PUSH Buffalo

09/09/2020

Tomorrow is our first public Tenant Power Meeting in months and we're excited for the community to gather and hear about some of the housing justice work that's been happening! Part of the meeting will be to highlight the Tenant Bill of Rights!

#BuffaloHomesGuarantee #buffalotenantbillofrights

Artwork: @RufinaJinjuKang on Twitter

Join Zoom Meeting
https://pushbuffalo.zoom.us/j/93608691713?pwd=Uzl3blZJNSs2ZExoNkNTb1lGY0NxZz09
Meeting ID: 936 0869 1713
Passcode: 904148
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Meeting ID: 936 0869 1713
Find your local number: https://pushbuffalo.zoom.us/u/ab8m39qHh

09/08/2020

Looking for gainful employment?

Join us this morning at 9am for our hiring hall orientation with our workforce development coordinator Rodney Rainey.

These orientations will happen the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

Here's the Zoom link info for our next hiring hall orientation:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://pushbuffalo.zoom.us/j/91415200567?pwd=MjZHait6aytjQzdyMnFMbkwxNnBUdz09

Meeting ID: 914 1520 0567
Passcode: 529629

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See dates for upcoming orientations below.

Sep 8, 2020 09:00 AM
Oct 13, 2020 09:00 AM
Nov 10, 2020 09:00 AM
Dec 8, 2020 09:00 AM

Contact Rodney for more information

[email protected], 716-314-9993

09/04/2020

Up at story time with #Buffalo based #artist Story Time with Elle Vie at school 77. We're here until 5pm.

09/03/2020

On Friday September 4th from 3-5pm we will be hosting Story Time with Elle Vie on School 77's lawn located at 429 Plymouth Ave in #Buffalo. This event is for school aged children, we will be providing snacks, and PPE for those without. Elle Vie will be reading stories to our youth. Please wear social distance appropriate attire. We hope that you can come and join us!

08/28/2020

Inaugural Solidarity Day PUSH Buffalo Executive Director Rahwa Ghirmatzion gives an update

08/28/2020

#TenantPower update with Angel Rosado #Buffalo #BuffalTBR #BuffaloHomesGuarantee #HousingJustice #HomesGuarantee

08/28/2020

At our inaugural solidarity event. Stop by!

08/26/2020

Community Energy Workshop Series Session #5

Community Energy Workshop Series Session #5

08/26/2020

Groundswell and The Solutions Project Join Forces to Connect Values-Aligned Corporations, Capital, and Regenerative Community Solutions through The Fighter Fund

"Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power, and The Solutions Project which supports climate changemakers at the grassroots, are joining forces to develop a new program to connect corporate climate offset investments with renewable and regenerative projects serving frontline communities. The program builds on The Solutions Project’s award-winning success deploying funds to frontline communities at the forefront of climate solutions and Groundswell’s expertise in developing and financing equitable solar programs. It will give participating corporations line-of-sight visibility to local projects that support climate change commitments. Most importantly, the program will elevate community-driven solutions that tie equity and environmental justice metrics to climate outcomes.

"Frankly, we hear from both community and corporate leaders that there is an urgent need to move beyond status quo carbon offsets. A new approach that not only mitigates climate and health impacts, but regenerates our economies in right-relationship with nature can meet that need. The answer is found not in paper-trading, but in connecting the creativity of those solving the crises facing their communities with corporations committed to racial equity and climate action," commented Sarah Shanley Hope, Executive Director of The Solutions Project."

READ the full blog post

Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power, and The Solutions Project, which supports climate changemakers at the grassroots, are joining forces to develop a new program to connect corporate climate offset investments with renewable and regenerative projects serving frontline communities.

08/24/2020

West Side Community Energy Roadmap Workshop Series

This is our final workshop in the Community Energy Roadmap Workshop Series! This week we are talking about how to spot a false energy solution that's being touted as a real one. False solutions, beware! Once we have gone over what it means to be a real solution, we want to have a group discussion about what we should be rallying behind in our local fight for a just transition to a regenerative economy. We want to hear from you and need your help moving forward.

Register here if you haven't already:
https://forms.gle/EFgBWD2ZdS1aoLpc7

Event Address: Your Home, Car, or Office via Zoom (link to be provided) Each workshop will take place from 6pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday evenings. Dates: Session 1- The Roadmap and Why We Need It Now, Wednesday 7/29/20 Session 2- The People, The History of the West Side, and What That Means for Us Toda...

08/19/2020

Community Energy Roadmap Workshop #4 - Energy 101

Tune in for this evening's Energy 101 session of the Community Energy Roadmap Workshop Series. We will be breaking down NYS's energy systems and talking about how their various parts appear on our energy bills. From there, we are going to get into rate cases, what they are, and how we can use them to fight for energy affordability, climate justice, and energy democracy!

