Community Resource Center remains open to provide support and services to residents impacted by violence

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn reminds residents the Community Resource Center is open to provide trauma-informed support and immediate services to residents who have been impacted by the Jefferson Avenue tragedy and the continued closure of Tops Friendly Markets.

The Community Resource Center (CRC), located inside of the Resource Council of Western New York building at 347 East Ferry St., will remain available to all residents as long as it remains needed in the community.

All are welcome to visit the CRC, which is open between 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m. weekdays, 2-6 p.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. The CRC will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 30.

The CRC was established to provide essential resources and support to those who reside in the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood, but the center is open to anyone who needs help during this time. Services include assistance with groceries, utility payments, banking services, transportation and counseling.

A press release stated, “Thank you to the Resource Council of WNY for providing their space and the many agencies for their partnership on this important initiative: New York State Office of Victim Services, Buffalo Police Neighborhood Engagement Team, FeedMore WNY, Buffalo Fire Department, Endeavor Health Services, Mental Health Advocates of WNY, Citizens Bank, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), National Fuel, National Grid, American Red Cross, Fidelis Care, NFTA, SNUG, Buffalo Peacemakers, Erie County Department of Senior Services, Rev. Denise Walden and members of the clergy.

“The Office of Victim Services provides a critical safety net and can pay for expenses resulting from a crime when individuals have no other way to pay for them, including funeral and burial expenses, medical counseling costs and other expenses as well as assist victims and families with lost wages and loss of support.

“Individuals who have lost a loved one or were a witness to the violence are strongly encouraged to contact Homicide/Witness Protection Case Manager Kim Rapp at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, who can assist with filing OVS claims, by calling 716-858-4625.