Programs:
Education

Poverty

Learn what it means
Demand that it ends

2009 Buffalo Poverty Challenge June 1st-3rd

Visit www.povertychallenge.com to take the Poverty Challenge.

Or you can download the Poverty Challenge Guide, print it out, and take it offline.

Poverty Challenge Guide (pdf)

Buffalo Poverty Challenge Fliers! Put them up at your workplace and wherever you think people may be interested.

Color (pdf)

Black & White (pdf)

And don't forget to search "Buffalo Poverty Challenge" on Facebook, become a fan of our page, and suggest the page to all your friends!

Last year's Poverty Challenge in the News!

Failing Miserably at Being Poor for Two Days - Buffalo News, 5.9.2008 (pdf)

Poverty Experience Eye-Opening for Leaders in Buffalo - Associated Press, 5.8.2008 (pdf)

WBFO Reports on the Poverty Challenge - 5.9.2008 (mp3)

"Reducing Poverty Should Be a Policy Priority, City and County Leaders are Told" - Buffalo News, 5.8.2008 (pdf)

"Groups Call for Poverty Task Force" - WNED, 5.8.2008 (pdf)

"Poverty Experiment Eye-Opening for Leaders in Buffalo" - AP, 5.8.2008

WNED-AM Interview w/ Buffalo Common Councilmember Michael LoCurto - 5.8.2008 (mp3)

"Understanding Poverty By Living In It" - Buffalo News, 5.5.2008 (pdf)

"Advocates Ask: Can You Live on $9.25 a day?" - Buffalo News, 5.3.2008 (pdf)

Interview with Devan DeCicco, Education Coordinator for the Homeless Alliance - Western New York Catholic Weekly, 4.27.2008 (mp3)

Additional Educational Materials:

New! Homeless Ministry Handbook (pdf)
Black and White Version (pdf)
Ideas for religious leaders and faith communities on how best to respond to those in need.

Myths and Facts About Homelessness (pdf)
Black and White Version (pdf)
This brochure dispels common myths about homelessness nationally and in Buffalo and Erie County. It also includes a quick factsheet about homelessness in our community.

Applying for Temporary Assistance (TANF) (pdf)
This brochure offers a wealth of information about Temporary Assistance, including eligibility guidelines, rights and responsibilities, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

I Need Housing! (pdf)
This brochure details ways to find up-to-date affordable housing listings, inspection requirements, and assistance programs.

For more information about government programs and local services, visit:

Get Help (guide to local resources)

Information Library (detailed information on topics ranging from Emergency Assistance to housing issues to food assistance)

Applications (downloadable applications for federal and state assistance programs)

Homeless Alliance Education Projects in the Community

The Alliance offers trainings and educational presentations on homelessness to service providers, businesses, religious organizations, schools, and community groups. During sessions, Alliance staff offer an overview of homelessness in our community, as well as national trends and statistics. Presentations can also be tailored to specific group interests and concerns. Contact staff for details.

The Faith Outreach and Opportunities Development (FOOD) Project is an effort of the Homeless Alliance staffed by an AmeriCorps*VISTA member. The project focuses on boosting awareness of homelessness and the resources that help prevent and end homeless episodes for area families and individuals through outreach to faith communities, homeless persons, service providers, community leaders, and the Buffalo and Erie County community.

As part of the FOOD Project, the Alliance has developed ( in collaboration with member agencies) several educational brochures to assist service providers, church and community groups, and those seeking help.

Additionally, the Homeless Alliance is proud to collaborate with the Western New York Coalition for the Homeless, which provides free-and low-cost workshops for area homeless service providers.

Visit our new and greatly expanded Get Help pages for even more helpful resources.

The Western New York Coalition for the Homeless is a great resource for those trying to better assist those in need.The Coalition meets at 9:30 am on the second Wednesday of every month at St.Paul's Cathedral on the corner of Church St. and Pearl St. (use Pearl St. entrance). All are welcome to attend.