844-230-7376
Fax
716-847-0227
Primary Services
Eviction Prevention Assistance
Description
Provides free eviction defense and advocacy to families and individuals who are at risk of, or are facing, eviction.
Services provided include:
- Legal Advice: Assisting tenants facing eviction to better understand their rights and options;
- Eviction Prevention Assistance: Intervening with the landlord or housing provider on the tenant's behalf to attempt to resolve the underlying issue before the matter proceeds to court, allowing the continuance of the tenancy and stabilization of the tenant in their home;
- Eviction Representation: Appearing with tenants in court; and
- Referrals: Providing tenants with information about financial assistance and other services that may resolve the issues that led to a potential eviction in an effort to stabilize the tenant in their home.
Program services are provided by five partner agencies:
- Neighborhood Legal Services
- Volunteer Lawyers Project
- Legal Aid Bureau
- WNY Law Center
- Center for Elder Law and Justice
Services provided include:
- Legal Advice: Assisting tenants facing eviction to better understand their rights and options;
- Eviction Prevention Assistance: Intervening with the landlord or housing provider on the tenant's behalf to attempt to resolve the underlying issue before the matter proceeds to court, allowing the continuance of the tenancy and stabilization of the tenant in their home;
- Eviction Representation: Appearing with tenants in court; and
- Referrals: Providing tenants with information about financial assistance and other services that may resolve the issues that led to a potential eviction in an effort to stabilize the tenant in their home.
Program services are provided by five partner agencies:
- Neighborhood Legal Services
- Volunteer Lawyers Project
- Legal Aid Bureau
- WNY Law Center
- Center for Elder Law and Justice
Hours
Hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls will be returned during the business day.
Eligibility
WNY-EPP service providers will determine financial eligibility at intake.
Service Area: Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, & Wyoming Counties.
Service Area: Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, & Wyoming Counties.
Intake Process
Clients who live in Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, or Erie County should call the Eviction Prevention Hotline, follow the prompts, and leave a detailed message. Every effort will be made to return calls within three business days. Clients who have a court date scheduled should have their court papers on hand when they call, as information from these papers will be needed during the call.
Clients with Buffalo City Court cases may walk in or call hotline but are strongly encouraged to sign up for legal representation at their first court date, after appearing before the judge. Signs are posted in the court hallway with directions to tables providing information on the program.
Online intake also available at nls.org
Clients with Buffalo City Court cases may walk in or call hotline but are strongly encouraged to sign up for legal representation at their first court date, after appearing before the judge. Signs are posted in the court hallway with directions to tables providing information on the program.
Online intake also available at nls.org
Program Fees
Free. Some court fees may apply.
Languages
Translation services available.
Handicap Accessible?
Yes
Date of Official Change
Sep 17, 2025