz and Maxine Muphy, gave moving testimony as to how the high cost of heat extends beyond the bills and affects your life in a myriad of ways. PUSH leader Ron Andrews read a letter that we delivered to the National Fuel Main Office calling for a meeting with CEO David Smith in 30 days. We look forward to hearing from him! PUSH would like to thank everyone who braved the cold to come out and let National Fuel know that for us, going green isn't just a lifestyle, it's about survival!

Buffalo Bills Player Chris Draft Visits PUSH!

8 Dec 2009 18:29:44 GMT

Buffalo Bills Outside Linebacker Chris Draft visited PUSH this afternoon! After he heard about us from our coverage on Extreme Home Makeover, he gave the office and call and wanted to check us out and see if we can work together to improve the neighborhood. Chris has a family foundation that focuses on, "seven primary initiatives with overarching themes that stress the importance of education, healthy lifestyles, character development, personal responsibility, self-discipline and physical fitness." We were all very excited to meet Chris and hope that we can continue to work together in the near future!

Winter Fun on Grant St!

4 Dec 2009 22:57:06 GMT

Come on out to a fundraiser for PUSH! The Opening Reception: Friday, December 18th from 5p.m.-10p.m.@ The Grant St. Gallery, 216 Grant St. (Next to Sweetness 7 Cafe). The vendors include: El Buen Amigo - (South American Clothing & Crafts), Designs by Dovi and Girls ( Handmade African Designs) , JJ's Jams, Soapworks - (Great Soaps- Great Strories), Tyshawn's Original Aibrushing, Rmah Market - (Mediterranean & African Clothing), Pamela Grace Designs, Handmade Designs from Burma Performers: Daughters of Creative Sound, Ismail & Co., 12/ 8th Path Band, Noel Smith, Andrew J. Reimers, Roaring Sequoia There will also be raffles with some great prizes! A percentage of the sales goes to PUSH Buffalo If you can't make it on Friday, don't worry as the Gallery will be open all weekend! Hours: Saturday & Sunday (December 19th & 20th) 11a.m.-7p.m. Hope to see you there!

PUSH Hits Mass Ave to Help Out

3 Dec 2009 19:52:26 GMT

This past Wednesday, PUSH leaders and neighborhood residents joined forces with Mayor Byron Brown and the City's Impact team to work on a few PUSH projects and to clean up some areas on Mass Ave. Check out the article in the Buffalo News about all the good work being done! This work took place in our 'Green Development Zone,' an area centered around the park behind the Butler-Mitchell where we are concentrating our vacant lot and vacant home rehabilitation efforts. We'd like to thank everyone who came out and helped out!

Keep the Momentum Going!

23 Nov 2009 20:35:54 GMT

We had a great community meeting this past Saturday. Over a hundred PUSH leaders and neighborhood residents showed up to keep the momentum from the extreme home makeover week going. We came up with some next steps for our Green Jobs and Housing Campaign in addition to furthering the park planning process. We're very excited to keep building our base as we saw many new faces and a TON of energy and eager to make some changes in our backyards!

Good Neighbors Park!

18 Nov 2009 19:54:34 GMT

On Friday, November 13th, PUSH gathered with over 100 community residents, friends, and volunteers to celebrate the dedication of Good Neighbors Park, at the corner of 15th and Utica, to the people of the neighborhood in honor of their tremendous spirit and vitality. The Park was completed with the tireless effort of over 100 volunteers from the neighborhood and was part of the Extreme Makeover week projects. PUSH Board Chair Jen Mecozzi spoke on the importance of coming together and knowing that we have a good neighborhood despite what anyone else might say while a PUSH member who volunteered his time on rehabbing the park all day every day during the week, Chevy Felipe Garcia, noted that this was only the beginning and that if we keep it up, our potential is limitless. There was fresh-pressed apple cider, music, food from Ms. Augustine Gilchrist and Niagara Cafe and everyone get a chance to see the freshly completed park. PUSH would like to thank everyone who made the park possible, especially all of the volunteers and WNY Americorps. Photos by Whitney Crispell

PUSH Board Member, Delores Powell, Gets New Home from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!

16 Nov 2009 17:14:30 GMT

This past week, PUSH board member and neighborhood resident Delores Powell was selected by the television program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to receive a brand new home! Delores and her family were flown to Jamaica for the week while thousands of volunteers descended on the West Side to aid the building process. Thanks to the hard work of all folks involved, Delores now has a beautiful, green, new home to enjoy! Thanks the efforts of WNY Americorps, David Stapleton, and PUSH, 50 other homes were able to have repairs and other work done on them. In addition, PUSH was able to complete two other projects, a community garden at the corner of 15th and Utica and a rain garden on Mass. Ave. PUSH is especially proud of the 100 plus neighborhood residents who volunteered on various projects. We are proud of the neighborhood and even more proud of its people, go West Side! Due to the extraordinary spirit present in the neighborhood that week, PUSH wanted to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all the neighborhood residents, so we had a party on Friday to name and dedicate our newest community garden (at the intersection of Utica and 15th)as the "Good Neighbors Garden, in honor of the blood, sweat, and tears of the neighborhood residents. Please take a minute to check out more pictures from the event on our Facebook Page and our Flickr Page

Showdown in Chicago!: Reclaiming America

29 Oct 2009 18:24:14 GMT

This past weekend 20 West Siders headed to the Showdown in Chicago, the biggest mobilization of hardworking Americans since the financial meltdown and the bailout. Organized by our partner, National People's Action, demonstrations targeted the American Bankers Association, Goldman Sachs and the Wells Fargo lobby. Thousands of people came together from all across the country to demand sensible regulation of the financial industry and an end to obscene bonuses in this time of crisis. PUSH leaders and staff joined members of other affiliate organizations to play key rolls in keeping the actions safe and fun as a van load came up early to receive 'marshal' training to keep discipline tight. For more pics, check out our Flickr Page! PUSH wholeheartedly supports the goals of increased financial regulation, modernization of the Community Reinvestment Act and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and holding big banks accountable for their actions with taxpayer dollars!

Showdown in Chicago!

19 Oct 2009 18:21:24 GMT

This upcoming weekend, PUSH leaders and staff are headed to the Showdown in Chicago! We will join our friends at National People's Action and thousands of people from across the country to participate in a series of demonstrations targeted at financial institutions which caused the economic crisis and received billions of dollars while everyday people are struggling to make ends meet. We invite you to spread the word and to join us in Chicago if you're able. Enough is enough!

We're Planning Our Park!

15 Oct 2009 0:23:08 GMT

On Wednesday October 14th, PUSH, architect Kevin Connors and 100 neighborhood residents teamed up at the Butler Mitchell Boys and Girls Club to make a plan for the City park behind the building. We broke into small groups to popcorn ideas, write them down and vote on the ones everyone liked best. Some of the more popular ideas for the park were: having a swimming pool, more lights and security, and making a soccer/football field where people can play among countless other great suggestions. The ideas generated will now be taken back to our architect, Kevin Connors, who will then incorporate them into a draft of the park plan which will then be available for public comment. We are determined to make this park a place where people want to go instead of a place they're afraid to go! The park renovation is part of PUSH's Healthy Neighborhood Concept Plan, strategically targeting houses, lots and greenspace in the Mass. Ave corridor for rehabilitation. PUSH believes deeply in the community planning process and that people know what they need where they live. With real input from real people who live near the park, we can make this place a centerpiece of the neighborhood for years to come! We would like to thank everyone who came and helped out, especially our facilitators, the Boys and Girls Club Staff, and of course, all the neighborhood residents!

YouthBuilders get Trained!

14 Oct 2009 19:10:53 GMT

PUSH and WNY Americorps recently teamed up to bring the YouthBuild program to the West Side of Buffalo. YouthBuild lets young people between the ages of 16-25 to get on the job construction training, get their GED, and a chance to earn money for college, all while receiving a bi-weekly stipend. The YouthBuilders are currently undergoing construction training at the Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Center and will start working on a PUSH project, 10 Winter St. , on October 20th. PUSH is excited to have local youth rebuilding their own neighborhood while greatly improving their job prospects. We look forward to continuing this partnership with WNY Americorps and can't wait to see all the great work the crew does!

