BTB Houses

The vision for the BTB Houses began with our founders’ experiences volunteering as drivers for newly resettled refugees in Syracuse. These encounters exposed a stark reality on the Northside, where many rental properties suffered from structural neglect and unsafe conditions. It became clear that the housing crisis involved more than just a lack of buildings; it was a disconnect between residents and their environments. This realization shifted our mission from traditional property management to a philosophy of mentorship. Instead of relying on citations or oversight to manage property issues, we provide the resources and cultural context families need to succeed.
Our residential properties, BTB 1 and BTB 2, serve as the living proof of this approach. We treat these homes as environments where we replace traditional enforcement with a relationship built on mutual respect. When a maintenance issue arises, we do not simply issue a notice. We work directly with the family to address the problem, using it as a hands-on teaching moment. This process ensures that cultural or language differences never stand in the way of a family’s housing security, transforming a physical structure into a permanent sanctuary.
This model first proved its impact through the journey of Ms. R, who moved from a neglected studio into a managed environment at (former) BTB 2. This property served as a vital bridge where she could shift her focus from simple occupancy to active home management. Rather than merely requesting repairs for issues like pest prevention or yard care, she worked with the organization to acquire the practical skills needed to handle these tasks independently. This partnership provided the stability and confidence necessary for her family to reunite and eventually transition into a larger, permanent home.
In 2024, this model reached a new milestone at BTB 1 on Lodi Street, where we structurally adapted the property to accommodate a household of six. The renovation focused on creating a functional, high-quality environment that ensures dignity and safety for every family member. These sites now serve as active classrooms where residents participate in the life of the building and work alongside our team to maintain essential systems. Looking forward, we plan to apply these professional engineering standards to upcoming projects to stabilize at-risk structures and raise the standard of living for the entire neighborhood.