OUR HISTORY

While World War II was raging on overseas, locally, Niagara Falls was waging its own war – eliminating slums and tackling the overwhelming need for decent homes for every family. The U.S. Housing Act of 1937 created the Low Rent Public Housing Program. A September 22, 1941 resolution and subsequent meeting on November 19, 1941 resulted in a plan to construct new and additional housing in the City of Niagara Falls.

On June 5, 1942, a resolution was approved to build 300 public housing units to house low-income families and provide them with clean, safe and affordable housing. Center Court, located in the North end of the City was built for 134 families – the first of which moved in October 1943. Packard Court was constructed for 166 families – the first moved in December 1943.

To answer a growing need to provide housing for large families, the Housing Authority in 1961 began construction of Harry S. Jordan Gardens. Our first family moved into the 100-unit community located in the Highland Avenue area in February 1962.

A growing call for elderly housing prompted the Housing Authority to build Anthony Spallino Towers, a 15-story, 196-unit high rise for seniors, the physically challenged and disabled. In June 1974, the second senior tower, Henry E. Wrobel Towers, welcomed its first resident. The 13-story high rise consists of 250 units.

The Family Resource Building, located adjacent to Harry S. Jordan Gardens celebrated its grand opening April 15, 1991. On April 8, 1993, construction began on an addition to house an Alternative School, operated by the Niagara Falls School District, the Mount St. Mary’s Health Care Facility, a 225-seat theater, kitchen and banquet hall.

In 1998, The Housing Authority received a Certificate of Excellence in Management Operations for achieving a High Performer Designation as evidenced by an overall Public Housing Management Assessment Program score of 98 percent. The Housing Authority received the same designation in 1999.

The Packard Court Community Center opened April 3, 2001.

People and Possibilities, Inc., a not for profit organization was established in 2001 to further our goals.

In 2002, the Family Resource Building was renamed the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building after the beloved Doris W. Jones, a resident commissioner and resident for more than 50 years. She was a strong advocate of education and self- sufficiency programs and created the existing after school tutorial programs.

2003 - A yearlong celebration of 60 years of service to the Niagara Falls community.