Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers to Provide Community Engagement to East Buffalo Residents

ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS LIVING IN ZIP CODES 14204,14208, 14209, 14211,14212 and 14215. .

New York State Listened and Now has established a project that is focused on providing timely targeted assistance to the residents of East Buffalo, a community that has been greatly impacted by a racially motivated mass shooting on May 14, 2022.  Staff from New York State, the City of Buffalo, Erie County, and numerous nonprofit community providers are working together to fill a community need.

The goal of the program is to increase community members’ awareness of available benefits and resources and provide coordinated assistance to direct residents in need to community services.

The community identified a need to increase the engagement of residents to help them access available benefits and services that can help them heal and improve their economic well-being.  Prior outreach identified spiritual support, food assistance and basic needs assistance as common needs among residents.

How We Will Make IMPACT
The participating organizations and municipalities will coordinate crisis assistance by providing door-to-door outreach to identify and address resident needs.

FILLING A NEED WITH A FOCUS ON LIFTING OTHERS OUT OF POVERTY
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Inc., (BFNC) will provide ‘door to door’ canvassing of households in East Buffalo, with a focus on the 14204,14208, 14209, 14211,14212 and 14215 zip codes to provide information about available benefits and services.

“This is a perfect project for our community-based agency, and we are proud and energized by the opportunity to make an impact. We continue to reimagine services to a changing community.  This Project allows us to meet residents who may need assistance where they are, stated Chandra Redfern. CEO of Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers.

Redfern adds,” The customer service focused and helping hand are empowering.”

SERVICES OFFERED:
Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Inc., (BFNC) will provide ‘door to door’ canvassing of households in East Buffalo, with a focus on the 14204,14208, 14209, 14211,14212 and 14215 zip codes to provide information about available benefits and services.

Where appropriate, BFNC will work with the adults and families, so they are aware of the following services:

  *   Mental health and behavioral health services

*   Referrals for care management

*   Access to socialization activities

*   Public Assistance

*   Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

*   Utility assistance including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) signing up for ongoing Energy Affordability Program benefits.

*   Health insurance coverage, including assistance through Medicaid, Child Health Plus and other programs.

*   Rental arrears assistance and/or mortgage assistance

*   Property tax relief through STAR

*   Assistance with housing code compliance

BFNC will coordinate with other identified community-based providers and faith based community to offer follow-up services based on identified needs.

CALL: (716) 852-5065 & ASK FOR OUTREACH.