Why a co-op?
What is co-operative living? The simplest answer is that it is people living together in a self-governing group so that everyone benefits from the group’s success. This house is your house, and contribute directly to its well-being, and thus to your own. Co-operation is not about restricting your individual freedom and self-expression. Instead, it gives you a direct relationship with your environment, and creates a meaningful context in which you can act.

The freedom to act within a community context is much more valuable than the “independence” which can be purchased by wealth or status in our society. In a co-operative, you work together with other people toward common aims which at the same time make it easier for everyone to fulfill their personal goals. The moral of the story: We’re all in this together.

Nickel City Housing is an effort to establish an example of community and people working together to reach the common goal of sustainable living. An owner-occupied cooperative model of residence has to potential to be an affordable, community-oriented, and unique approach to revitalization in Buffalo. This is especially significant in a time of absentee landlords and a crumbling economic climate. (locally and nationally).