BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — In a time of financial uncertainty, PUSH Buffalo is canceling rent for all residential and commercial tenants for the month of April.
"As the COVID-19 crisis risks spiraling out of control, vulnerable frontline communities are facing unprecedented threats from structural inequities in our economic system and gaping holes in our social safety net," said the PUSH Buffalo Staff.
This decision will impact 99 residential and 5 commercial tenants, including non-profit partners Ujima Co. Inc., Peace of the City, and the African Heritage Food Co-op.
Tenants like the theatre Ujima Co. Inc., is breathing a sign of relief.
“It was literally like having a brick lifted off my chest. Having your Landlord call and tell you you don’t have to pay rent this month, that’s a relief, I don’t care who you are,” said Lorna C. Hill, Artistic Director.
The group is calling on other developers and landlords to do the same before April 1st.
"To keep people in their homes and out of rental debt while they struggle to maintain the health and well-being of themselves and their families," said PUSH Buffalo.
They're also calling on the government to step in. They're joining two campaigns to advocate for housing rights, Housing Justice for All in the state and #HomesGuarantee nationally.
We really do need the federal government to step up, we pay taxes. I think now is the time to bail the people out and not big corporations,” said Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Executive Director of PUSH Buffalo.
PUSH Buffalo is preparing to help tenants in May as well.