GOV. PATERSON SIGNS GREEN JOBS-GREEN NEW YORK ACT

13 Oct 2009 22:38:49 GMT

After a year of hard work, dedication, and mobilization of hundreds of PUSH members and tireless effort by the staff, Governor Paterson signed the Green Jobs/Green Homes bill in Syracuse today. It's a huge victory for PUSH (whose own Eric Walker helped draft the bill) and an even bigger victory for New York State which is now poised to become the national leader in green jobs training. Check out the Buffalo News Article! Please check out the official Working Families Party Press Release: ADVOCATES CHEER AS GOVERNOR SIGNS GREEN JOBS-GREEN NEW YORK ACT GROUNDBREAKING LEGISLATION CHAMPIONED BY WFP SET TO MAKE NEW YORK A NATIONAL LEADER IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY NEW YORK – The Working Families Party and a broad coalition of environmentalists, labor and business leaders, workforce development experts and community organizations cheered today as Governor Paterson signed the landmark Green Jobs-Green New York Act. The Act, championed by the Working Families Party, will create the most ambitious residential energy efficiency program in the country, providing efficiency upgrades to an estimated one million homes and businesses over the next five years while creating more than 14,000 new jobs. “New York is on the way to becoming a global green leader,” said Dan Cantor, Working Families Party Executive Director. “Using today’s technology, this program will save millions of homeowners on their utility bills, reduce New York’s carbon footprint, and create thousands of badly needed jobs.” The bill’s key innovation is a revolving capital fund, which would use private investment to cover the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements for homeowners and businesses. The fund would be repaid through the resulting energy savings. The bill also provides $112 million in funding from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to administer the fund, leverage private capital to pay for the retrofits, and setup green job training programs across the state. The Center for Working Families first proposed the creation of a mass-scale home energy efficiency program in a report co-authored with the Center for American Progress. Emmaia Gelman, Policy Director for the Center for Working Families said: “New York might become the first state to unlock the full potential of home energy efficiency with a program brings green technology to people of all incomes.” The report can be downloaded here: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/05/pdf/ghgjny_v10.pdf The Working Families Party built an unprecedented statewide coalition of businesses, labor unions, community groups, and environmentalists to help lobby the Green Jobs bill. The coalition cheered the bill’s passage: Richard Kornbluth, President of the Board of Directors of the Building Performance Contractors’ Association of New York State, said: “This initiative creates an opportunity for New York’s Home Performance Contractors to take their businesses to an entirely new level. We see significant growth in job creation for our industry during the next five years as this program unfolds. This is good news for homeowners, for workers, for the economic health of New York State, and for the climate.” Eric Walker, organizing director of the Buffalo-based PUSH community organization said: “The need for the bill is obvious in a place like Buffalo. Community groups are the heart of connecting people to retrofits and jobs laid out in the program. For us, going green is not just a lifestyle, it's about survival.” Myles Lennon of the New York State Laborers Union said: "Green Jobs-Green New York lays the foundation for an inclusive green economy that creates long term career paths and family sustaining wages for green collar workers. Thanks to the state's leadership, we can continue to work with communities to ensure that green jobs are good jobs." Richard Schrader, New York Legislative Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council said: “Energy efficiency makes environmental and economic sense. New York’s biggest carbon footprint comes from energy use in its buildings – but this program will help change that. We are showing the world we can create jobs, lower energy bills, and cut global warming pollution all at the same time.”

Dear Governor Paterson, Sign the Green Jobs Bill in Buffalo!

7 Oct 2009 21:32:57 GMT

Today a carload of PUSH members and staff headed to Albany to talk with Governor Paterson and convince him that he needs to sign the Green Jobs, Green NY Act of 2009 in Buffalo because we need to stay warm in the winter and have jobs in our backyards! We're able to share this picture right now and we'll have a full story on how the trip went tomorrow!

PUSH Wins Big Victory! Green Jobs Green NY Act 2k9 Passes!

6 Oct 2009 16:26:23 GMT

September was a big month for PUSH Buffalo and folks on the West Side as we won a huge victory when the New York State Senate passed our legislation, the Green Jobs, Green NY Act 2009 by 52-8. We collected over 1,000 pledge cards to let our politicians know that we need to stay warm in the winter and have jobs in our back yards! The legislation calls for over 1 million units to be weatherized over 5 years, for 5 billion dollars of private investment, and for over 120,000 jobs to be created by and around that work! PUSH would like to thank each and every person who signed a pledge card. When we dropped off a stack of 1,000 of them, we let our politicians know that we’re serious about getting our homes weatherized and getting green jobs where we live. Thanks to that type of pressure state-wide, the bill passed by a lot! Now we need to make sure that Buffalo is FIRST in line to get this work done. We know we need it here as we’re still the third poorest city in the country and the 4th most expensive city to heat in the winter. So please come on out to out next member meeting, October 17th at 3p.m. to help us plan some next steps!

Buffalo Done TOOK Manhattan

22 Sep 2009 20:26:58 GMT

Howdy friends, This past Saturday over 300 Buffa-lovers came together with PUSH and rocked out in a Times Square penthouse celebrating Buffalo culture. Thousands of wings, hundreds of slices of pizza, and kegs upon kegs of beer were consumed. All pretty good indicators of a pretty great party! Thanks to your generous support we were able to raise over $10,000 and managed to have a great time while we did it! Hopefully you all got something out of it too, whether you caught up with an old friend, met someone new, or scored a cool raffle prize. PUSH would like to thank everyone who volunteered, our sponsors, our hardworking board and staff and all the folks that showed up to make the evening a night to remember!

Tickets Will Be Available at the Door!

19 Sep 2009 19:46:02 GMT

Howdy folks, We've gotten a few emails and calls regarding the availability of tickets to our NYC party. Not to worry! We have enough to go around at the door. Just bring your guest and $25 and you should be all set. We are no longer doing pre-registered attendees, so just come on down to 330 W. 42nd Street, 33rd Floor and enjoy the fun!

Bocce's, La Nova, Labatts and Thousands of Wings--The Only Answer for Last Monday Night

16 Sep 2009 20:15:06 GMT

Hello Friends - If you're looking for a route out of the doldrums that are afflicting all Bills fans right now, look no further. There are still tickets available for Saturday night's "Buffalo Takes Manhattan" party, a benefit for PUSH's neighborhood revitalization efforts on the West Side. See www.pushbuffalo.org to register for the party! NEW ADDITIONS TO THE MENU Bocce's pizza is a new addition to the menu, joining La Nova pizza and wings from McFaddens, Bonnie's and Atomic. We've also received a donation of KC Brewster's Birch Beer, a Buffalo-made pop. And of course we'll have Labatts and Flying Bison. THE VENUE A Times Square penthouse decorated with pictures of Buffalo heroes past and present and a photo exhibit on Buffalo neighborhoods and industrial sites by Lesley Horowitz and Whitney Crispell. World famous DJs and Buffalo natives Rabbi Darkside, Kevlar and LoPro playing danceable jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop and Buffalo classics. Around midnight this turns into a full-fledged dance party. TAKE HOME YOUR OWN LITTLE PIECE OF BUFFALO A package of Bills-Jets tickets. An autographed Andre Reed jersey and other memorabilia from the Bills and Sabres. Gift certificates to more than fifteen Buffalo restaurants and museums. Photos and posters of city landmarks. Collections of poetry by Buffalo poets including Robert Creeley. Ani DiFranco tickets for the NYC Town Hall show. ABOUT PUSH Your $25, which includes food and the first drink, goes to helping PUSH rebuild the West Side one house at a time. PUSH does not wait for any politician or bureaucracy to save our city. We're leading the way to building a vibrant, diverse and beautiful neighborhood that is home to people from all over the world. See you at the party!! BUFFALO TAKES MANHATTAN III Saturday, September 19th, 8 PM 330 W. 42nd Street, 33rd Floor Sponsors include SEIU 1199, the NYC Buffalo Bills Backers, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and M & T Bank For tickets, see www.pushbuffalo.org. Note that there are no physical tickets. You will be placed on the registered list and admitted at the door.

PUSH Mural!

8 Sep 2009 17:38:39 GMT

It's no secret we love art here at PUSH, so when we heard that some folks we knew were interested in doing a graffiti mural with us, we jumped at the chance. We thought about a location and luckily, some friendly neighbors at the corner of 15th and West. Utica offered up their garage. This past Sunday, our two writers teamed up and worked all day to produce a stunning mural The dragon represents, strength, truth, and power while the text reads "PUSH Forward." The finished wall looks great and we hope to do more murals in the future. Thanks again to our writers, Whitney who coordinated the project, and everyone who came out to see the work in action. If you live in the West Side and have a blank canvass that you'd like covered in a great-looking mural, get in touch with us and let us know!

Grant St. Neighborhood Center Re-Opens w/ Art of Hip-hop & Youth Talent Show!

1 Sep 2009 17:49:35 GMT

This past Saturday, August 29th, PUSH was lucky enough to attend the grand re-opening of the Grant St. Neighborhood Center with a special youth talent show in conjunction with the Art of Hip-Hop. We saw some great singers, MCs, and other performers show their stuff with some help from Edreys on the mic and Tone X behind the turntables. There were also snacks, games, and and a great atmosphere in general. PUSH believes the re-opening of the Grant St. Neighborhood Center is extremely significant for the West Side as it provides structured activities for neighborhood youth as well as eventually host a variety of other communally beneficial programs. The center will eventually become a functional library as well which is great news! PUSH would like to thank the two folks that coordinate the Neighborhood Center, Briana & Janice, for all of their hard work in hosting a really successful event. PUSH wants to remind everyone that the center is open Monday-Friday from 3p.m.-7p.m. and that you should stop on by!

PUSH Board, Staff and Tenant BBQ

31 Aug 2009 19:04:36 GMT

PUSH board, staff and tenants braved the persistently threatening rain this past Sunday to gather around our 19th St. Garden and enjoy some fine foodstuffs and the chance to mix and mingle with each other. Highlights of the food included a Spanish chicken and rice dish from our tenant Dashmily, Burmese "Hush Puppies" brought by board member Myo Thant, and delicious brownies baked by staffer Whitney Yax. A big thanks to Tamar for doing all the shopping and prep for the PUSH grilling materials! As PUSH grows, we believe in the necessity of maintaining close ties with the various facets of the organization. With us, people come first and what better way to remind everyone of that lesson than some tasty out-door grilling and hanging out on a lazy Sunday afternoon.?

Empire State Housing Alliance Rally in NYC!

27 Aug 2009 16:29:28 GMT

On Wednesday, August 19th, PUSH leaders and staff hopped on bus at 4:30 in the morning to head down to New York City to attend a rally in support of a piece of legislation called the Housing Investment Fund. If passed, the fund will create a dedicated revenue stream for affordable housing statewide. We are seeking seed money for 2010-11 to the tune of $500 million. Over 200 people attended the rally including NY State Assemblymember Vito Lopez. PUSH would like to thank ESHA Coordinator Joan Roby-Davidson for all of her hard work in putting the rally together. We will certainly keep everyone posted as to the progress of the bill.

