Buffalo: 3.4 million available in rental assistance as eviction moratorium set to expire

As New York state’s eviction moratorium law expires on Saturday, Jan. 15, Mayor Byron Brown, board chair of the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA), informs tenants that $3.4 million in “Stand Up Buffalo” rental assistance funds are available for tenants facing eviction.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, the City of Buffalo has worked tirelessly to ensure our residents remain safely housed in a stable environment through various programs,” Brown said. “With the expiration of the eviction moratorium, we must continue to inform those in need of the resources available – especially during this cold winter weather.”

In 2021, the City of Buffalo awarded 5,031 eligible residents with rental assistance, totaling an amount of $26,805,633, averaging $5,300 per awarded resident.

Given the challenge of applying for funds, Brendan Mehaffy, vice chair of BURA and executive director of the Office of Strategic Planning, encouraged residents in need of rental assistance to call 2-1-1 as a first step. 

“Eligible residents should also be aware that, the sooner they apply for rental assistance, the better – and that a pending application for rental assistance will help them remain in their home until further assistance can be given,” Mehaffy said. 

He added, “It is also important for residents to appear in court with representation from the legal services community to ensure they receive all the protections provided under the law.”

BURA encouraged residents facing evictions to contact the available legal services providers, including the WNY Law Center (716-855-0203), Center for Elder Law and Justice (716-853-3087), Volunteer Lawyers Project (716-852-8687), Legal Aid Bureau (716-853-9555), and Neighborhood Legal Services (716-847-0650). Residents in Erie County and outside of the City of Buffalo who have received a notice to appear in Erie County Hub Court can call 1-844-238-7376 to connect to a Legal Services provider. 

Residents can learn more about eligibility and rental assistance at standupbuffalo.com.

The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) is a public benefit corporation that was formed by an act of the New York State Legislature in 1966. It strives to promote the expeditious undertaking, financing and completion of community development programs and create quality and vibrant urban living in Buffalo through neighborhood-driven development projects.