NIACAP ready to assist seniors, those with housing discrimination issues

By Benjamin Joe

Amber Lester and Jaquinda Smith work at Niagara Community Action Program Inc., also known as NIACAP, at its 19^th Street location in Niagara Falls.

Between the two of them, as well as other staff at other locations, clients in need are helped with filling applications, given information and referrals to other agencies, and advocated for their needs (whether that is food or housing).

As part of the job, Lester presented to the Town of Wheatfield Town Board on Monday at its regular board meeting. April is Fair Housing Month, and Lester spoke about how NIACAP could help – particularly with residents over the age of 65, and those not receiving a fair deal.

“We provide assistance to individuals that were discriminated (against, in) renting homes or buying houses as seniors because of their age,” Lester said. “We try to come up with solutions with the landlord or housing authority or even the Realtors.”

Lester said that, if needed, legal resources could also be used to ensure the fair treatment of NIACAP’s clientele.

According to a NIACAP pamphlet that was handed out at the meeting, it is unlawful to discriminate in government-assisted houses, to discriminate in the terms or conditions of sale or rental of a property, use discriminatory advertising, deny equal services of a real estate broker or agent, to ask questions about marital status and age, and to deny the disabled permission to modify for accessibility at their expense.

On Tuesday, Lester and Smith shared more about NIACAP and its services, at the Rosa Marra Center on 564 19^th St.

“We help with fair housing or back rent and mortgage/utilities assistance; SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is throughout Niagara County; and we have other programs offered at our main office on Main Street (in Niagara Falls),” Smith said. “They have a weatherization program and a child care program. There’s also another program in our Lockport office for rural preservation. We try to be a one-stop-shop for our clients.”

Funding for the programs comes from federal government grants, as well as donations from places such as Evans Bank, Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, and KeyBank. Municipalities, such as the Town of Wheatfield, also donate toward NIACAP.

According to Smith, the Rosa Marra Center serves 30-40 households, or 80 individuals, including children. The center in North Tonawanda serves 70-80 households, or 150 individuals. The center in Lockport serves 27 households a month, or 50 individuals.

“The majority of clients come in for food pantry assistance. We do receive calls for rent and utility, mortgage, sometimes car repairs … (and) school supplies. Last year, we got laptops (for school children),” Smith said, noting the computers were bought with a federal grant.

Lester said she considers herself a “middle-person” to help clients get the help needed.

“You don’t even need to step a foot into social services,” she said. “Even with your documents, our applications. We can do it online. I can take you down there. … If you have any problems, we can call together.”

To get in contact with Smith or Lester and start the process of getting help, call 716-282-4375, Ext. 124, or Ext. 125.