Side-by-side for change: Highmark and M&T Bank break ground on Habitat for Humanity project in Buffalo’s east side

Unique collaboration launches construction of two neighboring homes with a shared commitment to community revitalization

Buffalo, NY – Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, alongside M&T Bank and Habitat for Humanity Buffalo officially broke ground today on two new affordable homes in the heart of the Bailey Green neighborhood on Buffalo’s East Side. Built side-by-side at 66 and 72 Zenner Street, the homes will be fully funded and constructed by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and M&T Bank, in partnership with Habitat Buffalo and future homeowner families.

This groundbreaking marks the beginning of a unique, dual-sponsor collaboration—one that brings together two of the region’s most prominent employers to invest directly in community revitalization, economic equity, and safe housing access.

“Health is about more than healthcare,” said Michael Ball, Vice President, Community Affairs for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “It’s about access to safe, stable environments—like the home we’re building at 72 Zenner. As part of Highmark’s Bright Blue Futures charitable giving and community involvement program, we are honored to contribute to this effort and proud to see our team members helping to make it a reality.”

Each home will be constructed with the help of M&T and Highmark employee volunteers, Habitat Buffalo’s construction team, and the future homeowners themselves—who will contribute 400 hours of sweat equity through Habitat’s homeownership program. Both homes are expected to be completed by fall 2026.

“At M&T Bank, our purpose is to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and that begins with investing in the places we call home,” said Tracy Woodrow, M&T Bank Chief Administrative Officer & WNY Regional President. “Through our partnership with Habitat Buffalo and Highmark, we are laying the foundation for new beginnings and brighter tomorrows. This is the heart of community – coming together and showing up for our neighbors.”

“This is what transformational partnership looks like,” said Lynn O’Connor, Executive Director of Habitat Buffalo. “When leaders in our community come together to make positive changes, the result is more than just new homes—it’s stability, dignity, safety, and a future for families in neighborhoods like Bailey Green.”

The Bailey Green neighborhood, long a focus of community-driven revitalization, is an ideal setting for this milestone. These two new homes will add to Habitat Buffalo’s growing footprint on Buffalo’s East Side and serve as a visible reminder of what shared investment can achieve. They mark the 7^th and 8^th Habitat homes to be built on Zenner Street.