1.4-million dollars will go to help those in Buffalo impacted by last May’s Tops Market Shooting.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the federal funding will support mental health programs in East Buffalo.
“As members of the East Buffalo community continue to heal from the Tops Market Shooting, we remain committed to taking on systemic challenges to help recover and build back stronger,” Governor Hochul said. “Many of these individuals continue to deal with the stress, fear, anger and feelings of hopelessness caused by this tragedy. The programs funded by these awards will help this community heal and recover from the stress and shock they continue to experience from this horrific shooting.”
On May 14th, 18-year old Payton Gendron killed ten people and wounded three when he opened fire at the grocery store, including Auburn native Andre Mackneil.
The first round of award recipients include:
- Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc: Art That Heals; $100,000
- Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc: Healing Together: A Family & Community Healing Collaborative; $50,000
- Confident Girl Mentoring: Support for Children Impacted by Trauma; $40,000
- Cultrue, Inc: The New Masters Healing Buffalo through the Arts; $126,200
- Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective: Celestial Jazz Wellness Series; $128,000
- The Galactic Tribe: The Wakademy; $95,000
Senator Charles Schumer said, “The tragic, hateful mass shooting at the Tops Market will never be forgotten on East Buffalo, and we must provide the resources needed for healing. This $1.4 million in federal funding will provide the mental health resources to community-based groups to get care to the people who need it most. Buffalo is the City of Good Neighbors and nowhere is that truer than on the East Side. I will continue to fight to deliver the federal resources need to help neighbors help each other and take care of each other as we lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.”
Representative Brian Higgins said, “Helping our community rebuild and recover following the racist mass shooting at Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo means investing in community resources delivered by trusted messengers,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the May 14th tragedy, our community is still mourning the loss of our neighbors and the wounds are still fresh. We are delivering federal funding that will provide East Buffalo residents with support within the community that leads toward long-term recovery following this traumatic day.”
