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Build Promise is a separate 501c3 charity

 
Build Promise, Inc.  is an independent 501(c)3 charity that is located on the East Side of Buffalo which is also the epicenter of poverty and homelessness in Western New York. 

 St. Luke's Mission of Mercy has been working in this area for over 31  years. This project has grown from St. Luke's and reflects the growing need of the people served by St. Luke's. While investigating effective paths out of poverty, the research showed that the greatest barrier to education, health and resources to leave poverty is: access to programs and services.  

The Build Promise Care and Opportunity Center is the solution to closing the gap between underserved people and the resources that exist. Build Promise has a list of more than twelve partner agencies who will bring effective and established programs and resources to the people on day one.  

Build Promise names new building:
Amy's Place of Hope

Build Promise had its ribbon cutting on October 9, 2025. It was a powerful and inspiring ceremony as many people gathered to witness our Co-Founder, the late Amy Betros' vision become a reality. Her vision, shared by many caring and generous workers and benefactors, of a place where men could not only find temporary shelter, but also receive the love, dignity and services they would need to help them escape the cycle of homelessness, is now in its staged opening, Initially, some of the critical services will be offered to those in our community. As staff is added, they will begin to accept homeless men for temporary overnight shelter. When it is fully operational, it will provide beds for over 90 men and will provide an array of essential services to the entire community including basic medical, dental and even DMV.

At the ceremony, the Build Promise Team unveiled the new name for the almost 24,000 sq. ft. building: Amy's place of Hope! What a beautiful tribute to the woman who was foundational to the Build Promise project. We know that Amy is smiling down from heaven as this project moves forward toward the true blessing it will be for our community!  
 
As Build Promise begins, it is still in need of donations, volunteers and support! Please consider helping in any way you can!
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You can check out the Build Promise website here:

​Build Promise 

​Donations for Build Promise are still needed for the facility’s completion, sustainability, and staffing.  To donate, visit
www.BuildPromise.com/donate
or make checks payable to:
Build Promise
and mail to:
Build Promise, Inc., P.O. Box 1136, Buffalo, NY 14215.  Build Promise is a 501(c)3 not for profit.

The Build Promise facility will provide year-round shelter and services to homeless men, as well as a clinic, which will serve all people. It will also include wrap-around services and provide a comprehensive emergency shelter location for all men in events such as Code Blue.

​The goals of Build Promise will be: safety, health, dignity, resources to end homelessness, a possible permanent venue option for Code Blue and a way to reach the homeless during outbreaks of communicable disease (e.g., measles or epidemics). ​ 

This multi-purpose community facility on Buffalo’s East Side will:

• Serve as a year-round Education/Wellness Center for the needy and homeless in our surrounding inner-city neighborhoods.
• Provide linking services to individuals through partner agencies to government benefits, mental and physical health interventions, job training and education, etc. 
• Be an option for a permanent Code Blue shelter providing accommodations, food and clothing for 120-170 homeless men when the temperature/wind chill falls to 32-degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• Serve as year-round (365 days per year) overnight accommodations for men taking the first step from homelessness.
• Provide unique service for the housing insecure (living in cars or couch surfing) to have access to personal hygiene resources. At our ReFresh Spot, they can shower, do laundry, secure fresh clothing, and use restroom facilities.

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