West Side Home in Buffalo

 

Home Repair Resources in Buffalo

Home Owner Resources

Homeowners in Buffalo face many challenges today. With the growing cost of repairs, many struggle to maintain and repair their home. Other homeowners struggle to make payments on mortgages and closing costs, and are threatened with foreclosure. Heart of the City understands these challenges and is here to help our neighbors!

How HOCN Can Help

Heart of the City assists homeowners with grants and low-interest loan programs when available. Contact us for direct assistance!

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 lending a hand 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 effects on the community.

Community Office Hours
Heart of the City offers Community Office Hours during the summer months in the Porter Branch Library (280 Porter Avenue, Buffalo)  in correlation with Niagara District Councilmember Rivera’s Community Office Hours.

Stop in with any housing questions you may have and we’ll show you how Heart of the City can help you, or refer you to another organization who can.

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 to schedule an appointment to ensure that we can devote enough time to assisting you.

 

Doing Our Part

HOCN made a conscious decision at the time of our formation of the organization that we would not duplicate services offered by other agencies and thus work with sister housing agencies to provide loan processing, pre and post homebuyer education counseling, and foreclosure prevention workshops.

However, there are still residential development services that we provide to new and current homeowners in our service area, so call us in the event the programs listed below don’t quite address your current housing dilemma!

Partner Resources

Home Repair Resources

Home Improvement Loans
Low-interest loans to help with repairs, maintenance, and closing-costs for homeowners.

Lead Hazard Control

Lead Connections is providing FREE lead hazard control training, evaluation, supplies and equipment to property owners throughout Erie County.
Please visit www.leadconnections.org or call 888-436-8314 or 716-833-2929 ext. 121

Home Repair Workshop Series

Looking to take care of those minor home repairs yourself?
Learn do-it-yourself skills in a Home Repair Workshop Class or while volunteering!

Financial Assistance Resources

Financial Education Workshop
Financial Education Workshops help potential home buyers and current homeowners understand the basics of personal budgeting and household finance.
Please visit HomeFront Buffalo to learn more.

Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
Seek out counseling and aid for your missing mortgage payments to prevent foreclosure.
-West Side Neighborhood Housing Services: Please visit West Side Neighborhood Housing Services or contact Foreclosure Prevention Counselor Lynn Owens at 716.877.3910 (Black Rock-Riverside NHS), or e-mail her at LOwens@wsnhs.org.
-Belmont Housing WNY: Please visit Belmont Housing WNY
-Buffalo Urban League: Please visit Buffalo Urban League

Closing Cost Assistance Loan Program
The Closing Cost Assistance Loan Program provides home buyers purchasing in the City of Buffalo with a $3,000 Closing Cost Assistance Loan.
HomeFront, Inc.: Please visit HomeFront Buffalo

Reverse Mortgage (HECM) Services
M&T Bank offers Reverse Mortgage Services for seniors.
Please visit www.mandtreversemortgage.com for more information

Reverse Mortgage Counseling
This counseling is required by any household considering a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) also known as a reverse mortgage. Counseling is face to face and a certificate will be issued upon completion.
HomeFront, Inc.: Please visit HomeFront Buffalo
Belmont WNY: Please visit Belmont Housing WNY

Weatherization

Lower the cost of your energy bills by weatherizing your home! For weatherization needs, visit
NHS of South Buffalo
1937 South Park Ave
Buffalo NY, 14220
(716) 823-3630

Matt Urban Center
1081 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
(716) 893-7222