The goal of Buffalo Housing Homeless Outreach is to stop people from being kicked out of their homes because they can’t pay their rent or mortgage. They offer services for both people who own homes and people who live in rented homes, as well as referrals to financial aid when possible. The agency can also be a source of information on government programs such as section 8 (housing assistance) or heating bill help from LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). More information on these topics can be found on the website. The website has additional information on weatherization and minor home repairs.
Buffalo Housing Outreach homeless prevention and homeowner services
If you’re looking to buy your first home, Buffalo Housing Homeless Outreach First Time Home Buyer workshops can offer some helpful advice. There is guidance for those individuals that are working through the process of making a major purchase. This includes requirements and details involved in the purchase. There are many things to consider when buying a home, from low interest loans to legal support in reviewing a purchase agreement.
The HEAP program provides financial assistance to help low-income households pay their home energy bills. This program only happens once a year, and it has a part that deals with crises. If someone is not able to pay for their utilities or heating, it could lead to them becoming homeless. Buffalo Housing Homeless Outreach can provide referrals to help with this issue. There are no grants available through HEAP to help cover energy or gas bills.
Rent assistance is mostly available from the government’s section 8 program. This is the nation’s main resource for very low income families, as their housing costs will be based on their income. The government pays the rest of the cost. However, other services that the Housing Homeless Outreach team can provide include mediating with landlords to try and find a solution to an eviction, or other advice.
If you’re at risk of foreclosure, Erie County offers credit and foreclosure counseling services to help you keep your home. Credit counseling is a service that helps Buffalo area residents find resolutions to their credit issues. It is available at a low cost. Trained and experienced counselors provide ongoing, one-on-one advice and guidance for program participants to remedy current credit or mortgage problems. They will create a budget and work with landlords or lenders to find solutions, and monitor progress.
Repairs and modifications
The Buffalo Housing Homeless Outreach Home Modification Program is for low to moderate-income homeowners who need help modifying their homes. This means that disabled and elderly people are the main focus. Since the repairs are only funded by government grants or volunteers donating their time, there is not a lot of money available for repairs.
Some of the changes that can be made to help people with disabilities include installing ramps. There may also be some minor repairs done to the roof to keep heat in or to fix minor safety issues. Our goal is to provide disabled people of all ages in Erie County with the modifications they need to make their homes accessible, as well as to expand living options for persons with disabilities and prevent institutionalization.
The agency may also help people who own their home but have little money by fixing code violations or bringing the home up to the standards set by the Section 8 Housing program. This program is only for people who own single-family homes in Buffalo. The program is designed to help improve plumbing, heating, electrical, building structure, and handicap accessibility. Some modifications that can be made to improve accessibility for people with disabilities include widening doorways, adding ramps, and making bathrooms accessible. If you are disabled, you may be able to get help from Housing Homeless Outreach to make your home more accessible. Additionally, schools may offer other enrichment programs such as art, music, or drama.
There are grant programs specifically for seniors to help with home maintenance. This helps elderly people with simple repairs. The work is funded by a one-time grant to the homeowner, and the amount of the grant is limited. In some cases, a loan is issued to the senior due to the applicant’s income or lack of funding.
The Buffalo Housing Homeless Outreach provides services such as roof repairs, bathroom repairs, and window repairs for senior citizens. They may also do work on heaters and install them if needed.
For more information or referrals, the Buffalo Housing Homeless Outreach is located at 2969 Main Street. The phone number for the crisis center is (716) 834-3131.