WEST SIDE HOUSING RESOURCES

A COOPERATIVE EFFORT BY THE WEST SIDE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

The West Side Housing Partnership is a group of neighborhood organizations and stakeholders helping West Side community residents achieve their housing needs, goals, and dreams. It is our hope that you use this resource guide when assisting your constituents, customers, and neighbors. You may refer them to any of our organizations, and if we cant assist them directly we will connect them to an agency that can.
Members of the WSHP include the following organizations:

Jericho Road Ministries Habitat for Humanity Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. Hispanics United of Buffalo Homefront, Inc. LISC Buffalo Mayors Office of Strategic Planning , City of Buffalo Office of Niagara District Councilmember David Rivera People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo) Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) Westside Ministries West Side Community Collaborative West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
This guide was compiled by Whitney Crispell, Chief of Staff to Niagara District Councilmember David A. Rivera. To order more copies, ask questions, or give feedback, please contact her at (716) 851-5125 or by email at wcrispell@city-buffalo.com.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Section 8 Rental Assistance - For renters and homeowners. Homebuyer Classes & Financial Education Assists first-time homebuyers with credit counseling, purchase process, downpayment/closing cost assistance, and much more. Housing Resource Center - Drop in center open MondayFriday from 9:005:00pm (8:00pm on Thursdays) that helps people find affordable housing. Located at the Buffalo Main Street office. Acquisition/Rehab Program Provides eligible households the opportunity to purchase a rehabilitated home at an affordable price. Homes for Sale Purchase a newly built home at an affordable price. Foreclosure Prevention Provides counseling to prevent foreclosure.

Belmont Housing Resources for WNY Central Offices 1195 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14209-2196 (716) 884-7791 TDD 711 Fax: (716) 884-8026 Website: www.belmonthousingwny.org

PROGRAMS
The City of Buffalo offers a variety of homeowner assistance programs designed to provide funds for owner occupants for the rehabilitation or repair of their home. Target Streets Loan Program Funds for code related repairs and lead based paint hazard reduction are available to owner occupant households who reside on Target Streets. Maximum loan amount is $25,000*. Loan funds are provided at no interest and partial conditional grants are available for all eligible applicants. The amount to be repaid will be based on household income. Household income must be within the federal low income guidelines, specifically, less than 80% of the area median based on family size. Emergency Assistance Loan Program Funds are available for repair of a verified emergency condition such as an inoperable furnace, faulty electrical service, broken hot water tank, removal of a hazardous chimney, or break in the main water or sewer line. Properties in deteriorated condition may not qualify for assistance under this program. Maximum loan amount is $25,000*. Loan funds are provided at no interest and partial conditional grants are available for all eligible applicants. The amount to be repaid will be based on household income. Household income must be within the federal low income guidelines, specifically, less than 80% of the area median based on family size. Properties located on target streets are not eligible for assistance under this program. Emergency Assistance Loan Program/Roof Repairs Funds are available for repair of a severely deteriorated roof where water infiltration into the habitable area has been verified. For a single family structure maximum loan amount is $25,000, double is $35,000*. Loan funds are provided at no Interest and partial conditional grants are available for all eligible applicants. The amount to be repaid will be based on household income. Available to elderly, disabled or very low income households. Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Funding up to $5,000 is available to first time homebuyers to assist in meeting closing cost and down payment expenses attributable to the purchase of a one family home. Each property must be code compliant and lead safe and must be owner occupied for a five year term following the purchase. Loan funds are provided at no interest as a conditional grant. No monthly or annual payments are required, but the amount provided must be repaid if the property is sold within the five year regulatory period. Household income must be within the federal low income guidelines , specifically, less than 80% of the area median based on family size. Applicants must document the availability of mortgage financing as part of the application process. Buffalo Weatherization Assistance Program Weatherization Program funds, up to $5,000 per structure are available to assist homeowners in the City of Buffalo. The Program is available city-wide to incomeeligible, owner occupants, who meet the Program application guidelines. Program applicants must be classified as one of the following in order to apply: elderly (household income 80% or less of median income*); disabled (household income 80% or less of median income*); families with children (household income 80% or less of median income*); or very-low income individuals or families (household income 50% or less of median income*). Contact Fillmore Leroy Area Residents, Inc. (FLARE) at 838-6740 for more information.

