Assistance programs in Cattaraugus County.
Find how to get help with paying bills. Get loans or grants for expenses including rent, utility, water, food, security deposits and more in Cattaraugus County. Financial assistance from the charities, churches, government agencies and non-profits below is combined with other support services, ranging from job placement to free budgeting. Or low income or struggling families can seek debt counseling, and even supplies such as clothes, furniture, or free gasoline vouchers for work.
Rent assistance and weatherization programs
Additional federal government aid is being provided to Cattaraugus County on an annual basis. There can be funds given out from ESG grants as well as other HUD or USDA programs. In addition, the county can expect additional funds if the Cattaraugus Community Action agency uses the funds to increase employment.
While various charities and non-profits will receive the government aid each year, The Community Action network has employees to oversee it. Free grants will be sent to help both homeowners and renters look at how to make multifamily and single family housing more energy efficient, safe, and help conserve energy. So the program will be similar to a weatherization service.
Some of the energy saving improvements that can be implemented include heating and air conditioning, new windows, additional insulation, furnace repairs, hot water tank installation and more. Whatever is decided to make homes more energy efficient will be improved upon.
In addition to the funds being spent to help pay rent and on the weatherization projects, about 15 to 20 youth will be employed to help with housing maintenance, home repairs, and to also learn about green jobs and construction. They will also provide additional help to those who are struggling by providing food service, nutrition aid, and more to those in need.
Other assistance programs and services provided by the community action agency include, but are not limited to, HEAP FUEL ASSISTANCE as well as a FEMA assistance program, which is for anyone who is struggling, not just people facing a disaster. This particular program may be able to assist families and individuals with up to one month's payment of housing expenses, such as rent, mortgage, foreclosure prevention, or utilities to prevent eviction, foreclosure, or utility shutoff.
Homeless prevention services are available. Resources are limited, and some conditions include the applicant can’t have caused the eviction. CCA may be able to provide emergency grants for back rent, help in locating a new apartment, referrals to transitional housing, and other solutions.
Dial the Cattaraugus Community Action at (716) 945-1041. They operate across the county as well as in Olean and Little Valley. Read more on assistance from Cattaraugus Community Action
Additional housing programs are offered by the Cattaraugus Development Corporation. They run both the local version of Section 8, as well as service as a certified New York HUD housing agency. They are located in Olean NY and can be reached at (716) 372-2550.
Salvation Army of Olean ((716) 372-6740) offers resources including a free food pantry, shelter as well as emergency offsite lodging, access to a low cost thrift store and clothing distribution, emergency utility and heating bill assistance, adult services-group, limited rent assistance, emergency disaster services, activities, as well as even services such as missing persons referral.
Housing Options Made Easy is for people with a mental illness. Financial assistance is provided in the form of rent vouchers, subsidies, bus passes, counseling, security deposits and some transportation. 75 Jamestown Street, Gowanda, NY 14070. Call (800) 421-1114
St Bonaventure Outreach Corp has outreach programs that assist with paying rent, preventing evictions, paying utilities, and they may offer medical or emergency travel and prescriptions. Call (716) 373-1330.
Cattaraugus Community Action is provided from HEAP. Payments for your heating bills will be made to your energy company and the non-profit can help you complete applications. 25 Jefferson Street, Salamanca, NY 14779. Telephone (716) 945-1041
Olean Catholic Charities – Several non-financial programs are available, such as counseling, clothing, referrals and information. One exception is the Neighbor for Neighbor program. The agency can help people apply for this electric bill assistance program. It is usually available as a last resort to families that are struggling and faced with a crisis. Telephone - (716) 372-0101. The Catholic Charity center of Cattaraugus supports many other counties as well. Read about western New York Catholic Charities.
Trading Post South Community Care Center is located at 11 Washington Street, Cattaraugus, New York 14719. Call (716) 257-3077. The non-profit offers free food, gently used clothing, baby items, utility bill assistance, household items, and even emergency shelter/rental assistance. Resources are available for all of Cattaraugus County low income qualified residents.
Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services helps people apply for public aid and cash assistance. The government agency assists individuals and families who are in need of cash assistance to meet their basic needs. Applicants will need to meet income and asset limits. The government will also assist individuals with their emergency needs. This can include money to prevent an eviction or utility shut-off; grants for an emergency car repair/car insurance to prevent the loss of employment; food stamps and more. (716) 701-8065
The non-profit ACCORD Community Action organization works with those that are struggling. The agency can help people apply for financial aid, loans, and short term, crisis assistance. More long term support, such as referrals to job training in Cattaraaugus County and western New York, is also available.
Housing programs are wide ranging. These may be funds to pay rent to prevent an eviction, mortgage counseling, and money to pay security deposits. Counseling is available to both tenants and homeowners from ACCORD, loans may be issued for needs such as repairs or even rent as well.
The agency also operates a food bank, processes Head Start applications, and runs transportation assistance programs such as help to buy or repair a car. They also work with agencies such as Pathstone Corporation and Keuka Housing to offer section 8 and other grant programs. Read more on ACCORD programs.
Cattaraugus food pantries
Several non-profits and charities offer free groceries and canned items. There may also be hot meals, free hygiene supplies, as well as household goods offered. Locations include:
Allegany Tribal Advocate, Salamanca, New York 14779 (716) 945-2655
Creekside Chapel Food Pantry may have several meals per person as well as a gently used clothing closet. 2523 Five Mile Road, Allegany, New York 14706, dial (716) 372-0388
Gowanda Ministerial Association Food Pantry can be called at (716) 532-6130
Loaves and Fishes can receive fresh and canned goods on a monthly basis. In addition the center will have Thanksgiving or Christmas meal items, however a waiting list may be in place. Telephone - (716) 373-6800
Trading Post Community Care Center, 38 Franklin Street, PO Box 96, Springville, NY 14141, dial (716) 592-4455
Cattaraugus County - Health Department will have information on clinics. Medical services offered may include immunizations, maternal and child care, home health care, pregnancy testing, STD/HIV/AIDS counseling and testing. The free medical clinic also offers TB control, infant-child health assessment, physically handicapped children, emergency medical services, family planning, health education and free breast and cervical cancer screening. One Leo Moss Drive, Suite 4010, Olean New York 14760 or call (716) 373-8050 for intake.
Olean General Hospital (dial 716) 373-2600) or Salamanca Health Center may offer medical care on a sliding fee scale for the uninsured. Dial (716) 945-0361
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