New York State Department Pledges $100,000 Towards Housing Security in East Buffalo

In a recent statement, Robert J. Rodriguez, New York’s Secretary of State, revealed plans to disburse $100,000 in funding to the Community Action Organization of Western New York (CAOWNY). The CAOWNY, which has been a beacon of support for East Buffalo residents, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating event at Tops Market in May 2022, will use this financial aid to enhance housing security in the area.

The funds will specifically be directed towards case management as well as rental and mortgage assistance, aiming to prevent evictions and to aid about 100 families and individuals in maintaining safe, stable, and permanent housing. The aid provided by the CAOWNY has been especially critical in these challenging times, helping the community bounce back from various crises.

Secretary Rodriguez highlighted the work of the Division of Community Services in coordinating with non-profit organizations to provide support to low-income families statewide. He expressed his pride in being able to contribute this crucial funding that will deliver much-needed aid to some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers in Western New York. The community of East Buffalo has faced considerable hardships in recent times, and the secretary acknowledged the vital role that CAOWNY has played in their recovery.

President of CAOWNY, Thomas Kim, voiced his gratitude towards the New York State Department of State and Governor Kathy Hochul for their consistent efforts, especially the generous $100,000 grant to the organization’s CARAF initiative. He emphasized that these funds are a testament to their commitment to uplifting the community and will provide essential support to East Buffalo families, helping them to sustain secure and stable housing conditions.

Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown commended Governor Hochul and the New York Department of State for offering these vital resources to CAOWNY, which he deemed a necessity for safe and affordable housing, particularly as the community continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CAOWNY, a Community Action Agency founded in 1965, uses funding from the Community Services Block Grant and other state and federal funding to aid over 20,000 residents in Buffalo and Erie County, striving to alleviate poverty and foster self-sufficiency. This funding has been particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand for emergency food and personal care products saw a significant increase. CAOWNY responded to this need, helping to connect school-aged children and senior citizens and facilitate education while maintaining social distancing. When the eviction moratorium was lifted, the focus shifted to preventing homelessness by offering support for rent, utility, and mortgage payments.

Following the Tops Market tragedy of May 14, 2022, which resulted in a food desert in the East Buffalo community due to the closure of the only food retailer within a two-mile radius, CAOWNY sprang into action. They partnered with the Resource Council of Western New York and opened a food pantry to meet the community’s food challenges.

CAOWNY offers a wide range of other services, such as food pantries that distribute 50,000 pounds of food annually, mobile farmers markets in 12 designated food deserts within Erie County, substance abuse treatment for long-term sobriety, and Head Start/Early Head Start programs for children’s educational services. They also provide senior services for independent living, urban farmland for organic produce, employment services, youth sports, and afterschool programs. Further details about CAOWNY can be found on their website.

The Division of Community Services, part of the New York Department of State, collaborates with a wide network of regional community action agencies to fight poverty among poor and low-income families. They provide funding to these non-profit organizations to offer essential services such as employment assistance and training, emergency food and housing, childcare, and home heating, among others. The Division monitors these agencies’ progress and ensures they comply with CSBG guidelines. More information about the Division of Community Services can be found on the Department of State website.