January 17, 2023
BUFFALO, NY – Evergreen Health and its affiliate Community Access Services (CAS), announced today the purchase of four parcels at 1096, 1098 and 1102 Kensington Avenues, as well as 3074 Bailey Avenue with the intent to build a new building to expand healthcare services in the community.
The land was purchased by Evergreen Health Foundation, an affiliate of Evergreen Health from J-P Group, LLC for $870,000. Evergreen and CAS have retained Art Hall of Hallmark Planning & Development, a minority-owned planning consultant firm, to lead the project’s community engagement process. A construction date and site plans have not yet been determined.
CAS was established as an affiliate of Evergreen in 2000 to address HIV and other chronic conditions that challenge the health and welfare of urban communities in Buffalo and Erie County, in particular communities of color. Evergreen and CAS have had a presence at 3297 Bailey Avenue since 2018, and plan to depart its current location once the new building is complete.
“Since we opened our doors 40 years ago, our mission has been to provide quality care to those who are underserved and undervalued by the healthcare system,” said Ray Ganoe, president & CEO, Evergreen Health. “We’re only able to provide this comprehensive care because of community partnerships like the one we formed with Community Access Services years ago. Together, we have and will continue to provide that unconditional care that the community deserves at our new site which will build upon our mission to provide inclusive, compassionate, respectful and judgment-free care”
“This is an exciting day for Community Access Services and everyone in the community who comes through our doors looking for access to quality healthcare,” said Kim Brown, executive director, Community Access Services. “We are at the beginning stages of this development project, but we are looking forward to talking more with the community about the services needed at our expanded location.”
In the coming months, Evergreen, CAS, and Hallmark Development will host public meetings, engage key stakeholders, and provide additional channels for community feedback as it works to develop the site.
From a funding standpoint, Evergreen intends to support the development of the project from a variety of sources including a capital fundraising campaign.
About Evergreen Health
Evergreen Health fosters healthy communities by providing medical, supportive and behavioral services to individuals and families in Western New York – especially those who are living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system. For more information, visit www.evergreenhs.org.
About Community Access Services
Community Access Services (CAS) is committed to addressing the epidemic of HIV and other diseases that challenge the welfare of urban communities in Buffalo and Erie County by assuring the availability of comprehensive care services, including prevention education and treatment.