City of Buffalo, Mayors Office of Strategic Planning 920 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square Buffalo NY 14202 Phone: (716) 851-4236

PROGRAM
Habitat sells houses at cost; it does not make any profit. Habitat holds the mortgage and charges NO interest on the mortgage. Monthly mortgage payments are between 15% and 20% of a familys gross annual income and include property taxes and homeowners insurance

PROCESS
The Family Selection Committee screens all applicants. The family must be able to manage house and utility payments and still have enough money left over to live on. The family may be receiving food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, SSD, and certain other social benefits. Any legal judgments against the family must be cleared up before homeownership, and if the applicant(s) has gone through bankruptcy, at least two years must have elapsed since the discharge of the bankruptcy. In addition to qualifying financially, the family must be willing to earn 500 hours of sweat equity as a partner with Habitat. Sweat equity means labor put in at construction sites where family members age 16 or older work together with volunteers to build or renovate houses. Habitat teaches the necessary skills, and the familys friends and relatives can put in as many as 200 of the 500 hours required. Family members can also earn hours by attending Habitat workshops, working at the Habitat ReStore, and by educational achievement. Service Area: The 9 council districts in the City of Buffalo and nearby Lackawana Habitat for Humanity Buffalo 995 Kensington Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 716-204-0740 Website: www.habitatbuffalo.org

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Home Ownership Provides Equity (H.O.P.E.) ProgramThe HOPE program brings life back into vacant properties! These new homes in an 1890s frame are ideal for first-time homebuyers who have limited capital for extensive home repairs, updates, and purchases. Planning to Stay: Aging in Place ProgramEmpowering senior citizens to maintain independence, remain civically engaged, and gracefully age in the comfort of their own homes! Planning to Stay is designed to respond to the increasing costs of home repair and maintenance by equipping deserving elderly residents with grants for home repairs and energy upgrades. Neighborhood BeautificationIn conjunction with HOCNs home rehabilitation and repair programs, the organization also promotes several neighborhoodwide community initiatives. These programs include annual tree plants, planting flower bulbs, neighborhood clean ups and hosting community-wide socials, encouraging community engagement & creating pride for our streets. Advocacy WorkAs a bi-weekly Ellicott District Liaison at housing court hearings, HOCN is able to assist building strong communities and improve the quality of life within. Referral ServicesIn addition to on-going programs and active developments, HOCN offers a variety of services to assist home-owners, tenants, and potential first-time homebuyers. Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. 251 Virginia Street, Suite A Buffalo, NY 14201 (716) 882-7661 FAX (716)882-7662 email: info@hocn.org // website: www.hocn.org

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Education & Counseling The components of the Home Ownership Center pre-purchase program are packaged to comprehensively address the needs of our low to moderate income clients interested in becoming first time homeowners. Our program is designed to take the client through a number of steps, preparing them to become mortgage ready and ultimately sustainable homeowners. At each step, the client is mentored by a qualified housing counselor who is trained in the home buying process. Financial Assistance Programs First Home Club - The First Home Club program allows eligible potential owners to earn $4 in grant monies for every $1 saved over a 10-24 month time period. Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resale Program - A valuable option for many of the clients who utilize the services of HomeFront, Inc. is the acquisition & rehabilitation program. HomeFront, Inc. is now considered by the City of Buffalo to be the lead agency in acquiring-rehabilitating-reselling houses. Closing Cost Assistance Loan Program Homebuyers purchasing in the City of Buffalo may be eligible for a $3,000 Closing Cost Assistance Loan! The Weatherization Program This program is designed to help reduce fuel bills and to make homes more energy efficient! Queen City Homebuyer Assistance Program First-time homebuyers looking to purchase a home in the City of Buffalo may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 for DPCC Assistance. Credit Counseling Services Neighborhood Planning Services HomeFront Inc. is working to promote healthy communities in Erie County. The problems that our neighborhoods face are complex, with a variety of economic, social and environmental factors, both external and internal, interrelating to create a series of challenges. Historic and macro level conditions such as economic hardship, an industrial legacy, and an aged housing stock may not be avoidable, but the manner in which they impact life can be transformed. We believe in the power of locally driven initiatives as vehicles for this transformation. We therefore work together with community groups to assess the challenges and opportunities they face, and formulate strategies for change.

HomeFront, Inc. 780 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14212 Phone: 716-856-2952Fax: 716-856-4639 Website: www.homefrontbflo.org Email: generalinfo@homefrontbflo.org

Our Vision PUSH's members are the community organizers who make affordable housing a reality in Buffalo. Our members work with partners and funders to create a healthy, just and strong city that includes community control of resources, living wage jobs and access to quality education, healthcare and transportation. Our Mission The mission of PUSH Buffalo is to mobilize residents to create strong neighborhoods with quality affordable housing, to expand local hiring opportunities and advance economic justice in Buffalo. The growth of PUSH over the years has been attributed to its commitment to operating principles, which will shape the implementation of its five years strategic plan. Our Strategic Priorities Over the next five years, PUSH will strive to: (1) Build a more democratic, action-oriented organization capable of addressing poor housing condition and the lack of living wage in the neighborhoods (2) Increase property ownership by low-income residents through the PUSH Community Housing Co-op (3) Decrease the rate of housing abandonment by reclaiming empty houses from neglectful public and private owners and redeveloping them for occupancy by low-income residents (4) Lead direct action campaigns against corporations and government agencies whose practices contribute to the high poverty rate in the neighborhoods (5) Create a replicable model of grassroots neighborhood organizing and redevelopment, which can be employed in other low-income neighborhoods throughout the Rust Belt

People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH Buffalo) 271 Grant Street Buffalo, NY 14213 716-884-0356

SERVICES
Counseling & Education Services for Homebuyers Low-interest Mortgage LoansAvailable for new homebuyers & existing homeowners wishing to refinance.

