The Helping Needy Families Fund provides temporary emergency financial assistance to eligible individuals and families residing in Western New York.
As a safety net, The Needy Family Fund was created to provide families with one-time support. For example, a multi-generation family living in a small run-down apartment with limited furniture was provided with funds and volunteers. The family’s seven-year son was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. ACCESS of WNY was able to raise $4000 to furnish, repair, paint, and decorated the apartment. Though the young boy was ecstatic with his updated apartment, he sadly passed away a year later. The program’s goal is to help meet the basic needs of families and individuals while simultaneously assisting them in attaining self-sufficiency through employment and personal responsibility.
Financial assistance may be used for the following on a case-by-case basis:
- Rental assistance
- Utilities
- Gas vouchers
- Motel vouchers
- Food vouchers
- Prescription medication
- Bus passes
- Vocational training and tuition
