Programs
In an effort to assist the residents of the Lower West Side, Heart of the City has developed programs and housing initiatives that improve the quality of residential housing for all.
Home Ownership Provides Equity (H.O.P.E.) Program
The H.O.P.E. Program brings life back into vacant properties! These new homes in an 1890′s frame are ideal for first-time homebuyers who have limited capital for extensive home repairs, updates, and purchases.
Planning to Stay: Aging in Place Program
Empowering senior citizens to maintain independence, remain civically engaged, and gracefully age in the comfort of their own homes!
Planning to Stay is designed to respond to the increasing costs of home repair and maintenance by equipping deserving elderly residents with grants for home repairs and energy upgrades.
Neighborhood Beautification
In conjunction with HOCN’s home rehabilitation and repair programs, the organization also promotes several neighborhood-wide community initiatives.
These programs include annual tree plants, planting flower bulbs, neighborhood clean ups and hosting community-wide socials, encouraging community engagement and creating pride for our streets.
Advocacy Work
As a bi-weekly Ellicott District Liaison at housing court hearings, HOCN is able to assist building strong communities and improve the quality of life within. Services include offering assistance to those who need help with minor home repair, acquiring properties that homeowners no longer wish to care for, and holding neglectful homeowners and landlords responsible for their damaging effects on the community.
Community Office Hours
Heart of the City offers Community Office Hours during the summer months (May-August) in the Porter Branch Library (280 Porter Avenue, Buffalo).
During our “off season”, we encourage you to call our office at (716) 882-7661 or email us. We always welcome those who stop by our office at 251 Virginia Street, but encourage you to call ahead and make an appointment to ensure that we can devote enough time to assisting you.
Referral Services
In addition to on-going programs and active developments, HOCN offers a variety of services to assist home-owners, tenants, and potential first-time homebuyers. For more information, visit our Resources page.