NACA Buffalo Office 1094 Hertel Ave. ( near Delaware) Buffalo NY 14216 716-834-6222 website: www.naca.com

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Westside Ministries (WSM) is a non-profit organization that seeks to stabilize communities of Buffalos under-resourced West Side and to provide home-ownership opportunities to persons who have demonstrated an ability to own a home but have lacked the opportunity. We currently minister in our target area in the following ways:
Acquisition Rehab - We help responsible, first-time, low and moderate-income homebuyers to acquire a home within our target area. We complete the rehab process with mostly volunteer labor, which allows us to keep the final cost of homes very affordable, usually in the $40-$50k range. In almost every case, our families can own homes for far less than they could rent the same home. Rental Properties Many families are not ready to own homes today, but given 1-2 years, many will become ready. We also work with families who have demonstrated an ability to own a home, but need some time to get their credit/finances in order. We offer quality, well-maintained apartments in our target area during this transitional time. WSM uses the income from these properties to fund the operational expenses of the ministry. Home Buyers Club When you are living paycheck to paycheck, it is difficult to save a large amount of money towards the future. Our tenants will have the opportunity to be part of a Home Buyers Club to help them save towards a down payment. Each month they will deposit a certain amount into a personal savings account. A federal bank, such as HSBC, match will then maximize their savings and eligible candidates will receive additional grant monies towards down payment and closing costs. Economic Development We believe that good jobs and productive work are an important part of healthy communities. We desire to develop job opportunities for the residents of the West Side. On the Job Ministries WSM was expanded in the summer of 2007 to include On the Job Ministries, which was founded to provide job training and employment opportunities for youth on the West Side. In August 2007, On the Job Ministries opened the New-To-You thrift store at 289 Grant St. New-To-You is staffed primarily with West Side teens.

West Side Ministries Housing 175 Lafayette Avenue Buffalo, NY 14213 716.828.8681 Cornelia Dohse-Peck, Community Organizer Email: Cornelia@WestsideMinistries.org www.westsideministries.org

Westminster Economic Development Initiative Neighborhood Redevelopment Program Creating stable neighborhoods on Buffalos West Side

Homebuyers Clubs Owning a home is an investment in your future, and on the West Side of Buffalo, YOU CAN be a homeowner - if you can negotiate the process. Homebuyer's Clubs can help you through. Come get the answers and assistance you need. Take control with the Homebuyers Club. Homebuyers Clubs are support groups made up of peers who meet monthly to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities home ownership presents. Facilitated by club captains the meetings consist of three main parts: Learning: Local housing experts present on grants for down payment assistance programs, (re) establishing good credit, and all other aspects of the home ownership process. Goal Setting: We take the long and confusing home ownership process, and break down into manageable steps by setting and reporting on monthly goals. Encouragement: The support group atmosphere provides accountability, personalized coaching, and encouragement from other club members. Clubs currently meeting: Loretto Ministry Center 301 14th St. 6:00pm, every 3rd Thursday of the month
Conducted in partnership with Jericho Road Ministries. Each session is offered for a specific language group of immigrants and refugees.

Grace Community Church 175 Potomac Ave 6pm, second Thursday of the month
Made up of a diverse group of West Side residents. Meetings include a meal and child care.

Block Clubs WEDI offers support to homeowners long after closing on a house. WEDI provides the community organizing that block clubs often need to empower residents to create stable neighborhoods. Become an officially recognized block club Partner effectively with police and elected officials Bring in housing agencies to address housing issues Work together on fun projects that create a sense of community pride

Ben Bissell Economic Development Coordinator email: bhbissell@hotmail.com // website: www.wedibuffalo.org Office: 716-884-9437 ext. 303 // Local Cell: 716-697-7512

Mission
We are private, not-for-profit corporations dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of Buffalo's neighborhoods by providing safe, affordable and sustainable housing opportunities for all.

Programs
We are full-cycle lending agencies, with programs carrying customers through the entire process of buying a home--from financial fitness education before purchase, to closing cost assistance, to post -purchase education and home improvement loans. Homebuyer Education classes Closing Cost Assistance (insurance; title searches; city and/or county property taxes; water and sewer costs; points and legal feeds. Foreclosure Prevention Services Home Improvement Loans Minor Home Repair

Working together for neighborhoods of choice

West Side Neighborhood Housing Services is a NeighborWorks Chartered Member. West Side NHS works in partnership with Black Rock-Riverside Neighborhood Housing Services, sharing staff and services, and serving a combined service area of everything west of Main Street in the City of Buffalo.

West Side Neighborhood Services, Inc. Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 359 Connecticut St Buffalo NY 14213 Tel. (716) 885-2344 / Fax. (716) 885-2346 Black Rock-Riverside NHS Open Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m. -6 p.m. 203 Military Rd Buffalo NY 14207 Tel. (716) 877-3910 / Fax. (716) 877-3912