Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc.
Community impact rebranding journey for a Buffalo non-profit organization
Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. (HOCN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating programs that improve the quality of residential housing and developing sustainable projects to support Buffalo. In 2019, HOCN partnered with OtherWisz Creative for a website redesign, and then again for a special logo for their 25th anniversary. In 2024, as the organization expanded their services, HOCN returned to OtherWisz for a branding refresh, an update to their online presence and various marketing tools.
Services: Brochure/Collateral, Email Marketing, Event Marketing, Illustration, Logo/Identity Design, Stationery Design, Website Design
We began by designing a new logo that represented HOCN’s core services. The logo incorporated four icons, each representing a key area: affordable housing programs, environmental justice, organizational development & growth, and project planning & property management. This design represented HOCN’s expanded programs and their commitment to community growth.
Once the logo was complete, we started to develop a suite of branded materials. These materials included video conference backgrounds, a double-sided pop-up banner, and a matching event tablecloth. Together, this visual toolkit ensured a cohesive presence for both virtual and in person use.
Next, we turned our attention to a refresh of the agency’s website. We integrated the new branding into a clean, user-friendly layout and made new program information easy to find. We put the user experience first making sure that site visitors could easily understand what HOCN’s offers.
To further support the rebranding, OtherWisz designed custom infographics, service page headers, and timeline graphics. These visual tools help simplify complex information, making key information and milestones easier to understand for both internal and external use.
Having previously designed HOCN’s original website, we were able to update the site quickly with the new visuals. We also created templates for line cards and brochures, ensuring that all marketing materials remained on brand and could be easily updated in the future.
Through this strategic rebranding process Heart of the City Neighborhoods has better aligned their visual identity with their mission and expanded services. Need to refresh your brand or enhance your online presence? Contact OtherWisz Creative to get results. Let’s make it happen!
