APPLYING FOR PUBLIC & SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
© 1991-2000 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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What is Public and Subsidized Housing?

        Public, subsidized and Section 8 housing is housing that is paid for in part by the state or federal government. Money from the government pays part of the rent. The remaining part of the rent is paid by the tenant. The amount of rent the tenant has to pay is based on that person's income.

        Public housing and subsidized housing are different programs and they have different roles.

How Can I Apply For Public Housing?

        You can apply for public housing by contacting your local housing authority. The largest housing authorities in Erie County are the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA), the Lackawanna Municipal Housing Authority (LMHA), the Kenmore Housing Authority (KHA), and the Tonawanda Housing Authority (THA). The telephone numbers and addresses are listed in your local telephone book.

How Can I Apply For Subsidized Housing?

        You can apply for subsidized housing by contacting:

Rental Assistance Corporation of Buffalo (RAC)
470 Franklin Street
Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 882-0063

Belmont Shelter Corporation (Belmont)
1195 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14209
(716) 884-7791

        There are also a number of other subsidized housing apartment complexes in Buffalo and Erie County. You may obtain a list by contacting the Housing Unit of Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. at 847-0650. The Housing Unit accepts a limited number of calls each day, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where Can I Live in Public Housing?

        Local housing authorities offer apartments in numerous complexes in Buffalo and Erie County.

Where Can I Live If I Receive Subsidized Housing?

        Subsidies from Rental Assistance Corporation (RAC) and Belmont may be used to rent apartments anywhere in the City of Buffalo or Erie County. You can also use them in other parts of the state and country if you decide to move from this area. You should apply directly to RAC, Belmont, and other subsidized housing apartment complexes.

What Happens Once I Apply?

        After you apply, you name will be placed on a waiting list. You should receive notice from the program that you have been placed on a waiting list and to report any changes in address or telephone number. You may be able to move up the list faster if:

1. You are currently paying more than 50% of your income for rent;

2. Your current residence is considered substandard housing; or

3. You are currently the victim of involuntary displacement (homelessness), as a result of eviction, substandard conditions, domestic violence, government action or natural disaster.

        Be sure to tell the public or subsidized housing agency if you have any of these problems when you apply, and to call them if one of these things happen while you are on the waiting list.

        Some public and subsidized housing agencies also have "local preferences." You can find out what these are when you apply directly to each housing program. If you are told that you cannot apply to a housing program because of a "local preference," please call Neighborhood Legal Services. We can check to make sure that you are not wrongfully denied the opportunity to apply for housing assistance.

What Happens If My Application is Rejected by a Public or Subsidized Housing Agency?

        You can appeal the decision. Contact Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. for assistance. We will  give you information on how to appeal your case; or after a review of your case, we may agree to represent you in your appeal.

If I Am Rejected for Public Housing, Will It Affect My Application(s) for Subsidized Housing?

        No. The public housing and subsidized housing programs are completely separate programs.

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