Do you need rental assistance? Help with a security deposit? Moving Assistance? This month’s lead story covers important information for people facing eviction, or who are homeless.

        You can apply for emergency rental assistance from DSS, which will help in paying back rent that you may owe. Go to the Housing Unit located on the first floor of the Rath Building, 158 Pearl St., Buffalo.

        You must show that you are being evicted because you owe back rent (arrears). DSS requires court papers or a letter from your landlord threatening to sue you if you don’t pay. The letter from your landlord should have a breakdown of the exact months and amounts you owe. Under certain circumstances, DSS may ask for the money back, either by recouping future cash assistance that you receive, or by having you sign a repayment agreement.

        When you go to DSS and inform them that you have an emergency (go to Window #7 or #8), you must be seen that same day. If DSS is willing to help you, but needs further information or documentation, you should be given a list of items needed and a date to return. If your emergency need must be met the same day, DSS must issue cash or a “guarantee letter” that day. Any denial of assistance must be given to you in writing.

        If DSS refuses to pay your back rent, and your landlord is threatening to evict you, call our office immediately at 847-0650 and ask for the Housing Unit.

        If you are an applicant or recipient of Public Assistance you will need to find an apartment that is within $100 of your shelter allowance. The maximum amount you can pay for rent varies according to household size and utilities, as follows:

                                                                                    with heat                                              without heat

1 person                                                                           $269                                                      $255
2 people                                                                           $301                                                      $282
3 people                                                                           $315                                                      $305
4 people                                                                           $334                                                      $323
5 people                                                                           $354                                                      $342
6 people                                                                           $362                                                      $350

        When you find an affordable apartment, you will then need to bring your completed landlord statement to DSS so you can get your rent paid for.

        Both the Belmont Shelter Corp. (1195 Main St, 884-7791) and the Rental Assistance Center (470 Franklin St, 882-0063) have apartment listings for individuals who need to find affordable housing. If you want counseling or help in finding an affordable home, you can also contact Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) at 854-1400.

        DSS can sometimes help with moving expenses. Go to Window #7 at the Rath Building and ask for assistance. DSS will only pay for moving expenses if you are moving to a less expensive apartment or you are under extreme circumstances. For DSS, extreme circumstances are: homelessness, transition out of a shelter, leaving a dangerous or abusive environment, natural disasters, building condemnation, or a serious medical condition that requires different housing arrangements.

        DSS will only provide moving expenses if they determine the apartment you are moving to is “affordable.” If you receive Public Assistance, your new rent should be no more than $100 over your shelter allowance (see chart on the previous page). If you have other income, your rent should be no more than half of your monthly income.

        If you are denied moving expenses or you have questions about this program, feel free to contact our office at 847-0650.

        If you are being evicted and are moving into a temporary shelter, DSS may be able to assist you in storing your property. In some circumstances based on financial eligibility, DSS will pay to move your belongings to a storage place, and for the storage. Once you find a new apartment, DSS can also pay for your belongings to be moved out of storage and into your new home. You can apply for this benefit at Window #7 or #8 at DSS.

        DSS sometimes helps people pay security deposits or get security agreements. To apply, go to Window #7 at the Rath Building. DSS only provides security deposits if you are moving to a cheaper place or if you are in extreme circumstances. For DSS, extreme circumstances are: homelessness, transition out of a shelter, leaving a dangerous or abusive environment, natural disasters, building condemnation, or serious medical conditions that require different housing arrangements.

        DSS will only provide security deposits if they determine the apartment is affordable. This means up to $100 over your household’s shelter allowance (see the chart on the first page) or up to half of your monthly income.

        If you have no place to stay, go to Window #7 at the Rath Building and ask for assistance. DSS must find you a space in a shelter or a hotel room if the shelters are full. Crisis Services (834-3131) can also help people find space in shelters and provide other assistance.

        You can contact shelters directly and ask if there is space available. The largest shelters in Buffalo are:

City Mission                                                              Cornerstone Manor
(for men)                                                                      (women and children)
100 E. Tupper St.                                                        45 Carlton Street
Buffalo, NY 14203                                                     Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 845-8181                                                         (716) 852-0761

Little Portion Friary                                                  Salvation Army Shelter
(for adults)                                                                  (for women and children)
1305 Main Street                                                        960 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209                                                     Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 882-5705                                                         (716) 884-4798

        If you are already on Public Assistance and you find yourself homeless, make sure your caseworker knows of your changed circumstances to avoid an overpayment. If they pay your shelter allowance and you have no rent expense because you are homeless, or are in a shelter, you will have to pay the money back.

        It is back to school time already! This issue’s Child Care Corner wanted to remind parents that child care benefits through the Department of Social may be used for after school/school aged programs, as well as child care settings for children up to the age of 13!

        If you receive public assistance, or if you are a low-income wage earner you may be eligible for child care benefits. In order to qualify for Low Income Child Care, your household income must be equal to, or under the following yearly levels:

        You must fill out an application for child care benefits with the Day Care Unit at DSS. They are located at 478 Main Street in Buffalo, and can be reached by phone at 858-TYKE. If you already receive public assistance, ask your caseworker about child care benefits.

        Yes! DSS child care benefits may cover the time before and after school hours, or during school holidays that you are at, or on the way to work.

        You must fill out an application for child care benefits with the Day Care Unit at DSS. They are located at 478 Main Street in Buffalo, and can be reached by phone at 858-TYKE. If you already receive public assistance, ask your caseworker about child care benefits.

        Yes! DSS child care benefits may cover the time before and after school hours, or during school holidays that you are at, or on the way to work.

        If you have questions about child care, please feel free to contact Mindy at Neighborhood Legal Services, at 847-0650.

        Cut Zucchini into spears, 1/2 inch thick. Dredge each piece first in flour, then in milk, then in bread crumb mixture. Place on greased cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray. Bake at 350º, turning once or twice, until tender inside, crispy outside. Serve with Sour Cream, Ranch Dressing, or Salsa as dipping sauce!