Art of Hip-hop/ Re-opening of Grant St. Neighborhood Center!

17 Aug 2009 19:35:51 GMT

ART OF HIP HOP YOUTH TALENT SHOWCASE AT THE GRANT STREET NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER -- THE PLACE TO BE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 29th FROM 1-5p.m. The old library at 271 Grant St will be reopened as a community center on August 29th, in partnership with the Art of Hip Hop festival. Tone, from DeepThinka Records, will be DJing the party as we hold a talent show with performances from youth throughout the neighborhood. There will be singing, step performances, dancing, and artwork on display. We will also be holding a raffle, have tabling for different organizations, FOOD, and also a booksale. Please come and join, because it will be an awesome time! Oh, and did we mention it's FREE!?!?

Buffalo Takes Manhattan Round 3!

17 Aug 2009 19:02:04 GMT

Helloooooo Buffalovers! Buffalo Takes Manhattan, the annual celebration of Buffalo culture in NYC, is fast approaching. On Saturday, September 19th, we'll be bringing Buffalo cuisine and spirit to Times Square. This year we'll also be honoring several Buffalonians of note. If past years are any indication, we expect hundreds of Buffalo lovers of all ages to attend the celebration. To buy your tickets, just click on the banner at the top of the page! Buffalo Takes Manhattan III SEIU 1199 Penthouse 330 W. 42nd Street, 33rd Floor New York, NY 8 PM To make a Buffalo-themed donation for our auction or to help out with the party, please email info@pushbuffalo.org. A big thanks goes out to our sponsors, M&T Bank, HSBC Bank, and the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise. Looking forward to seeing everybody for the third annual party! -The PUSH Team

New Staff & Training with CVH!

30 Jul 2009 20:35:20 GMT

PUSH would like to formally welcome our 3 new staff members, Lonnie Barlow, Angel Ramirez, and Whitney Yax onto the PUSH team. All three are lifelong Buffalonians and are excited to get down to work here on Buffalo's West Side. Lonnie and Angel have joined our organizing team while Whitney is our public education and greenspace coordinator. PUSH would also like to welcome our two new programming coordinators for the community space downstairs, Briana Roy and Janice Li. We can't wait to see what they come up with for downstairs! Even though Angel and Lonnie just came on board, PUSH shipped them plus Sara and Sergio down to Community Voices Heard last week for some intensive organizer training. They jumped immediately into the fray and helped CVH mobilize leaders and members for two actions during the week. The PUSH team also got schooled in various organizing arts & sciences from the CVH staff and is ready to apply what they learned right here, right now, on the West Side of Buffalo A huge thank you to all the good folks at Community Voices Heard for spending their valuable time with PUSH!

Got any tools for PUSH?

28 Jul 2009 21:33:40 GMT

Coming up this fall, PUSH will be opening a tool lending library! We are partnering with Buffalo ReUse to bring you a West Side location of the Buffalo Tool BARn at 456 Massachusetts, in the storefront below our housing co-op. Members join the Tool BARn for a small annual fee and are then able to borrow any tool from our collection at no charge, just like a library. We want our members to be able to borrow everything from hammers and rakes to lawnmowers and table saws, like other tool lending libraries across the country. Check out the West Philly Tool Library to get an idea of what we have in store! Do you have tools in good condition that collect dust in your basement? Tools that would get better use if you shared them with your neighbors? Make a tool donation and help get our Tool BARn started today! There are two great ways to make your tax-deductible tool donation: •Bring your tool donations to 271 Grant Street during business hours •Schedule a pick-up from your house with Whitney, by calling 716-884-0356 or emailing whitneyyax@gmail.com Here is our wish list, for inspiration, but please don’t hesitate to donate any tool in good condition: Electric/cordless drill Reciprocating saw Circular saw Table saw Miter saw Jigsaw Tile saw Orbital palm sander Hacksaw Caulking guns Putty knives Framing hammer Torpedo level Pry bar Framing square 30’ tape measure Utility knife Speed square Air compressor Finish nailer Framing nailer Pliers Screwdrivers Crescent wrench Sledge hammers Trowels Floats Extension cords Ladders Wheelbarrow Garden hoe Post-hole digger Lawnmower Even if you don’t have spare tools, you can help our efforts by letting your friends, family, and neighbors know about PUSH and encouraging them to donate tools. Email a friend!

Made You Sweat Like You Didn't Know You Wanted To

27 Jul 2009 22:00:14 GMT

On Friday, July 17th The Movement 4: Sweatbox Edition at Ujima Theater definitely made over the 150 people who turned out sweat like they didn't know they wanted to! Party people were on hand all night to drink Flying Bison beer and listen to the sweet sounds of Fudgy Chewy, DJ Lopro and DJ Cutler, as well as the Springville All Stars Marching Band & Zoe Viola. Folks also got to check out some Krumpers vs. Bboys action on the main stage! All proceeds went to benefit the Partnership for the Public Good, Buffalo's own regional think-tank. We can't wait to see you at the next one!

PUSH Wins Commitments from the Fed!

17 Jul 2009 18:04:20 GMT

On Thursday, July 16th, PUSH Buffalo along with our national partner NTIC/National People's Action hosted members of the Federal Reserve in a community forum to support Community Reinvestment Act reform and the expansion of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and to respond to the foreclosure crisis. The meeting was held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Delaware Avenue. A panel of local housing expert spoke to the effect of the foreclosure crisis on Buffalo while testimony was given from neighborhood residents and PUSH leaders Ron Andrews and Eddie Egriu on how they have been personally affected by the foreclosure crisis and the subsequent need for lending reform, job creation, and bank regulation. The meeting was a huge success as PUSH & NPA won solid commitments from the Federal Reserve to: 1. Conduct regular meetings with the NY Fed 2. Expound on our demands of comprehensive CRA & HMDA reform and CRA investment as a means of employment generation and receive a written response from the Fed in 90 days regarding next steps. 3. A commitment from the NY Fed to assist PUSH in convening a meeting with local bankers and other decision makers in the Buffalo area to determine a strategy around job creation in our back yards! Buffalo was the second stop in an 8 city tour the Fed in on. The Fed agreed to this tour because of pressure put on Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke when NPA took 600 leaders from all across the country to his house to demand accountability for the foreclosure crisis. PUSH would like to thank everyone who helped, attended, spoke, and all of our panelists: Kevin Connor: Co-Director, Public Accountability Initiative, Kathleen Lynch: Supervising Attorney, Western NY Law Center, Anthony Armstrong: Program Officer, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Bill O'Connell: Executive Director,Western NY Homeless Alliance, Beverly Moore: Housing Counselor, Buffalo Urban League, John Anderson: Buffalo Director, Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, Amanda Pascal: Syracuse United Neighbors, Joan Roby-Davidson: Coordinator, Empire State Housing Alliance, Micaela Shapiro-Shellaby: Community Organizer, Coalition for Economic Justice. A very special thanks to Syracuse United Neighbors for busing in twenty people to the event, go SUN!

Movement #4: The Sweatbox

6 Jul 2009 23:32:09 GMT

On Friday, July 17th at Ujima Theater on Elmwood, join us for a late night party with performers ranging from a prodigy jazz vocalist to Krumpers to diverse dance music to make you move until the sun comes up. $10 gets you access to see Krumpers vs. The B-Boys, Zoe Viola, Fudgychewy, Springville All Stars Marching Band, and DJ Cutler and DJ Lopro. Ujima is located at 545 Elmwood-Otherwise known as the Theater Loft. Show kicks off at 9:30pm and goes on as long as the DJ's keep the tunes pumping and we keep the dance floor alive. The Movement 4 Making you sweat like you didnt know you wanted to

The Fed is Coming to Buffalo!

26 Jun 2009 20:10:56 GMT

One of PUSH's national partners, NTIC/National People's Action , is helping to bring the Federal Reserve to Buffalo on July 16th, 6p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church on Delaware Ave. With millions of regular people caught in the grip of foreclosures, ballooning mortgages and predatory loans the Fed is traveling to cities hard-hit by the economic crisis to hear about the urgent need of reform and we need YOU to be at the Buffalo meeting! The conversation will bring local organizations like the Partnership for the Public Good and Western New York Law Center along with on the ground testimony from neighborhood residents who deal with the effects of the crisis on a day-day basis. More importantly there will be a Question & Answer session to give everyone a chance to ask questions of the Fed members and panel. We need access to credit, banks that invest in our communities, and green jobs that pay us a living wage! Real People have Real Power! So come on out and let the people from the Fed know what we need in our neighborhoods and that real economic recovery begins with us!

Co-op BBQ!

23 Jun 2009 15:24:47 GMT

This past Sunday PUSH co-op members gathered at the parking lot of 456 Massachusetts to eat and hang out. We celebrated a birthday, ate a TON of food, and enjoyed the nice weather. Rumor has it Ms. Augustine Gilchrist was spied playing hopscotch with Tamar's kids, but I suppose you'll have to investigate our Flickr page... Be on the lookout for more PUSH BBQs in the near future. We have a grill and we're not afraid to use it!

Great Lakes Summit 1 Week Away!

