Western New York Eviction Prevention Program (WNY-EPP) - NLS | Neighborhood Legal Services - Buffalo Site

Provides free eviction defense and advocacy to families and individuals who are at risk of, or are facing, eviction. Services provided include: - Legal Advice: Assisting tenants facing eviction to better understand their rights and options; - Eviction Prevention Assistance: Intervening with the landlord or housing provider on the tenant’s behalf to attempt to resolve the underlying issue before the matter proceeds to court, allowing the continuance of the tenancy and stabilization of the tenant in their home; - Eviction Representation: Appearing with tenants in court; and - Referrals: Providing tenants with information about financial assistance and other services that may resolve the issues that led to a potential eviction in an effort to stabilize the tenant in their home. Provides an Eviction Prevention Hotline at 844-230-7376; not available for Buffalo City Court cases. Clients in the City of Buffalo can access WNY-EPP through the Attorney of the Morning Program; see Intake below for details. Program services are provided by five partner agencies: - Neighborhood Legal Services - Volunteer Lawyers Project - Legal Aid Bureau - WNY Law Center - Center for Elder Law and Justice

Physical Address

237 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203

Voice

(844) 230-7376

Eviction Prevention Hotline (* For clients outside Buffalo only; not available for Buffalo City Court cases *)

Voice

(888) 869-6576

24-Hour COVID-19 Legal Helpline

Voice

(716) 847-0650

Main Phone

Fax

(716) 847-0227

Fax

Application process

Clients who live in Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, or Erie County *outside the City of Buffalo* should call the Eviction Prevention Hotline, follow the prompts, and leave a detailed message. Every effort will be made to return calls within three business days. Clients who have a court date scheduled should have their court papers on hand when they call, as information from these papers will be needed during the call. Clients with Buffalo City Court cases should sign up for legal representation through the Attorney of the Morning Program after appearing before the judge (details on this program here: https://www.211wny.org/provider/10045/). Signs are posted in the court hallway with directions to tables providing information on the program. The Attorney of the Morning Program is part of the WNY-EPP.

Fee

Free for WNY-EPP services. Some court fees may apply.

Eligibility

Client households must be under 80% of the Area Median Income of the county in which the client resides. For those who are not sure if they qualify, WNY-EPP service providers will determine eligibility at intake. Service Area: Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, & Wyoming Counties.

Agency info

Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS), Inc.