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HOCN PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF BUFFALO
We're excited to announce that HOCN is partnering with the City of Buffalo/ City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) to provide housing assistance programs for homeowners located in the Niagara District. These programs include the Emergency Assistance Loan Program, Weatherization Assistance Program, and the 50/50 Rehab Loan Program.
To learn more about these programs, visit our website. |
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OUR LATEST PROJECT: MT AARON MANOR
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A SUCCESSFUL SPRING IT ON!
Our staff and Board were so overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters when we participated in United Way of Buffalo and Erie County's Spring It On 2015, a 24 hour online fundraiser. You all took us well past our goal, helping us raise $980! Our big thanks, once again, to each and everyone one of you who donated through ‪#SpringItOn2015‬! Didn't get a chance to donate for Spring It On?
It's not too late- Donate to HOCN here! |
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LET'S BRING PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING TO BUFFALO
As you may have heard, community groups and residents across the City of Buffalo are pushing to bring Participatory Budgeting (PB) to Buffalo! PB is an innovative process that includes residents in the public budget process allowing them to create public project ideas and vote on which projects should be funded through city budgets. HOCN loves PB, and we know you will, too!
Click here to learn how you can get involved at today's Public Hearing! |
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Our team at Heart of the City Neighborhoods is pleased to present our 2014 Annual Report to you! Check it out online!
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DO YOU HAVE LOWER WEST SIDE LOVE?
What better way to show it then by sporting a Lower West Side T Shirt! HOCN is currently selling an amazing Lower West Side T Shirt, thanks to You and Who and Nickel City Graphics, for just $27 (shipping included) with proceeds benefiting our great neighborhood. Grab your size before they're gone by stopping in our office or ordering online!
Purchase your tshirt online here.
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HEART OF THE CITY FLASHBACK FACT
Did you know that in 2010, HOCN held a block party on Whitney Place to celebrate the start of construction on 251 and 254 Whitney Place? These two properties were rehabbed under our Whitney Place Properties Initiative, aimed at restoring this great street in our community by eliminating vacant homes. We had a great time with food, music, community resources, and activities for children. You can see photos from the event on our Facebook Page.
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LOAN ASSISTANCE FOR NIAGARA DISTRICT
Have high heating bills? Is your roof leaking? Is there water backing up in your basement? If you're a homeowner in the Niagara District in need of assistance making emergency repairs or looking to weatherize your home before next winter, HOCN may be able to assist you!
For more information about available programs through the City of Buffalo, visit our website.
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DID YOU KNOW? A TENANT/LANDLORD FACT
Did you know that according to New York State's Tenant Rights, landlords may not discriminate against any person who has children living with them, by refusing to rent an apartment or by insisting upon unfavorable lease terms on the basis of the person having children? However, this restriction does not apply to housing units for senior citizens which are subsidized or insured by the federal government. In addition, a lease may not require that tenants remain childless during their tenancy.
To learn more about your rights as a tenant, click here.
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DOWN PAYMENT CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE
Are you purchasing your first home in the City of Buffalo? Up to $5,000 in funding, provided by the City of Buffalo, is available to first time homebuyers to assist with closing cost and down payment expenses towards the purchase of their home anywhere in the City of Buffalo. We can help you apply! For more information, visit our website.
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FAIR HOUSING MONTH RESOURCES
April is National Fair Housing month! The Fair Housing Act was signed this month in 1968 to ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable housing. We encourage everyone, homeowners and tenants alike, to know their rights and report any incidents of housing discrimination that occur against you and your family. Fair housing is your right, regardless of your race, color, national origin, sex, disability, family status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Unfortunately, housing discrimination is still happening every day. Help promote fair housing in our communities by displaying a HUD poster in your office, community center, or other gathering spots.
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CONNECT WITH NEIGHBORS
Looking for a way to stay in touch with neighbors in our community? Have an event you want to get the word out about? News for your neighbors? A problem you could use a neighborly hand with? Connect on the Lower West Side Facebook Page!
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B DISTRICT MEETING
The Buffalo Police Department's B District hosts monthly community meetings on the second Monday of the month at their headquarters, 695 Main Street.
For questions or to confirm a meeting date, please contact the B District Office at (716) 851-4403.
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CONTRACTORS BREAKFAST
Join community organizations for breakfast at the Old 1st Ward Community Center on Saturday, April 11th from 9:00-11:00am to learn more about State and City funded housing rehab programs available through public sources, such as CDBG, HOME, AHC and other funds, and the compliance rules to contractors. MWBE contractors are encouraged to attend. Click here for more information.
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PUBLIC HEARING ON PB
On Thursday, April 9th, 2015, the Common Council will be holding a Public Hearing to discuss bringing Participatory Budgeting (PB) to Buffalo. For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page. You can learn more about PB here. And don't forget to RSVP and help spread the word by inviting friends who live in the City of Buffalo! Let's make our community's voice heard!
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS NIGHT
On Monday, April 13th, 2015, the Peter and Elizabeth C Tower Foundation and Buffalo Public Schools will be hosting a Mental Health Awareness Night at the Waterfront Elementary School, 95 Fourth Street, Buffalo NY 14202, from 6:00-8:30pm. Activities, community resources, refreshments, and door prizes will be available. To learn more, click here.
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BULK TRASH SCHEDULE
The City of Buffalo will be collecting Spring Bulk Trash in our community this April. Please leave your bulk trash items on the curb on the Sunday night allocated for your Council District.
Ellicott District: April 12th
Fillmore District: April 19th
Niagara District: April 26th.
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KEEPING THE PEACE GIVEAWAY
On Saturday, April 11th, starting at 12:00pm, a giveaway will take place at TOPS Market on Niagara Street at Maryland. Free toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, children's books, conservation kits, human rights books, and much more will be handed out. So be sure to stop in! For more details, visit check out this online flyer.
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