12 Jun 2009 15:40:37 GMT

The Great Lakes Metros and the New Opportunity Summit is just one week away. The Summit is for practitioners–including community leaders, representatives of foundations and NGOs, local officials, urban advocates, agency heads and their deputies–in Great Lakes urban communities who seek to use the stimulus bill and future federal support to promote sustainable and equitable cities. PUSH is especially excited, in lieu of our Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign that the director of Sustainable South Bronx, Miquela Crayor will be speaking at the summit. Sustainable South Bronx is an incredibly innovative organization in the field of green job creating and environmental hazard abatement. PUSH is also happy to see reps from the Save the American Dream Campaign, the Cleveland East Side Organizing Project, the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative, the the Partnership for the Public Good and the Coalition for Economic Justice on the slate as well. Please see the summit blog at http://greatlakesmetros.wordpress.com/ for registration and agenda information. From Sarah @ GLUE Here's what we hope to achieve at Buffalo State College on June 18th and 19th: Maximizing the Community Impact of the Stimulus in Great Lakes Cities: The summit will feature state and Federal officials who administer stimulus funds as well as community-based leaders doing cutting-edge work in green infrastructure, community revitalization and economic development. The summit will provide an ideal space for dialogue between stimulus funding agencies and community organizations looking to ensure that the money builds on the region's assets and promotes sustainable economic growth. Advancing Innovative Policy Approaches to Problems Facing All Great Lakes Cities Summit participants like former Rochester Mayor William Johnson and former Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut will provide real-world insight on implementing policy objectives like regional planning and metro governance. Miquela Craytor, Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx, will talk about the possibilities of creating green jobs that are pathways out of poverty. And advocates from organizations around the region, like the Center on Wisconsin Strategy, Coalition for Economic Justice, Neighborhood Progress, Inc., and Center for Working Families will share their innovate grassroots work, which must better inform policy development. Building an Organized Constituency for Great Lakes Resurgence The Great Lakes Urban Exchange (GLUE) and the Northeast-Midwest Institute, co-conveners of the Summit along with Buffalo State College and the Partnership for the Public Good, are building a movement of social entrepreneurs, community leaders and public officials for a Renaissance in Great Lakes metro regions. Our cities face unique challenges--vacant housing, sprawl without growth, manufacturing decline--which require targeted and strategic policy responses. Our unrivaled assets, including renewable energy resources, a concentration of research universities, historic architecture, and the Great Lakes themselves, demand development strategies that promote sustainable and equitable economic growth. The Summit will help to build our movement for change. Articulating a Vision For too long, the cities of the Great Lakes region have been behind the curve on accessing necessary support from their states and the Federal government. To reverse that trend, those striving daily to make these cities healthy and successful must influence policy discussions. If policy makers in DC don’t hear from Cleveland, Buffalo, and Detroit, they’ll continue to make decisions that don’t help us. Having Fun in the Sun on the Shores of Lake Erie What could be better than spending two days in June in one of the nation's best-planned and architecturally rich cities with fellow leaders of the Great Lakes Metros movement? Thursday night features a dinner with keynote on Metropolitan Action from Jennifer Bradley from the Brookings Institution. After the panel sessions on Friday, we'll tour neighborhood and waterfront development efforts on Buffalo's West Side. Again, for registration and more information, see the Summit blog at http://greatlakesmetros.wordpress.com/ We look forward to seeing you next week!

Housing Investment Fund One Step Closer to Reality

10 Jun 2009 21:33:15 GMT

The Empire State Housing Alliance, one of our statewide networks raising awareness about New York’s affordable housing crisis, had a huge victory this week. New York State Senator Pedro Espada introduced legislation (S5727) to create a statewide fund that would bring close to $200 million in new funds for affordable housing every year till the sun stops shining. Where does the money come from? The bulk of it would come from state real estate transfer taxes and excess revenue from the Mortgage Insurance Fund. Without getting too fancy, real estate transfer taxes are just what they sound like, a tax that gets charged by the state government when you transfer title of a property. The Mortgage Insurance Fund is a lot trickier to explain. There’s this state agency that provides mortgage insurance and they use the money they collect to make other investments to make more money. What ever money they make after they cover the books goes into the state’s general fund. Why give it to them when we could use it to build more housing that’s worth living in, puts people to work, and changes the face of our neighborhood, right? This has been nearly 3 years in the making. In September 2006, PUSH went to Albany with groups from across New York to think through one of the biggest problems facing the state – hard working families all over just cant find quality affordable places to live! The groups came together out of frustration with the way state programming was set up - making it hard for little groups like PUSH to get funds, or not having enough funds to provide housing for the poorest folks in the state who needed it the most. So with the help of Mary Brooks and the Center for Community Change, we spent the next two years figuring out how it should work so housing funds could work for us. Now that we’ve got a real piece of legislation in the mix, it’s time to make sure it happens! Call your state senator and send them a letter through our friends at Habitat for Humanity in NYC to let them you want more affordable housing NOW.

PUSH Helps Give Away Flowers and Veggies!

5 Jun 2009 0:07:29 GMT

On Friday morning, PUSH members & staff along with Senator Bill Stachowski gave away over 300 plants to neighborhood residents! PUSH would like to thank the Senator and everyone else who came out and made the day a big success. Some went to the gardener's at PUSH's Refugee & Community Garden at 92 19th St. You should come down and check it out, the plots look great and we have some extra flowers if anyone wants 'em. PUSH is excited to continue the realization of our community developed Healthy Neighborhood Concept Plan and looks forward to a summer filled with fresh vegetables for everyone on the block!

Great Lakes Summit 2 Weeks Away!

4 Jun 2009 20:36:45 GMT

The Great Lakes Metros and the New Opportunity Summit is just two weeks away. The Summit is for practitioners–including community leaders, representatives of foundations and NGOs, local officials, urban advocates, agency heads and their deputies–in Great Lakes urban communities who seek to use the stimulus bill and future federal support to promote sustainable and equitable cities. PUSH is especially excited, in lieu of our Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign that the director of Sustainable South Bronx, Miquela Crayor will be speaking at the summit. Sustainable South Bronx is an incredibly innovative organization in the field of green job creating and environmental hazard abatement. PUSH is also happy to see reps from the Save the American Dream Campaign, the Cleveland East Side Organizing Project, the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative, the the Partnership for the Public Good and the Coalition for Economic Justice on the slate as well. Please see the summit blog at http://greatlakesmetros.wordpress.com/ for registration and agenda information. From Sarah @ GLUE Here's what we hope to achieve at Buffalo State College on June 18th and 19th: Maximizing the Community Impact of the Stimulus in Great Lakes Cities: The summit will feature state and Federal officials who administer stimulus funds as well as community-based leaders doing cutting-edge work in green infrastructure, community revitalization and economic development. The summit will provide an ideal space for dialogue between stimulus funding agencies and community organizations looking to ensure that the money builds on the region's assets and promotes sustainable economic growth. Advancing Innovative Policy Approaches to Problems Facing All Great Lakes Cities Summit participants like former Rochester Mayor William Johnson and former Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut will provide real-world insight on implementing policy objectives like regional planning and metro governance. Miquela Craytor, Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx, will talk about the possibilities of creating green jobs that are pathways out of poverty. And advocates from organizations around the region, like the Center on Wisconsin Strategy, Coalition for Economic Justice, Neighborhood Progress, Inc., and Center for Working Families will share their innovate grassroots work, which must better inform policy development. Building an Organized Constituency for Great Lakes Resurgence The Great Lakes Urban Exchange (GLUE) and the Northeast-Midwest Institute, co-conveners of the Summit along with Buffalo State College and the Partnership for the Public Good, are building a movement of social entrepreneurs, community leaders and public officials for a Renaissance in Great Lakes metro regions. Our cities face unique challenges--vacant housing, sprawl without growth, manufacturing decline--which require targeted and strategic policy responses. Our unrivaled assets, including renewable energy resources, a concentration of research universities, historic architecture, and the Great Lakes themselves, demand development strategies that promote sustainable and equitable economic growth. The Summit will help to build our movement for change. Articulating a Vision For too long, the cities of the Great Lakes region have been behind the curve on accessing necessary support from their states and the Federal government. To reverse that trend, those striving daily to make these cities healthy and successful must influence policy discussions. If policy makers in DC don’t hear from Cleveland, Buffalo, and Detroit, they’ll continue to make decisions that don’t help us. Having Fun in the Sun on the Shores of Lake Erie What could be better than spending two days in June in one of the nation's best-planned and architecturally rich cities with fellow leaders of the Great Lakes Metros movement? Thursday night features a dinner with keynote on Metropolitan Action from Jennifer Bradley from the Brookings Institution. After the panel sessions on Friday, we'll tour neighborhood and waterfront development efforts on Buffalo's West Side. Again, for registration and more information, see the Summit blog at http://greatlakesmetros.wordpress.com/ We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!

