In 1987 there were over 287,000 homeless Veterans in the United States, most of them Vietnam Veterans. In Buffalo alone there were 2,500 homeless Veterans on any given night. It was because of this, a hand full of dedicated local leaders including founders Joe Ryan and Bill Lyons, along with members of the VVLP - Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, recognized the need for quality, affordable, and accessible housing for disadvantaged and disabled Veterans. With just $2,000 and a purpose, WNY Veterans Housing Coalition Inc. was incorporated on September 9, 1987.

WNYVHC was at the forefront of setting a national trend by providing Special Needs Housing for our Veterans. The organization started with an abandoned building at 1125 Main St and a contract with the newly formed Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program at the VA, one of the first of its kind Transitional Housing Programs for Veterans in the United States. Veterans were referred to the Program through the VA Homeless Program and the VA Substance Abuse Program. The Program was such a success that the organization knew it needed to expand and over the next six years, WNYVHC developed permanent supportive housing by adding four more buildings totally five apartment buildings until our original building was replaced by the newly renovated Buffalo Public School 75, The Charilie Bush Building, named in memeory of SPC Charles E. Bush jr. who died in support of Operation Iraqu Freedom.

Today we manage 130 units with three large apartment buildings and 18 two and three bedroom Townhomes for more spacious family living.  

Please visit our Directors and Staff pages to learn more about our personnel. Please contact us with questions, support, ideas, or to tell us of your story as a supporter of Veterans.