Housing Programs
UHCDA’s housing department is concerned about the quality of life in our neighborhood and the larger community. We are committed to making the University District a community of choice by stimulating growth and revitalization through community and economic development efforts. We are committed to promoting homeownership and ensuring that all residents of our community have access to adequate housing. We are committed to empowering residents, renewing pride, and restoring confidence in our community.
Housing Services offered include the Acquisition Rehabilitation Resale Program (ARP), Housing Court liaison activities, administration of rehabilitation grants and loans, homeowner education, financial literacy education, energy-efficiency classes, and support for area block clubs. If we are unable to provide a service, we have an extensive referral list to help households reach all potential programs and services. Many of the programs target low to moderate income populations as well as the elderly population, although other programs are available to all households who need them.
Housing Department Staff
Gloria Bryant, Administrative Assistant
Gloria Bryant is the Housing Administrative Assistant for UHCDA. Gloria, a 2008 graduate of Houghton College with a degree in Management works out of our Housing Office located on Kensington Avenue. Ms. Bryant brings a variety of skill sets to the organization and we are pleased to have her as a part of our team.
Melissa Fratello, Housing Specialist
Melissa Fratello has joined the team at University Heights Community Development Association and Kensington Bailey Neighborhood Housing Services as our Housing Specialist. With an academic background in urban planning and community development, and experience in several housing programs and initiatives, she is eager to build relationships in the community and put her skills to work here in the University District!
Current Funding Opportunities
Our Housing Department is currently taking applications for a variety of owner-occupied rehabilitation assistance programs, serving University District and Delaware District homeowners who meet eligibility guidelines. These programs are summarized below. If you are interested in applying, please download our information package, gather the necessary documents and give us a call for an appointment. We are eager to assist you!
UHCDA currently has roughly $400,000 in funds for owner-occupied rehabilitation from New York State’s Affordable Housing Corporation and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.
This assistance is for structural and/or mechanical repairs, dependent upon the household’s income eligibility:
- Roof Repair or Replacement (must be significant deterioration)
- Electrical Hazards
- Hazardous Chimney
- Defective Heating System (must be inoperable)
- Defective Hot Water Tank (must be inoperable)
- Siding or exterior painting
- Windows
- Doors
- Foundation Repairs
Program Eligibility:
Households with more than $15,000 in financial assets will not be eligible for assistance.
Households in arrears for Water, User Fee, City or County Taxes will not be eligible for assistance. Payment plans for arrears will not be accepted. Households with arrears or unpaid late fees on mortgage payments will not be eligible for assistance. Cosmetic repairs are not eligible.
Income documentation must be provided for ALL members of the household.
If the homeowner owns any other property (vacant lots may be allowable), they will not be eligible for assistance. This is a conditional loan that while not requiring repayment, will require that the homeowner remain in the property as their principal residence for a period of five to ten years, dependent upon the funding source/amount. A mortgage will be filed with the County Clerk’s Office in the full amount of repairs, only to be discharged after the five or ten-year retention period. If the homeowner is to move or sell the property, all or some of the lien amount must be repaid.
Please call our Housing Department for further information regarding income guidelines, as they vary per funding source.
City of Buffalo Community Development Block Grant Initiatives
Emergency Repair Program
Offers assistance with repairs including any one of the following issues:
- Roof Repair or Replacement (must be significant deterioration and water leakage into the home) is available only to VERY LOW income households (see below) or to low income senior or disabled homeowners
- Break in Sanitary System (house sewer and house drain)
- Break in Water Service (Main water supply from the house main shut off valve to the City of Buffalo water main)
- Electrical Hazards at Main Panel ONLY
- Hazardous Chimney (must be in imminent danger of collapse)
- Defective Heating System
- Defective Hot Water Tank
Program Eligibility:
Homes needing more than one of the above-listed repairs may not be eligible for assistance.
Households with more than $20,000 in financial assets will not be eligible for assistance.
Households in arrears for Water, User Fee, City or County Taxes will not be eligible for assistance. Payment plans for arrears will only be accepted if the total amount due is less than $3,000.
Income documentation must be provided for all members of the household.
If the homeowner owns any other property (vacant lots may be allowable), they will not be eligible for assistance.
Please understand that this assistance is not a grant. It is a CONDITIONAL LOAN that may require partial repayment, at zero percent interest over a period of ten years, depending upon household income. Even if the household income is at such a level that does not require repayment, a mortgage will be filed with the Clerk’s Office in the full amount of repairs, only to be discharged after a ten-year residency retention period.
If you are interested in applying, please download the information packet below and gather the documents listed, and call us for an appointment!