BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — There are many across Western New York still waiting to get their stimulus check or unemployment benefits.
But if you’re looking for a lifeline in any way, there are tons of local organizations that a help in pinch.
RENT:
Push Buffalo has a Mutual Aid Fund set up that’s running on donations from the community.
“A lot of it does come from the community helping the community. We’re just helping the community channel the help that they want to give to each other,” said staff member Ángel Rosado.
The organization is pushing for rent cancelations during the pandemic, but also doing everything it can to help clients who call needing assistance.
“We’ve been doing our best to at least try to get in contact with the landlords to get some of the rent shaved off to get maybe 50% rent forgiveness.”
Reach out on social media: @pushbuffalo
Call 716-884-0356 or email info@pushbuffalo.org
FOOD:
Feedmore WNY is currently helping thousands who are struggling with food insecurity.
“A lot of the people who have been reaching out to feedmore WNY for services have actually been people who have never had to reach out before,” said Catherine Shick, communications director for the organization.
When you call you’ll speak to a representative that will ask a few questions like where you live and how many people are in your home to assess how urgent the need is and what service you can benefit most from.
“We could connect you with one of our partners agencies and you may be best served by one of our parent agencies. Maybe you need emergency food packs delivered to your home, or you would be greatly benefitted by one of our mobile food pantry distributions.”
Call 716-822-2002 or email hello@feedmorewny.org
MONEY AND LOANS:
Many local banks are offering assistance to clients including small loans or low negative balance forgiveness.
Call your local branch to discuss options.
KeyBank is giving short-term loans up to $5,000, with some getting same day funds.
The bank is also allowing people who are not clients to deposit their stimulus checks for no fee.
LEGAL SERVICES:
If you have a legal question regarding any civil matter from landlord disputes to child support and visitation the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project has someone that can help.
“We have a bank of close to five hundred local attorneys and private practices that volunteer their time to take cases through us for free at no cost for our clients.”
Services and advice is free and when you call you will be connected most times to an attorney right away.
“If you’e coming to us for things that have court costs that can’t get waived, we’ll ask you to deposit those court funds,” said Gretchen Gonzalez, of VLP. “But, the legal services themselves are completely free and all of our advice and counsel over the phone is completely free.”
If you are an attorney that wants to volunteer your services you can reach out here.
Family Law Questions – (716) 823-3255
Housing Law Questions – (716) 828-8460
Immigration Questions – (716) 847-0662 x 301
Unemployment Benefits Questions – (716) 847-0662 x 303
To become a Divorce Client – (716) 847-0662 x 807
For all other legal cases – (716) 847-0662 x 324
