COVID-19 Resources

We are here to help with REGULAR UPDATES and TRUSTED RESOURCES during this difficult time. If you are experiencing an emergency and are in need of immediate assistance, please call 911 for police response.

COVID-19 Information

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program: please find links below to resources that describe this program and help you understand if you are eligible and how you can apply. Also, check out EAP’s recent complimentary webinar on ERAP and what it means for you here.
- ERAP HOMEPAGE: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/
- ERAP FAQs: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/faq.asp
- ERAP APPLICATION LINK: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/#apply
- ERAP INCOME GUIDELINES (AREA MEDIAN INCOME): https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/ERAP-80-area-median-income.pdf
- LOCAL RESOURCES

1. 211 WNY

Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or 888-696-9211

Website: http://www.211wny.org/

2. Neighborhood Legal Services

Phone: (716) 847-0650

Website: www.nls.org

3. Center for Elder Law & Justice

Phone: (716) 853-3087

Website: https://elderjusticeny.org

Two documents prepared by the Center for Elder Law & Justice that help explain the documentation required for tenants’ and landlords’ applications: Information for Landlords and Property Owners and Information for Renters

4. The Belle Center: helping with ERAP applications. The Belle Centers provides services in both English and Spanish.

Phone: (716) 845-0485

Website: www.thebellecenter.org

5. Consumer Credit Counseling Service can assist with ERAP applications.

If you are a member of C&FS EAP, call our main number 716-681-4300 and we can connect you to CCCS for up to three hours of service at no cost to you!

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo

Phone: (716) 712-2060

Website: www.consumercreditbuffalo.org

Mellowing Mind Study – University at Buffalo Mindfulness study information 2021 – Have you ever wanted to learn more about mindfulness techniques? Well here is your chance. Take a look at the attached information and call today. This study if providing compensation.

Click here for our newest resource: a conversation with local housing attorneys about the state of landlord tenant law due to covid-19 – appropriate for landlords and tenants. Click here for the EAP Landlord Tenant Presentation Slides.
https://www.healthcare.gov/ : Learn about the special enrollment period for health insurance and some new qualifiers for income which you be eligible for
General Resources: call 211 or visit 211 Website
COVID-19 Information: Center for Disease Control
NYS Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
NYS Project HOPE Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314
C&FS EAP Special Edition Information for Member Employees and Employers
Assisting Co-Workers and Employees during the COVID-19 Changes
Understanding the Impact of a Stressful Situation

Conflict Resolution

Call EAP to connect with the CENTER FOR RESOLUTION FOR JUSTICE (CRJ) as part of your EAP benefit.

The Center for Resolution and Justice (CRJ) is a community-based dispute resolution program and conflict resolution and mediation skills training center. It offers a wide range of alternative dispute resolution services and conflict management and mediation training programs to individuals and organizations. CRJ’s services are designed to be alternatives to formal court proceedings for those seeking to resolve interpersonal conflicts and disputes.

Domestic Violence Resources

HAVEN HOUSE: Child and Family Services DV shelter and crisis line – 716-884-6000 or visit Haven House Shelter Website
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 1-800-799-7233
- If you’re unable to speak safely, you can visit the NDVH website or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Local Mental Health Crisis Services Hotlines

ERIE COUNTY: 716-834-3131
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY: 1-800-724-046
NIAGARA COUNTY CRISIS SERVICES: (716) 695-23531
MONROE COUNTY CRISIS SERVICES: 1-800-338-6467

Substance Use and Abuse Resources

AA online: On-line Group Website
AA online speaker series: Speaker Website

Rental and Mortgage Assistance

Live Well Erie County and City of Buffalo Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program: As of 10/1/20, residents of Erie County may be eligible for rental and mortgage assistance (a grant) which may pay all or a large portion of overdue rent or mortgage payments (up to 5 months).
- INCOME ELIGIBILITY: individuals have to show through proof of income (last 2 months of income) they are income eligible (this ranges from a family with one child at 42,000 to a family of eight at 112,000). Individuals will also need an ID and proof of residence.
- Individuals have to show they are unable to pay their rent/mortgage due to COVID-19, e.g. loss of work due to COVID-19, sickness (or care giving) due to COVID-19, loss of child care due to COVID-19
- Individuals can apply online at www.211wny.org or, by calling 211. 211 can assist individuals in filling out the application. Individuals who may struggle with technology or uploading documents (which is required) can make an appt. for assistance with the application by calling 211 (These appts. are at Catholic Charities, Buffalo Urban League, and the Restoration Society

Job Workforce Resources

Employment and unemployment assistance: The BUFFALO EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING CENTER will be offering remote (phone or video) counseling. To make an appointment call 716-856-5627(JOBS).
WHAT IF I LOSE MY JOB?
- See the Expanded Unemployment Insurance Infographic
- See the Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Infographic

Food Resources

ROCHESTER: Foodlink Website
GREATER WNY: Feedmore WNY Website
Accessing School eligible meals

Parenting Resources

How to Talk to Children about COVID-19
Parenting During the Pandemic 2-Part Webinar Series

Stress Reduction Resources

Suggestions for Finding Motivation During the Pandemic
Ten Percent Happier Coronavirus Sanity Guide
For additional resources on Stress Reduction, Self Care, and Mental Health and Wellbeing, check out our Resources Page.

Erie County Bar Association

COLLEAGUES CONNECTING: provides support for lawyers who may be facing problems while isolating from others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact Colin Campbell at ccampbell@campbellassociateslaw.com or (716) 992-2222.

**← Back to Helpful Resources page**

Core Member Services

Counseling Sessions
EAP provides confidential counseling to members and their household members to assist in solving personal, family and work-related problems. Counseling services include assessments, short-term counseling and community referrals. Counseling is available to anyone who lives with the covered employee.
Legal Consultation
EAP will connect members with a local attorney who can answer basic legal questions and provide free confidential consultation. If it is necessary for a member to retain legal counsel, our service will assist with making a referral.
Financial Consultation
Meet with a financial counselor to review budgeting advice, suggestions for positive spending habits, creditor repayment plans, student loan consolidation, and much more. Members and counselors will work as a team to determine the best plan to achieve your financial goals.
CHILDCARE CONSULTATION
We maintains a relationship with the Child Care Resource Network to provide child care referrals and support to members and their household. The CCRN monitors the registration of licenses for providers and advocates for high quality, accessible care. They can also provide information on parenting education and other family services.
Nutrition Services
A Registered Dietician or Holistic Health Coach can provide members with professional consultation regarding nutrition concerns including diet, weight management, allergies and food sensitivities as well as meal planning.
ELDERCARE CONSULTATION
We will connect employees with reliable services and resources for both the senior needing support and the caregiver. Information will be provided about: caregiver resources, home care options, classes for those helping older relatives or friends, navigating Medicaid/Medicare/Social Security and other benefits.
MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
When people disagree with one another, there are options besides fighting or walking away. Mediation and conflict resolution can help. We partner with Child & Family Services Center for Resolution and Justice to provide mediation. In more than 75% of the cases mediated, parties reach agreement, avoiding stress and costly legal expenses. Workplace mediation and conflict resolution can serve as a proactive approach to preventing litigation and promoting a healthier work environment.
REFERRAL NETWORK
If it is determined that a member will need further or more specialized services, the EAP counselor will make arrangements for referral and follow-up service to the most appropriate level of care in the community. We have a well developed network of affiliates with whom we work regularly to provide seamless care to our clients.