Green Jobs, Green Housing Town Hall Meeting

1 Jun 2009 21:26:00 GMT

On Thursday May 28th PUSH members, staff and community residents gathered together at the old library on Grant St. to participate in a “town hall” style meeting to get local elected officials and their representatives to commit to our Green Jobs, Green Housing Platform. Over 130 people crowded into the library to let our elected officials know that we shouldn’t have to pay through the nose to stay warm and that we need lower utility bills and green, living wage jobs in our neighborhoods! Several PUSH members told their stories about how hard it is to pay off utility bills when they are so high and how the lack of weatherized homes in the neighborhood makes it almost impossible to find a place where utility bills are reasonable. Real people know what it’s like to have to make tough choices like whether to pay your utility bill or your rent. David "Saint" Rodriguez, a PUSH member said, “I’m trying to do better for my family, for the neighborhood, but it’s hard when there are no jobs out there that I can support myself on.” Rodriguez continued, “So I am asking everyone here to push with me! Green Jobs and Housing!” We even got the perspective of a landlord, Terry Richards, who would love the opportunity to weatherize her properties so that her tenants aren’t stuck paying huge utility bills. She noted, to applause, that when people’s energy bills are low, they are able to pay their rent on time! There were six elected officials and representatives in attendance at the meeting including: Councilmember David Rivera, State Senator Bill Stachowski, as well as representatives from Sen. Antoine Thompson, Mayor Byron Brown, County Executive Chris Collins, and County Legislator Maria Whyte. All of the officials and their reps except County Executive Collins were able pledge their support for the platform, which means we’re gonna make big changes because we knocked and got some doors open for us! All of the elected officials and reps did agree to meet with us in the future. In case you forgot what we’re demanding, take a look at our platform and remember– for us, going green isn’t just a lifestyle, it’s about survival! PUSH Green Jobs, Green Housing Platform: 1. Public sector leaders and private utility companies should work to ensure that 1000 units are weatherized in 2009, thereby reducing utility costs and carbon emissions. 2. Create a "green jobs fund" to strengthen pathways to employment in the energy efficiency industry. 3. Pass legislation that would dramatically increase neighborhood access to residential retrofits. 4. A commitment to "greening" all local projects supported by Federal stimulus money so that people see development where they live and are able to connect to jobs they need to support their families. People know what they need where they live and what we need are more and better jobs and lower utility bills! P.S. Check out pictures from the meeting on our lovely flickr page

PUSH Lauches 19th St. Refugee & Community Garden

26 May 2009 15:31:53 GMT

On Saturday, May 23rd at 10 AM at 92 19th Street, PUSH Buffalo celebrated the advent of Buffalo’s first and only community garden geared toward refugee families by hosting a ‘Gardener’s Breakfast”. Participating gardeners were on hand to kick-off what PUSH hopes will a be a replicable model of sustainable food production and community building. The 19th Street Refugee & Community Garden grew out of PUSH’s community-developed Healthy Neighborhood Concept Plan, a holistic strategy to combat vacant housing and lots as well as other deteriorating neighborhood conditions. The plan challenges residents to work together to improve their neighborhoods. Twelve families will share raised beds, including eight families who are refugees to Buffalo from Burma and Somalia. The garden will transform a once vacant lot on 19th Street into a vibrant hub of activity. “I am excited about a chance to work in the garden,” said Zaw Win, a West Side Resident. “I look forward to getting to know my neighbors better and growing my own food will help keep some of my costs down.” The Healthy Neighborhood Concept Plan also includes rain gardens, park upgrades, and street art in a calculated mixture of improving neighborhood functionality as well as beautification. The gardeners' breakfast was served by PUSH members and staff and all in attendance were able to see the hard work of the past year come to fruition. In addition to providing fresh, healthy food and the opportunity to meet potential friends, the garden will enable refugees to put down some “roots” in the community where they live, a key aspect of stabilizing neighborhoods.

PUSH Goes to Speak Race and Reconciliation Conference; See Angela Davis!

20 May 2009 17:41:31 GMT

On Tuesday, PUSH members and staff attended Buffalo's 6th Annual Race and Reconciliation Conference. With this year's conference title of,“Poverty and Racism: Providing the Tools Needed to Address Consequences and Implement Solutions," PUSH was in a good position to offer some examples of the anti-poverty work we've been up to in the past year.PUSH members and staff also got a chance to meet renowned activist, author, and professor Angela Davis. PUSH welcomes any and all attempts to address the deadly serious issue of poverty and Buffalo and we look forward to participating in next year's conference.

Americorps & PUSH Tackle West Side Cleanup

18 May 2009 18:54:03 GMT

This past Friday, nearly 50 Americorps servicemembers as well as PUSH members and staff gathered at the MAP garden to participate in an all-day cleanup/work project on PUSH's vacant lots and properties. Fences were stained, lots were mowed, and garden beds were completed as the volunteers worked diligently throughout the day. At two-thirty, everyone gathered together in the parking lot of the Butler-Mitchell Boys and Girls Club to BBQ some well earned food and to eat and hang out with neighborhood residents. PUSH would like to extend a huge thank you to WNY Americorps, MAP, and all the people who made the day possible.

Open Mic!

6 May 2009 20:19:05 GMT

On Thursday, April 16th, PUSH hosted an open mic at the Butler-Mitchell Boys and Girls Club on Massachusetts Avenue. About 20 neighborhood young people showed up and, with backing music from Ismail and Tom, songs were sung, poetry was spoken, and there was even a brief stand-up routine. We would like to extend a big 'thank you' to Amanda and the rest of the staff at the Boys and Girls Club for providing the space and the snacks! PUSH looks forward to the next open mic, Monday May 18th at the Butler-Mitchell Boys and Girls Club and hopes to see you there!

Annual Meeting Eats Sandwich of Power!

20 Apr 2009 21:48:27 GMT

This past weekend over 70 community members turned out to PUSH's annual meeting to elect a new slate of board members and to catch up on some of the details as to how PUSH works and what the organizing team has been up to. We also introduced the "Sandwich of Power." Dreamed up by an over-caffeinated yet highly creative Eric Walker, the sandwich is a metaphorical representation of PUSH's myriad of obligations ranging from the national level to the internal. We used the sandwich to talk about how all of our works fits together, even if the connections may not be apparent on the surface; just like a delicious sandwich! We also talked about our successful Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign Action on Thursday, several trips to D.C. made by members and staff and also our strategic plan. Big thanks to the PUSH board for all of their hard work in getting ready for the meeting as well as everyone who volunteered. We'll see you again soon!

Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign Blasts Off!

16 Apr 2009 20:47:39 GMT

This past Thursday community residents gathered together with PUSH to launch our Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign. Over 50 people gathered outside of soon-to-be-rehabbed by PUSH, 398 Massachusetts ( a future PUSH rehab ) while two PUSH members told their stories of the necessity of green jobs and housing; Maxine Murphy, longtime PUSH boardmember and Roberto Sanchez, PUSH crew member. Afterward, in a bit of street theater 'money' was blown out a second floor window of 398 Mass. to represent the high cost of heating our homes during the long and cold Buffalo winters. We want to let politicians and decisions-makers know that real economic recovery begins with us and that for us, especially when we get our heating bills in the winter, going green isn't a lifestyle it's about survival! Here is the PUSH Green Jobs, Green Housing Platform: GJGH Campaign Platform 1. Public sector leaders and private utility companies should work to ensure that 1000 units are weatherized in 2009, thereby reducing utility costs and carbon emissions. 2. Create a "green jobs fund" to strengthen pathways to employment in the energy efficiency industry. 3. Pass legislation that would dramatically increase neighborhood access to residential retrofits. 4. A commitment to "greening" all local projects supported by Federal stimulus money so that people see development where they live and are able to connect to jobs they need to support their families. We want our utility bills to go down, to see development in our backyards and connect real people to real jobs in our neighborhoods. Remember, real people have real power!

Movement Moves It @ Soundlab!

13 Apr 2009 16:47:15 GMT

This past Saturday night the party was at Soundlab as Buffalonians moved it at the Movement, a traveling dance party benefiting the Partnership for the Public Good , a regional progressive think-tank. We had a huge crowd come out to enjoy the sounds of the evening presented by Buffalo's premier hip-hop and electro artists. Big thanks to Flying Bison for the Rusty Chain as well as Soundlab for the space. A big thank you to everyone who came, performed, donated or did some promo work. It was another big success in the Movement line of dance parties and we will get at you as soon as we have the info on the next one!

We're working the phones for our Campaign Launch!

9 Apr 2009 18:31:02 GMT

As you can see, even Ray Jr. has gotten in on the turnout action. We've been hitting the phones hard this week in order to get the good folks of Buffalo out to a couple events we have coming up: First, our Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign Launch. It's going to be on April 16th at the corner of Massachusetts and Lawrence Avenue around 2p.m. Second, our ANNUAL MEETING in on Saturday, April 18th at 3p.m. at 271 Grant St. (the old library) We want to see YOU there! If you'd like to help get the word out about these events, please give us a call at our office at 716-884-0356. We'd love to hear from you and more importantly, we want to SEE you!

PUSHing People Power Film Series Rocks

3 Apr 2009 15:49:28 GMT

This past Thursday, we had our monthly film screening in the PUSH office. The film this month was, "This is What Democracy Looks Like," a film shot by over 100 different people as they took to the streets in Seattle to protest the WTO and to attempt to stop its delegates from convening. It's a great film about the power of collective action and we were really happy to play it for a full house! We had a very productive and interesting discussion afterward, facilitated by UB Professors Carl Nightingale and Ruth Goldman who have continuously donated their time, treasure, and expertise to make this film series happen. We'd love to see everyone there next time, May 7th at 5:30p.m. @ 271 Grant St., to see the film "Everything's Cool" - a documentary at the forefront of the Global Warming Fight. Be there!

PUSH and VOICE Team Up to Fight for WIC

29 Mar 2009 18:26:38 GMT

On Friday, March 27th, members of PUSH and VOICE came together for two direct action protests calling on County Executive Collins to reconsider his decision to eliminate WIC, a vital program that provides baby formula and other nutritious foods to pregnant women and infants. The program is fully funded by the Federal government. The elimination or downsizing of WIC would have widespread public health impacts and would undoubtedly increase health-care costs as a result of malnutrition and emergency room visits. PUSH and VOICE visited Collins' office and made our voices heard throughout the Rath Building on Friday. Please check out the Buffalo News article on the protest.

