In the Wake of Saturday, May 14th
Dear Friends, Family, Clients, and Supporters of Heart of the City Neighborhoods,
In the wake of the horrific act of domestic terrorism fueled by racism perpetrated on the Black community in our home in Buffalo this past weekend, we are prioritizing the health and well-being of our staff for the coming week and offering them a flex week. We believe it is essential for Black people (and people who love Black people) to be gentle with themselves; to take breaks, breathe, rest, hydrate, heal, to hug their loved ones, and to find moments of joy amidst the pain. In essence we are putting on our masks first before we can for our community.
If you should be in need of our assistance, we ask that you be patient. We will get to you; however, it may take a few days but you will received the quality customer care we have been known for since 1998.
You may still reach our offices as we will be monitoring all voicemails and emails, however we ask that you be patient as it may take us a few days to get back to you. In the meantime we encourage you to reach back out on Monday, May 23, at which time we should be back in the office full-time.
If you yourself are experiencing a mental or emotional crisis or know of anyone that is, please call the Erie County Crisis Hotline at (716) 834-3131, where help is available 24/7.
White supremacy is at the root of the systemic issues that have created barriers in affordable housing. We will continue to fight for affordable, equitable, housing.
Thank you for trusting us to meet your community needs and we thank you in advance for your patience during this tragic time.
Yours in solidarity,
Stephanie, Jenn, Deirdre, Lilian, Anthony, Brandi, Michelle, Bruce and Charnice