Adult, Family & Community
Brandi L. Haynes
Chief Programming Officer
Services
As of September 30th, the CAO CARES Rental & Mortgage Assistance Program and CAO Shut-Off Prevention Program have closed. If you are in need of rental, mortgage or utility assistance, please call 211 for information on other programs.
“Due to high volume of applications for the East Buffalo Home Repair Program (BEHIP), the program will be accepting additional applications through September 6th, at which point the program will be fully subscribed.
After September 6th, all interested applicants will be asked to join our waiting list and the program will contact wait listed homeowners if additional resources become available.
There are several ways to access the waitlist:
Visit our office: 780 Fillmore Avenue between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday – Friday.
Call our office: 716.852.3130.
Email: info@780fillmore.org
Website Intake Form: Income Eligible Home Repair Program Buffalo NY (780fillmore.org)
The East Buffalo Homeowner Assistance Fund (BEHAF) for back taxes and the Down Payment Assistance Fund (DPAL+) for new home buyers remain open and will continue to accept applications until further notice.”
2022 Poverty Guidelines: 48 Contiguous States (all states except Alaska and Hawaii)
Emergency & Family Services
Sometimes individuals and families hit a rough patch. That’s when the Emergency & Family Services Department steps in and provides services to meet immediate needs. The available assistance includes food pantries, Emergency Home Food Delivery, utility assistance programs, senior transportation, Holiday Toy Assistance, and more.
Senior Services
Our Ageless Wonders Program here at CAO offers an entirely free and safe space where participants can enjoy recreational and social activities, games, guest speakers, and fun community outings. Transportation is also available for clients who live within two miles.
Housing Development
Here at CAO, our Housing Development Office works tirelessly to provide programs that improve the affordability and stability of housing in Erie County. These programs include rental and mortgage assistance, apartment searches, and home repair.
CAgrO Urban Agriculture
The CAgrO Urban Agriculture Program increases the availability of fresh, locally grown produce to low-income communities in Western New York. Their plot of land on the East Side of Buffalo provides healthy, tasty fruits, vegetables, and herbs to various assistance programs, and they work closely with local farms to supply our CAO Mobile Market.
Masten Resource Center
The MRC operates several unique programs that improve the lives of those who live and own businesses in the MLK District.
Community Engagement
The Community Engagement team focuses on linking the community with our centers, using stakeholder feedback to identify needs and offer free programs, events, and workshops. Our aim is to empower residents against poverty's challenges, fostering active community participation and growth.