PUSH Rocks NPA 2009!

24 Mar 2009 21:03:53 GMT

This weekend, 9 PUSH members and leaders participated in this year's National People's Action, a gathering of 24 National Training and Information Center affiliated community groups across the country who are dedicated to making change in their neighborhoods just like PUSH! On early Saturday morning we departed from the PUSH office with prayer from Rev. Cruz and some clutch driving from Sara and Harrison. We met tons of great people from groups like Syracuse United Neighbors, Great Old Lower East Side, and the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative and we participated heavily in all of the actions and events which were going on. The way the weekend was structured allowed for very little down time, so we were always in a workshop, traveling to an action, or grabbing a quick bite to eat. From storming the lobby of Wells-Fargo to conducting a legislative briefing on the Community Regeneration Sustainability & Innovation Act, PUSH was right in the middle of it! One our leaders, Ron Andrews, even spoke in front of 600 people at one of the actions and told his story about his own personal struggle to keep his home. Great job Ron! PUSH would like to thank the staff of NTIC & NPA, all of the wonderful people we met and everyone who made the trip possible. We are SO excited to bring the energy, tactics, and information present at NPA back to Buffalo!

Healthy Neighborhood Planning Meeting!

20 Mar 2009 15:49:50 GMT

On March 18th, PUSH staff, members, and neighborhood residents gathered together at the Butler-Mitchell Boys and Girls club at 370 Massachusetts Avenue for a Healthy Neighborhood Planning Meeting. Co-facilitated by architects Kevin Connors and Charlie Gordon, the session dealt with PUSH's plans for the 11 vacant lots we recently purchased. As we did a small group breakout, there was an outpouring of ideas for various uses of the lots. Suggestions included: community gardens, tree farms, sculpture gardens, playgrounds, soccer fields, walkways, and rain gardens. In addition, we asked neighborhood residents to determine what we like about the neighborhood, what we'd like to see change, and what one aspect of the neighborhood would we like to take action on immediately. Each small group voted on the action step they most wanted to take and this information, along with preferences for usage of the vacant lots, will cycle back into the planning process to make sure neighborhood residents get what they want! PUSH firmly believes that community planning is an integral part of any kind of neighborhood development. After all, people know what they need where they live, so they are the ones best suited to decide what the land around them should be used for and what shape some action steps around that land might take. PUSH would like to thank everyone who came out to the event with a special thanks to: Amanda, Kevin, Charlie, Matt, Jesse, Sarah, Will, and the PUSH organizing team and volunteers. Great job folks! We will certainly keep everyone posted on the progress of the planning process as there will be more opportunities for community input.

Americorps and PUSH Clean Up 10 Winter St.!

11 Mar 2009 18:45:57 GMT

On Thursday March 5th, volunteers from the Americorps VISTA program and PUSH Buffalo members and staff gathered together to clean out 10 Winter St., a vacant home that PUSH recently acquired. We started working at 9:30 in the morning and didn't get done until 2 or so even though we had over 15 people (!) as there was an incredible amount of refuse packed into the single family home. PUSH's plans for 10 winter include the possibility of turning it into an Americorps Service House so Americorps could live in the neighborhood where they work although no final plans have been hammered out for the house, other than getting it in into livable shape. Please feel free to check out all the great pictures of the day, courtesy of Andy from Americorps VISTA! We'd like to thank everyone who came out and helped, especially the VISTA members. We couldn't have done it without you!

PUSH Member Speaks out for Fair Share Tax Reform

6 Mar 2009 15:56:54 GMT

On Thursday March 5th, a crew of PUSH members and staff went to support Fair Share Tax Reform at a rally at True Bethel Baptist Church. There were a ton of folks there from a broad spectrum of community organizations as well as some politicos. Among the several people who spoke was PUSH Board Co-Chair Jen Mecozzi. Jen spoke about the difficulties of balancing taking care of her two children while working as a line cook for ten dollars an hour and how that difficulty would be compounded under the current budget proposal from Governor Paterson. Jen then brought it home and made a strong appeal for Fair Share Tax Reform, where those can just pay a little more in order to make sure we have our basic needs met. Check out the Buffalo News Story on the Fair Share Rally! Support Fair Share Tax Reform!

Rally for Fair Share Tax Reform!

2 Mar 2009 18:21:07 GMT

This Thursday March 5th, join PUSH and other community groups as we gather together at True Bethel Church at 4p.m. to speak out against the dangerous budget proposals on the table right now in Albany as devastating budget cuts threaten our jobs, communities and our families! PUSH believes that everyone deserves a decent place to live and a job they can pay their bills on. Do you? Please check out the Fair Share Reform website for more detailed information!

New T-Shirts!

26 Feb 2009 17:48:12 GMT

PUSH is rocking new tees with our new logo. At only $10, they're a steal, so come by the office and get 'em while they last! We have 2XL, XL, L, M, S, and Youth L. Something for everyone!

PUSH Rocks Boston!

23 Feb 2009 22:00:23 GMT

Last week PUSH staffers Aaron and Harrison traveled to Boston with several other Buffalo based organizations to visit other community organizers and community development corporations as part of a 'best practices' trip sponsored by the Community Health Foundation. We met with and spoke to a number of groups including: Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Dudley St. Neighborhood Initiative, City Life/Vida Urbana, and Lawrence Community Works . PUSH would like to thank everyone we met with for their time and hospitality! We learned a lot, spoke with some incredibly bright and dedicated people and hope to put some of what we learned to good use in the very near future.

CEJ Brings UE Chicago Workers to Buffalo!

13 Feb 2009 18:43:05 GMT

This past Thursday, the Coalition for Economic Justice, our local Jobs with Justice affiliate brought Ron Bender, a UE worker, and Abe Mwaura, a UE staffer who were involved in the UE occupation-strike at Chicago's Republic Windows to speak about their experiences during the occupation. The event was a huge success as many people crowded into Lafayette Presbyterian Church to hear their story and participate in a discussion. PUSH was excited to be there and witness the power of regular hardworking people coming together. Real People, Real Power! Below is a brief outline of what occurred in Chicago at the height of the holiday season. (Photo Credit: Huff Post) From UE "In December 2008, 260 UE workers at Chicago's Republic Windows occupied their plant for six days, a sit-in strike launched in response to the closing of their plant with only 3 days notice. Jobs with Justice coalitions along with other community, faith and labor activists from across the country mobilized in support of these workers, helping them win a settlement from bailout beneficiary Bank of America and Republic owners including severance pay and compensation for unpaid earnings. Continued action of these unionized workers led to a plan to reopen the plant with new ownership, California-based Serious Windows. As the economic crisis deepens, millions of people face jobs loss and foreclosures. Jobs with Justice and other groups are celebrating the successful resistance at Republic and launching the broader campaign for an economic recovery that puts Main Street before Wall Street, restores workers’ right to organize, ensures health care for all, creates good green jobs and holds bailed out banks accountable to the people."

LittleSis.Org

10 Feb 2009 15:43:17 GMT

We're all about building power here at PUSH, that's no secret. People power, neighborhood power- we want to make sure we can move decision-makers if we have to. Sometimes asking politely just does not get the job done. That's why we'd like to a give a shout-out to our friends Kevin and Matthew who have constructed an amazing website called LittleSis. LittleSis functions as "an involuntary facebook for powerful people." It documents the various manifestations of their relationships including political giving and lobbying. Here are Kevin and Matthew on why LittleSis exists: "It's easier than ever to spot the symptoms of corruption and cronyism in our political process. Ordinary Americans have never felt more shut out from all levels of government, more excluded from economic gains, and more powerless to remedy the problems facing their communities and the world. Meanwhile, the powerful networks of individuals who've enjoyed unprecedented influence, wealth, and access while steering our country towards its present crisis continue to elude responsibility in the public spotlight. We all know that the need for fundamental change is urgent. Americans everywhere are pushing back against a broken system that bankrupts and disempowers them. But to effectively push back, we have to study and document the social networks that have our democracy in a stranglehold. We have to expose the individuals and institutions that abuse their power to enrich themselves and their cronies. And we have to make common cause and share this information freely. LittleSis is an invitation for fed up citizens to do just that. " So, please, go check out LittleSis!

PPG Announces Community Agenda

6 Feb 2009 17:43:48 GMT

Today, the Partnership for the Public Good (a coalition of Buffalo-based progressive organizations and a regional 'think and do' tank) announced its 2009 Community Agenda at a press event at the Merriweather Library on the East Side of Buffalo. There were many PUSH allies in attendance including the Coalition for Economic Justice as well as the Homeless Alliance of Western NY as well as various county and city legislators. The agenda of the press event including outlining the main themes of the 2009 Agenda which were: People, Place, and Governance. With goals like restoring progressivity and fairness in income taxes and encouraging 'block by block' revitalization,' PUSH believes in the strong necessity of PPG's Community Agenda. We were glad to see several legislators commit to the Agenda and PUSH is eager to follow up with those commitments to make sure real concrete change happens in our neighborhoods. Stay tuned and we'll keep you posted as progress is made on the shirts.

