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HOPE Initiative - CAO of WNY

Resource Name:HOPE Initiative - CAO of WNY

address

45 Jewett Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214

Eligibility

Unemployed and underemployed individuals living in the City of Buffalo who receive social services benefits such as Temporary Assistance (TA) or who are at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and have a dependent child(ren) under the age of 18 living at home. For more details and current Federal Poverty Guideline financial requirements, see: https://www.caowny.org/hope Service Area: City of Buffalo.

Hours

Pre-screening form available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at: https://www.caowny.org/hope
(716) 881-5150

Voice

·

Main Phone

Application process

Complete the pre-screening form online at: https://www.caowny.org/hope After submitting the form, potential participants who meet eligibility criteria will be contacted to set up an appointment with a coach to complete the full application. As part of the application, participants must provide:
  • Documentation of income of ALL adults in the household, which can include but is not limited to: paystubs, SSI/SSD award letters, pension statements, child support, etc.
  • Documentation for all residents of the household, which can include birth certificates, SS cards, or health insurance cards. Adults should provide photo ID (drivers license, non-driver ID, passport, etc.).
  • Proof of residency, which can include rental agreement, utility bill, or bank statement with current address.

Fees

Free.

Service area

Buffalo city, NY
The Harnessing Opportunities Pursuing Employment (HOPE) Initiative is a pilot program designed to guide and mentor income eligible unemployed and underemployed Buffalo residents to transition into employment opportunities and build economic stability. Program seeks to help participants find or keep a job while advancing in their career and eliminating barriers to financial freedom, with a focus on financial literacy, workforce development and readiness, and personal and professional goal setting. Participants are partnered with a Life Coach to address challenges and obstacles to meeting personal goals and a Career Coach to help develop career plans and set career goals. Income eligible participants receiving social service benefits will not lose any benefits while in the program.

Last assured

05/27/2026

What's Here

Job Readiness

Providing organization

Community Action Organization of Western New York (CAO of WNY)