Preventive Services Program

Gerard Place's Preventive Services Program may be able to help when an individual or family is at risk of homelessness due to certain unavoidable situations.  The program may help with back rent payments, short-term rental assistance, security deposits, and/or utility arrears.

Prevention assistance is available on a case-by-case basis until funds are exhausted.  In order to qualify for the program, individuals and families must meet certain criteria (please see below).  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, other documentation MAY be accepted in certain situations.  Please call Jessica McKissack at (716) 897-9948 x 108 if you think you may qualify.

Clients will only be seen by appointment only.  Please call to complete an initial phone intake.  Walk-ins will be asked to call or come back for an appointment!

Preventive Services Program

For housing assistance (including security deposits, rent arrears, and rental assistance), potential clients must meet the following criteria:

  • be at imminent risk of homelessness without assistance
  • have an eviction notice or documentation of eviction/impending homelessness from other approved service providers certifying eligibility (in certain cases)
  • have exhausted all other available resources, including Department of Social Services (must have DSS denial)
  • have income below 30% AMI (area mean income, based on family size) and have proof of income
  • have experienced a qualifying life event that prevented rental payments from being made or money to be saved for a security deposit
  • have the ability to pay rent after assistance ends
  • not currently be staying in a shelter
  • client must agree to full participation in programming and work towards mutually agreed upon goals in order to provide housing stability in the future
  • client must agree to an initial safety/habitability inspection of their home, and bimonthly checks for as long as the client receives assistance

For utility assistance (gas and electricity arrears up to 6 months), potential clients must meet the following criteria:

  • have documentation from the utility company stating the amount owed and proof of imminent discontinuation of services or denial of future services
  • have exhausted all available resources, including Department of Social Services (must have DSS denial)
  • have income below 30% AMI (area mean income, based on family size) and have proof of income

Clients will be seen by appointment only.  Please call Jessica McKissack at (716) 897-9948 x 108 to complete an initial intake.  Walk-ins will be asked to call or come back for an appointment.

For information about any of Gerard Place’s Programs and Services, Call (716) 897-9948