5 Year Strategic Plan Presented at PUSH Member Meeting

4 Feb 2009 19:00:44 GMT

This past Saturday, the PUSH Board of Directors presented our 5 year strategic plan, outlining what we want the West Side of Buffalo to look like in the near future. First, PUSH members, staff, and volunteers participated in a city-planning game organized by board member Jesse Meeder where they were challenged with designing the most efficient city possible. Members then visited 'booths' constructed by the PUSH Board to represent different aspects of the strategic plan such as fundraising, communications, vision, and housing development. During each presentation, members were asked to give feedback and suggestions on how to improve the various aspects of the 5 year plan. Each booth also had great visuals along with written information and sign-up sheets for any enterprising member or volunteer who desired to help out. We would really like to recognize the Board for all the outstanding work they did in putting the Strategic Plan together and breaking it down and making it accessible and fun.

PUSH is Fighting to Help 'Save the American Dream'!

2 Feb 2009 22:32:06 GMT

You all might have heard that there's a financial crisis going on in the country: millions of unemployed, millions in foreclosure, billions being spent left and right to keep the economy afloat. Sounds terrible, right? Unfortunately, Wall St. didn't get the memo. The big investment banks that got the country in this mess are using bailout money to give away BILLIONS IN BONUSES to corporate fat cats! This week we found out $18.4 billion is going to be handed out . Well, when we heard about that we were mad as all get out—That's OUR money! To make sure that we let banks and the treasury department know we're mad as hell, our friends at the National level, the National Training and Information Center (NTIC) , started the Save the American Dream campaign (StAD). So, what's the campaign about? - Addressing the foreclosure crisis: suspend all foreclosures until bailout money can be directed to homeowners for help, not to CEOs for big paychecks! - CRA 2.0: expanding the Community Reinvestment Act to address housing and lending discrimination. You might remember PUSH joined NTIC and groups across the country last year to get Big Bank execs to donate their bonuses to help keep families facing foreclosure in their homes. And with hundreds of billions of dollars of taxpayer money on the line, we want to make sure that not a drop goes to pay the jerks who got us in this mess in the first place! Right now we're doing research on who the biggest bad guys are here in Buffalo. When we find out, we'll have to let them know that we want them to fly right or get kicked off the plane! If you want to know more about the campaign and how you can help, give us a call! (Photo credit to NTIC)

PUSH has a Flickr Site!

26 Jan 2009 21:02:45 GMT

Howdy folks, Quick update: PUSH has its very own Flickr Site! This is eventually going to be the one-stop-shop for all PUSH pictures. Please bear with us as our Flickr site fills up. There is a monthly limit on the amount of pictures we are able to put up, so it may take a few months before we get the entirety of PUSH's picture library up there. Check out what we have so far!

ReUse and PUSH Team Up on MLK Day!

21 Jan 2009 15:44:27 GMT

On a very cold and blustery MLK Day over 40 volunteers descended on Buffalo's West Side to help Buffalo ReUse and PUSH board up 6 homes that PUSH has recently acquired. The ReUse team arrived early; setting up a board-cutting station and more importantly, a hot chocolate station. To board up the homes we used amazing peace murals painted by children from all 32 Buffalo Public Schools for a project coordinated by Buffalo ReUse. The 6 properties are now safely boarded up and are much improved by the fantastic murals now present on the windows and doors. Check out Caesandra from Buffalo ReUse and Harrison from PUSH in this great video from WNYmedia! (and a big thank you to Caesandra for the lovely pics on our site!)

PUSHing People Power! a monthly film series by PUSH Buffalo

8 Jan 2009 23:11:29 GMT

If you got yourself a case of cabin fever and need to get out of the house well, you're in luck because PUSH's monthly film series is up and running. It kicks off next week with a film about Martin Sostre, a homegrown Buffalonian activist and it's called "Frame Up: The Imprisonment of Martin Sostre." The showing is going down on Thursday, January 15th at 5:30p.m. right here at 271 Grant St. After next week, the films will be shown exclusively on the first Thursday of every month. There will be food, beverages,a discussion afterward, and best of all, everything is free! So come on up to the PUSH office next Thursday to check out a great film and hang out in some great company. Here is the complete list of films we will be showing: February 5th Passin' It On March 5th Eyes on the Prize April 2nd This is What Democracy Looks Like May 7th Everything's Cool June 4th Mapantsula July 2nd Salt of the Earth August 6th Harlan County USA September 3rd Hip Hop Beyond the Beats and Rhyme October 1st Black and Gold November 5th Bringing Down a Dictator December 3rd Palante, Siempre Palante

Looking Back on 2008: A PUSH Retrospective

5 Jan 2009 15:55:29 GMT

We know it because we did it, PUSH had an incredible year in 2008. As 2009 leaps out of the starting gate, we'd like to take a minute to step back and admire our handiwork over the past 12 months. Some of the highlights include: 7. On January twelfth the culmination of PUSH's yearlong "MBBA" Campaign resulted in a new state-wide 'block by block' initiative for Buffalo. Currently, over 2 million dollars has been awarded to the fund. 6. On February 7th, PUSH members assembled at Waterfront Elementary School to take part in the public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant program. We took over the meeting as city officials were clearly not expecting the level of public involvement we brought to the table. Props to the PUSH Players for putting on an excellent skit. 5. Citizen Citations! On March 6th, we kicked off our Citizen Citation Initiative where PUSH folks and community members posted 'Housing Violation' tickets on city-owned abandoned properties all across the West Side. 4. Perfectly in time with the beginning of Spring, PUSH unveiled our second rehab, 129 Chenango. With its cathedral ceiling, bamboo floors, and below market rate rent, 129 Chenango is a preeminent example of how to build decent and affordable housing on Buffalo's West Side. 3. In the beginning of May, Buffalo's alternative newsweekly Artvoice came out with an excellent piece of investigative journalism on City Hall's gross misappropriation of HUD money. This article helped echo our call for the necessity of our Anti-Poverty Platform. 2. PUSH's second NYC Party, 'Bringing Buffalo Back' was a huge success! Over 350 Buffalonian expats, lovers, and transplants attended. With food from places like La Nova and McFadden's, music from the Honorable DJ Capps, DJ Lopro, and Rabbi Darkside, as well as beverages from Flying Bison & Labatts, party-goers had a spectacular time. We're all eagerly anticipating the next one! 1. And then, on October 8th, we won our biggest victory to date: MAYOR BROWN COMMITS TO PUSH ANTI-POVERTY PLATFORM. 500 rehabs over 5 years plus 50% local hiring & 90 day check-ins with the Mayor's office. The culmination of PUSH's yearlong Jobs and Housing Campaign proved that real people have real power and that we know what we need where we live. As this is only a sample-sized bite of the many things we've been up to in the past year what we can accomplish in 2009 is only limited by the scope of our imaginations and our willingness to do the work and get our hands dirty. Whether it's making phone calls, knocking on doors, or just showing up to a mailing. PUSH needs YOU for 2009 if we're going to win our Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign. We're looking forward to seeing YOU in 2009. -PUSH Buffalo

PUSH Goes to D.C. to Realize the Promise

5 Dec 2008 20:02:15 GMT

This past Thursday, 10 PUSH members traveled to the Hilton Hotel in our nation's capital to participate in Center for Community Change and the Gamaliel Foundation's "Realizing the Promise" community forum with over 2,000 community organizers and leaders. With a focus on healthcare and immigration reform, the voice of the people was heard loud and clear as a palpable energy soared across the hotel ballroom. Meant as a follow-up to the Community Values forum held in Iowa during the heart of the campaign season, "Realizing the Promise" was aimed to hold the new President-Elect Obama accountable for promises made to hardworking families across the nation. Notable speakers included, heads of various community organizations nationwide, several congresspersons as well as Melody Barnes and Valerie Jarrett, members of the Obama-Biden transition team. PUSH was excited to take part in such a powerful national event and looks forward to working with local, state, and federal partners to make real concrete changes in the lives of hardworking people.

Free Screening of PUSH Documentary!

24 Nov 2008 17:40:21 GMT

PUSH has its very own documentary courtesy of Ruth Goldman and Squeaky Wheel! From Squeaky Wheel's press release: "PUSHing People Power: Rebuilding Buffalo's West Side by Ruth Goldman is a story about ordinary citizens working together to create and sustain an urban community that values equitable housing, jobs and lifestyles." What: PUSHing People Power When: Sunday, November 30th, 3 pm Where: Market Arcade Film & Arts Center , 639 Main Street Cost: FREE! Did we mention that it's free? Come on down!

What does a former organizer in the Whitehouse mean to PUSH?

17 Nov 2008 18:11:15 GMT

PUSH members and staff gathered together this Saturday to reflect on the outcome of the Presidential election and brainstorm what it means to have a former community organizer in the Whitehouse. Different ideas and opinions were bounced around, but the consensus was that the work of improving our neighborhoods doesn't stop now; if anything it only intensifies. If we have a window of opportunity, we have to make sure that window stays wide open so we keep seeing real concrete improvements in people's lives! Speaking of windows, we are starting to rev up our Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign, so keep on the lookout for future updates! We want to make sure the idea of sustainability includes and benefits our neighborhoods from the onset and not leaving them behind in a cloud of green dust. Remember: People know what they need where they live!

PUSH Plants with Re-Tree WNY!

10 Nov 2008 20:49:08 GMT

This past Saturday 15 or so PUSH members joined a coalition of the willing on Buffalo's West Side as part of a city-wide effort to plant over 1,000 new trees. The effort was organized by Re-Tree Western New York and various groups including PUSH, provided the people power. Thanks to the amount of people that showed up, we were able to plant 140 trees, about 30 more than folks thought we'd be able to. Big ups to everyone who came out and got their hands dirty!

