The building formerly known as Our Lady of Lourdes stands empty and available for use. Now, one church is hoping to change it from “available to use” to available for you. 

"We are celebrating our launch [of] our new initiative, our community development corporation to create affordable housing for seniors and also to create a safe space for young people in the community,” said Reverend Lateef Johnson-Kinsley of Well of Hope Church. 

The Well of Hope Church plans to create a multi-use community center including basketball courts, a recording studio, and affordable senior living space. Johnson-Kinsley says kids should have a safe space in their community to learn about themselves. 

"So, we're dealing with the kid's culture so they know who they are," Johnson-Kinsley said.

Overseer, James A Lewis III, says it's important for the church to not only preach to the community but also to reach into the communities they serve. 

"Church has left the building; we can't do church the way we used to do it, we have to come outside," Lewis said.

In addition to being the overseer of the Western New York district of Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, he also serves as the Chief Trauma Chaplain at the Erie County Medical Center. He says the violence he sees in Erie County, he also sees in Syracuse and it’s time to say “enough is enough.” 

"I learn how to play basketball from going to Southwest Center," Johnson-Kinsley said. 

Now, the Well of Hope Church is turning their memories of the community into a reality. The church says they hope to open the center in the Spring of 2020, ahead of what they say is the height of shootings in Syracuse.