Revitalized Public Spaces to Help Homeless, Runaway Youths in Western New York
The International Interior Design Association New York’s Buffalo City Center (IIDA NY) is proud to unveil its inaugural collaboration with Compass House, a homeless shelter that has evolved into a comprehensive support system for homeless and runaway youth in Western New York. The City Center recently undertook a transformative renovation of two crucial gathering spaces within the shelter, ushering in essential upgrades for both the youths’ communal areas and the staff’s dedicated meeting room.
Compass House extends a range of vital services, including an emergency shelter, a resource center, and a Rapid Re-Housing Program, catering to an annual clientele of approximately 600 youth. Situated within a historic structure, the shelter offers sanctuary to as many as 13 children and young adults, spanning ages 5 to 24. Notably, the building’s two central gathering spaces—the living room and meeting room—underwent an extensive interior makeover, resulting in brighter, more resilient environments that align seamlessly with the organization’s fundamental principles of upholding dignity, respect, and self-reliance.
Dedicated local designers and contractors generously devoted three weeks to meticulously scrape, paint, and rejuvenate the flooring and ceilings. They also undertook the task of skillfully reupholstering select existing furniture pieces to infuse new life into the space. In addition to these efforts, essential new furniture was thoughtfully procured to meet the facility’s requirements for enhanced seating, storage, and additional sleeping options.
“The building’s venerable age posed unforeseen challenges, compounded by a scarcity of wall preparation supplies that resulted in a one-week project delay,” said Caitlin Waldron, a member of the Buffalo City Center. “However, our dedicated seven-member committee, alongside invaluable support from local representatives, ensured the project’s realization within the designated timeline. The initiative received an overwhelming wave of support from numerous well-wishers.”
Since taking up residence in the freshly refurbished space, both the staff and residents of Compass House have conveyed their profound satisfaction and gratitude. They have acknowledged the transformative effect of the renovation on their day-to-day experiences and the overall ambiance of the facility. Thanks to the generous contribution from IIDA NY, Compass House is now better equipped to serve its community.
Lisa Freeman, Executive Director of Compass House, expressed her gratitude towards IIDA NY’s Buffalo City Center, stating, “Their renovation of the living and meeting rooms, crucial spaces for our runaway and homeless youth, has been nothing short of amazing. These areas exude a newfound warmth and hospitality, significantly easing the minds of the youth seeking refuge within our shelter.”
About IIDA NY
The IIDA New York Chapter (IIDA NY)—an inclusive community of creative and diverse professionals, industry partners and students—celebrates design, encourages collaboration, shares knowledge and advocates for the interior design community. This professional networking and educational association provides invaluable resources to more than 700 members in 10 specialty forums with the goal of enhancing their expertise, knowledge and contacts. IIDA NY is proudly committed to design advocacy, sustainability, civic engagement, student mentorship and development, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. For more information, visit: http://www.iidany.org/.