PUSH Starts Cleanup of 397 & 398 Massachusetts

6 Nov 2008 15:45:52 GMT

Last week, PUSH began cleaning out its two newly acquired properties, 397 and 398 Massachusetts. There was a lot to do especially as 398 Mass. hadn't been used in over 30 years. It was at one time a wallpaper store and many of its supplies still faithfully lined the shelves of the store. With PUSH staffers and volunteers working hard, we got most of what we needed cleared out. Notable finds included an appointment book from the 1930s, various old political lawn signs and peculiar novels with fun titles, including, "The Microbe Hunters." There was also a sewing machine, chairs, and a 15 foot white pine bar. In other words, a lot of stuff! PUSH is thrilled to take the first step in the rehabilitation process of these two important properties on the West Side. House by house, with hard work by real people, we're making PUSH's presence felt. This is what change actually is- real concrete improvements in people's lives!

Help With PUSH's Community Garden!

28 Oct 2008 20:25:41 GMT

On Saturday, November 8th at 10a.m. we'll be hosting a volunteer day at the site of our soon to be community garden at 92 19th St. Please come ready to get your hands dirty as we want to transform this vacant lot into a functional, beautiful community garden. We'll have some coffee and morning type snacks there to ward off the chills. We're also going to be planting 5 Trees as part of ReTree WNY! We really need some folks to help, 15 of your of you to be precise. So please let us know by emailing us,harrison@pushbuffalo.org, or giving us a call at 716-884-0356 if you plan on attending!

PUSH Rallies & Celebrates; Kicks Off Green Jobs, Green Housing Campaign!

14 Oct 2008 16:52:21 GMT

This past Wednesday, October 8th, PUSH held a rally at Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo to celebrate our victory as well as kick off our newest endeavor; our Green Jobs, Green Housing campaign. This was fresh off the heels of our press conference with Mayor Brown during which he announced his commitment to our Anti-Poverty Platform, a victory that was a year in the making. The 200 people who showed up on that rain-soaked Wednesday wanted to remind Wall Street and our political leaders that this economy isn't working for regular people and that it's time corporate fat cats stopped getting a free ride on the backs of hardworking families. We made the call loud and clear for REAL investment in REAL PEOPLE and that to us, green jobs and housing means things like better insulation of our homes, more efficient furnaces and the ability to get local jobs to local people so they do not have to drive an hour to work every morning. To see for yourself, check out the Artvoice Video documenting the rally . A special thanks to David Torke & Victoria Ciostek for the great pictures. We encourage everyone who came to the Rally to come celebrate our campaign victory with us at our monthly member meeting which is this Saturday, October 18th at 3p.m. at 271 Grant St. Hope to see you there!

VICTORY!: Mayor Brown commits to PUSH's Anti-Poverty Platform!

14 Oct 2008 15:32:38 GMT

The morning of October 8th, our year of hard work finally paid off in a big way when Mayor Byron Brown committed to our Anti-Poverty Platform! Specifically, he committed to 500 rehabs of city-owned abandoned properties in 5 years and to 50% local hiring for those jobs the rehab and demolition work will create! In addition, Mayor Brown donated 397 * 398 Massachusetts for us to rehabilitate. Check out the Buffalo News coverage of the press conference. Also, please check out video footage of the press conference video footage of the press conference courtesy of WNYmedia. This victory belongs to every PUSH member, staff, volunteer and the regular people in the City of Buffalo. This is a living breathing example of how regular people are the policymakers that we need and how real people, have real power.

Green Jobs, Green Housing!

5 Sep 2008 23:39:01 GMT

Green is the color that makes the world go round. We've heard that saying for years. Now, we have a chance to make the Green Economy work for everyone - especially for hard working across cities like Buffalo. We all know what it's like to pay to heat our homes in the Buffalo winter; it's outrageous! No one should still be paying off last winter's gas bill this year. We know we need good jobs for real people here and the not everybody should need a Phd to get one! On September 3rd, our lead organizer, Eric went out to Albany to facilitate a conversation with other groups psyched about how the fund could have a serious economic, health, and environmental impact for working class neighborhoods. The Fund could create 30,000 jobs over the next five years that won't disappear! Groups from around the state came together to talk about how to shape the Green Revolution to met OUR needs: creating jobs that pay livable wages, making the homes we live in more energy efficient so we don't pay through the nose for the high price of utilities, making the places we live in safer and healthier, and helping reduce the impact of global warming on the planet. How can we do all that? The Center for Working Families has a proposal to green New York's housing in the next 5 years. With a Residential Retrofit Fund, the goal is to make 1 million homes in the state more energy efficient and train a workforce at home to do the work. Sound a little like the PUSH Housing Platform? We've been working directly with the policy folks at the Center to write in how the fund would benefit REAL PEOPLE. There's a lot of talk about green jobs these days, but not a lot of talk about making sure there's opportunity for the folks who need them most. We work for you. We listen. PUSH hears you loud and clear and we're gonna make some noise!

PUSH's Citizen Citations are Working!

4 Sep 2008 19:56:42 GMT

During a check-in this morning on all of our "violation" signs that we had posted a few months back, we discovered something amazing- Fifteen of the cited, City-owned abandoned properties had been demolished and 13 of those properties had orange "violation" signs on them, marking them as properties we determined to be beyond repair. Now, we here at PUSH do not condone demolition as a standalone strategy (because it won't work) but it is an integral piece of our Anti-Poverty Platform;, to get the City to knock down the worst of the worst, 20 on the West Side, 100 City-wide. With the pressure we've put on with the violation signs, it looks like folks down at City Hall that people know what they need where they live and that to ignore OUR solutions is disrespect!

PUSH Doesn't Do It Alone

27 Aug 2008 20:32:46 GMT

Thankfully, no non-profit is an island and here at PUSH, we're surrounded by dynamic and exciting organizations who share our commitment to social justice. Below is a list and some links to the organizations we do coalition work with: Partnership for the Public Good The PPG is a regional think-and-do tank. It produces high-quality research on economic justice and sustainable development issues affecting Western New York. PPG believes that Buffalo's future lies in developing its people, reforming institutions to make them more responsive to everyday Buffalonians and building on our beautiful assets, such as our historic neighborhoods and waterfront. National Training and Information Center The NTIC is a national coalition doing anti-poverty organizing in cities across the country. NTIC sponsors the annual National Peoples Action in Washington D.C. The Empire State Housing Alliance is a coalition of New York housing groups advocating for a Housing Trust Fund that would help to rebuild our neighborhoods. Center for Community Change The CCC is our technical assistance provider and a national network of anti-poverty and economic justice groups. VOICE Buffalo/THRUWAY ALLIANCE The New York Thruway Alliance (NYTA) is an alliance of four congregation-based organizations throughout the upstate region. Member organizations are based in Albany (ARISE), Syracuse (ACTS), Buffalo (Voice-Buffalo) and Niagara County (NOAH), and are dedicated to a broad upstate revitalization agenda, especially reviving impoverished neighborhoods in struggling upstate metro regions. BUFFALO APOLLO ALLIANCE The Buffalo Apollo Alliance is a coalition of business, labor, environmental, and community leaders working to catalyze a clean energy revolution that benefits all of Buffalo and Erie County. GREEN JOBS, GREEN HOMES NY The Green Jobs/Green Homes NY campaign is creating New York State policy to combat climate change, save people on energy costs, make housing more affordable and shape a “green economy” with jobs for those who most need them. Our platform calls for an ambitious state program to perform energy efficiency retrofits on one million homes in five years – leading the way for other states.

Wake Up and Smell It Buffalo, Community Control of Resources!

30 Jul 2008 20:28:33 GMT

On Tuesday, July 29th, the Common Council’s Community Development Committee hosted a public hearing for residents could express their thoughts on how best to spend what may very well be the last round of Restore New York funds from the state - a pot that could total $50 million for Buffalo. (Check out the Buffalo News article on the hearing as well as the Artvoice article) The house was packed and the demands from the public at the hearing were nearly unanimous: that people want community control of resources and a more thoughtful, strategic, and committed way of dealing with Buffalo's abandoned housing crisis. Hopefully this will serve as the wake-up call the administration needs and we'll soon see strategic rehabilitation & demolition, local hiring, and weatherization assistance in our neighborhoods soon. In other words, real economic development. PUSH would like to acknowledge some of our major partners in the housing struggle, LISC, the foundation community, and other city-wide groups who have worked with us, but most importantly, we want to acknowledge the people who live in the neighborhoods of Buffalo because without them, none of this would be happening. A year's worth of work is beginning to pay off as people realize they have a seat at the table. Keep it up folks, it's working!

Bringing Buffalo Back a Huge Success!

29 Jul 2008 19:20:38 GMT

This past Saturday, PUSH Buffalo once again returned to Manhattan's Times Square for the second annual celebration of Buffalo culture in NYC. This year's event drew together Buffalo lovers for a night of the Queen City's finest food and drink. Over 350 Buffalo lovers attended, shattering the attendance record from last year and leaving us with great expectations for NYC in 2009. With food from places like La Nova and McFadden's, music from the Honorable DJ Capps, DJ Lopro, and Rabbi Darkside, as well as beverages from Flying Bison & Labatts, party-goers were guaranteed a good time. PUSH would like to thank everyone who came and helped out, especially Lesley Horowitz of the Office of Language and Beauty, Matt Kabel of the NYC Buffalo Bills Backers, and Roy Manno of Franz-Manno Insurance Corp. for their tireless and invaluable assistance. Please check out pictures of the party, courtesy of Lesley, if you missed all the action! We hope to see everyone again next year!