Hope Center

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Your One-Stop for Customized Financial Services

The BFNC Hope Center is a neighborhood center for individuals and families focusing on economic advancement, empowerment and financial education. In one convenient location, The Hope Center offers a network of community resources to assist individuals and families with career services, financial planning, and management to build future wealth.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

WE ARE NOW OFFERING FREE VIRTUAL TAX PREPARATION SERVICES FOR 20I9 TAX FILING!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Call 211 to make an appointment.


TO QUALIFY FOR FREE ASSISTANCE, YOU MUST:
  • Have a valid email address and phone number
  • Have use of a computer with Microsoft Windows, a Mac computer, tablet or smart phone
  • Have the ability to complete online intake and consent forms
  • Be able to upload tax documents
  • Have filed before with a BFNC VITA Tax Site in 2017 or 2018
2017 and 2018 BFNC VITA TAX SITES Included:
  1. BFNC, 45 Jewett Location or the Moot Center, ‪292 High Street‬
  2. EOC, ‪555 Ellicott Street, Buffalo
  3. First Shiloh/Belmont ‪15 Pine Street, Buffalo
  4. Delevan Grider Community Center, ‪877 East Delevan Ave, Buffalo‬ ‪Gerard Place, 2515 Bailey Ave, Buffalo‬

IMPORTANT FORMS

BFNC VITA/TCE Virtual Consent
BFNC VITA Intake & Quality Review Form 13614-c
IRS eFile Authorization Form 8879

CLARO - FREE CIVIL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IS NOW OFFERED REMOTELY!

In need of free legal assistance for debt, foreclosures, student loans or housing? Please call 716-828-8432.
For more information, visit their website at clarobuffalo.org

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, increase financial security, and support economic independence.

The BFNC HOPE CENTER is a member of the United Way CASH Coalition, an agency collaboration with a focus on improving the financial health of hard-working families in Western New York.


OUR SERVICES

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program:
Provides free income eligible tax preparation services for individuals and families making under $55,000 a year.

Benefits Screening and Assistance:
We can assist you in applying for Medicaid, TANF (Cash Assistance), Social Security, SNAP benefits, HEAP, insurance programs and more.

Financial Education and Planning:
The Institute for Sustainable Economic Impact & Financial Well-Being helps to empower individuals to achieve economic stability and financial success.

Support Services:

  • Money Management/Budgeting
  • Checking & Savings Account Education
  • Credit Report Review & Score Education



Banking Education:

  • Checking and Savings Accounts
  • Home Ownership
  • Workforce Development Services

Civil Legal Advice and Resource Clinic (CLARO)
An appointment & walk-in legal clinic.

We offer FREE legal advice & help from an attorney on:

  • Collections
  • Garnishments
  • Frozen bank accounts
  • Court cases or judgments related to credit card debts, medical debts, student loans, car loans, utilities collections, lines of credit, charge accounts, foreclosures