08/19/2020

Energy Roadmap Workshop Session 4!

08/19/2020

Don't forget! Happening today at 12pm!

From NY Renews

"Winning the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act positioned New York to be the nation’s climate leader, but the work isn’t done.

Now, we have to win the money to invest in communities, create good, green jobs, and get off of fossil fuels. Join me and NY Renews at a rally to kick off our new campaign for a Climate, Jobs, and Justice Recovery."

Sign up for the virtual rally here: bit.ly/CJJR-launch

08/18/2020

08/17/2020

Join us and NY Renews this Wednesday August 19th.

From #NyRenews

"Winning the NY State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act set the groundwork for NY to be the most progressive climate leader in the nation.

But we’re not done, and this time Jane Fonda will help us kick us off our campaign to fight for #ClimateJobsAndJustice.

Sign up for the virtual rally here:

bit.ly/CJJR-launch

08/17/2020

Climate Connect Hosted by Kelly Camacho

On Thursday August 17th 2020, Kelly Camacho, the Climate Justice Organizer here at PUSH Buffalo, hosted the first Climate Connect, which was a digital networking event for environmentalists in NYS. This event highlighted Franchelle Parker from Open Buffalo as the speaker for the evening. It is Open Buffalo's mission to advance racial, economic, and ecological justice. Doing so through skill building, network connecting, and activating leadership opportunities. Their goal is for all communities in Western New York to thrive free from discrimination and poverty.

08/15/2020

TODAY: This will be our first non-virtual monthly meeting in a while, and we look forward to seeing you. Will catch you up on all the work we’ve been involved with, and we’re continuing the celebrating of our 15 year anniversary.

The meeting runs from 3pm-5pm (again, TODAY!) outside the former School 77 located at 429 Plymouth Ave in Buffalo, NY. Socially distance will be practiced and people coming are advised to wear socially distant attire.

The meeting will include remarks from long-time PUSH member Cariol Holloman-Horne, who will speak about how she first became involved with PUSH and the campaign to pass Cariol’s Law. Guest speaker for the afternoon will none other than Dennice Barr, who will speak to us about equity and justice in education. You're not going to want to miss it!

08/14/2020

The PUSH Mutual Aid Hub will close at the end of this month. If you have been using the hub, or were hoping to, and will need additional support after it closes: 211 is available to connect you to resources and services in the community, either by phone dialing 211 or texting your zip code to 898-211 or by visiting www.211wny.org.

08/12/2020

Community Energy Roadmap Workshop #3

Tune in for this week's Community Energy Roadmap Workshop and hear from our excellent panel of guest speakers!!

08/12/2020

PUSH Mutual Aid Hub 2020

At the end August, we will be closing down the Mutual Aid Hub and our mutual aid and solidarity efforts.

While the crisis is far from over, as an organization, we want to have all our energy and resources aimed head-on at the things we're best at - community organizing, advocating for policy solutions, and implementing big bold ideas that help secure systems-level changes for the promise of a people-centered, new economy in our lifetimes.

08/11/2020

Don't let covid keep you from connecting! Join us August 13th from 6-8pm to network with environmentalists. Don't know if you count? Join us anyway and meet some folks that can help you develop your interests! Hosted by our Climate Justice Organizer, Kelly Camacho. Featuring Franchelle Parker of Open Buffalo.

Please register: https://bit.ly/climateconnect the zoom link will be emailed out after registration. If you have any questions or comments please email [email protected]

08/06/2020

Tune in tomorrow morning, #ClimateFriday Friday August 7th from 9am-10am as #PUSHBuffalo's Executive Director Rahwa Ghirmatzion is a featured guest on the Hip Hop Caucus' #Think100 show.

Check for details and show link
in NYC http://wbai.org or in Washington http://wpfwfm.org

08/06/2020

Homes Guarantee Thursdays: Organizing in an Eviction Crisis - Today Thursday August 6th at 7pm ET hosted by
People's Action

register here:

https://peoplesaction.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IePmbIT_RCiHtSGvlrSH7w

08/05/2020

Community Energy Roadmap Workshop Session 2

Tonight is the 2nd session in our West Side Community Energy Roadmap Workshop Series. Watch here on Facebook and register for next week's session here! https://forms.gle/SVrwHk1b6WG3GvGm9

08/03/2020

#BuffaloClimateTalk with PUSH Buffalo #ClimateJustice Organizer Kelly Camacho she gives update on action going on in Buffalo and New York State climate action!

08/03/2020

Happening tomorrow, Tuesday August 4th. Urgent in #Buffalo!

From the Buffalo Niagara Community Reinvestment Coalition (BNCRC):

"On May 12, 2020 the Buffalo Niagara Community Reinvest Coalition (BNCRC) sent a letter to Mayor Byron Brown and the Common Council members regarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant funds distributed to cities through the federal CARES Act to aid municipalities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. From the CARES Act, Buffalo was to receive a sum of around $8 million in CDBG and ESG funds. In light of the disparities, not in which COVID-19 created, but exasperated, the BNCRC requested the City address and focus on preventative services that would serve the needs, not just in the immediate moment, but long term of those most impacted by the systemic disparities which COVID has widened.

Although BNCRC Chair Kathryn Franco was able to speak to these concerns and issues at the most recent Finance Committee meeting (07.20.20) of the Common Council, there has yet to be a public meeting for public comment.

Because of this, the Coalition has decided to hold a public hearing, The People’s Public Hearing, for community members to engage with the process. At this event residents will not only share how they want to see the $8 million spent, but ask our elected officials to focus their attention to these service areas while honoring the requests around transparency and accountability specific to:

Transparency

· Around the process

· How the money is distributed

o To who

o In what amount

Accountability

· If residents know where and how the money is spent for what services, not only do they become more accessible, but the public good with public funds is more easily honored and monitored

The People’s Public Hearing

Tuesday August 4th starting at 2p

You are invited to a Zoom meeting------When: Aug 4, 2020 02:00 PM

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkd--vqzIvHNCMPPVv5B6ZZXdrxK20h4JS

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting."

07/31/2020

COVID Rent Relief Program

**URGENT ** RENT RELIEF PROGRAM DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 6TH!

HCR Extends Deadline One Week for Rent Relief Program Applications
Applications Will Be Accepted Until Thursday, Aug. 6

Program Applications Can Be Downloaded in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian-Creole, Korean, and Bengali

Program Call Center Remains Open to Assist Residents; 1-833-499-0318

New York State Homes and Community Renewal today announced the deadline to file applications for the COVID Rent Relief Program has been extended by one week through Thursday, August 6th. Applications are available on HCR’s website.

COVID Rent Relief Program applications can also be filled out and submitted online in Spanish. Translated applications are available to download and submit via mail in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian-Creole, Korean, and Bengali. Mailed applications must be postmarked by August 6, 2020.

HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The Legislature designed the COVID Rent Relief Program to help New Yorkers who are the most at-risk and rent burdened after losing income due to the pandemic. By keeping the online portal open for another week, we can make sure everyone who needs to apply for assistance has the opportunity to do so. This program is intended to prioritize households across the State with the greatest economic and social need, accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness. HCR will not make any determinations on a first come, first served basis.”

In addition to the program application, HCR’s website – hcr.ny.gov/RRP – also contains contact information for the Rent Relief Program Call Center, a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and additional resources for residents. The website also provides the application, FAQs and other documents in six different languages to ensure New Yorkers with limited English proficiency have proper access to the application and program tools.

HCR has created a dedicated call center to provide residents, including those with limited English proficiency, with help Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Call the COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center at 1-833-499-0318 or email at [email protected].

There is also a list of community-based organizations in each region of the State who are available to assist non-English-speaking residents with their application. The New York State Office for New Americans can also offer assistance.

Residents may also authorize a caseworker, attorney or other personal representative to apply for the COVID Rent Relief Program on their behalf. The Authorized Representative Release Form is available and can be downloaded from the Rent Relief Program website. https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP#application

What is the COVID Rent Relief Program?

The New York State Legislature established this program to help households experiencing an increase in their “rent burden” due to a loss of income during the COVID-19 crisis. Rent burden is the amount of monthly contractual rent that exceeds 30% of gross household income.

The rental assistance subsidy will cover the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the increase in rent burden for the period the household is applying for assistance.

The awards are limited to cover an increase in rent burden during April, May, June and July, and there is a cap on the total subsidy amount residents can receive.

HCR will prioritize households with “greatest economic and social need” accounting for income, rent burden, percent of income lost and risk of homelessness.

Who is eligible for the COVID Rent Relief Program?

To qualify for COVID Rent Relief Assistance, an applicant must meet ALL of the following eligibility criteria:
1. Be a renter with a primary residence in New York State.
2. Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must be below 80% Area Median Income (To view AMI by county and household size, visit:https://hcr.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/07/crrp2020_eligible_income_80ami.pdf
a. Families with extremely low income will prioritized.
b. Income includes unemployment insurance payments/PUA.
3. Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household must pay more than 30% of gross monthly income for rent.
4. Applicants have less monthly income in any month between April 2020 and July 2020 than they did prior to March 1, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more detailed information on the Rent Relief Program and additional eligibility criteria, visit HCR’s website.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal | www.hcr.ny.gov
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Important update:  The deadline to apply for assistance under the COVID Rent Relief Program has been extended to August 6th, 2020 for online and paper applications.  More information