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Equity in the Region

Since 2006, WEDI has been working to find equity for underserved students and would be small business owners first on the West Side, now in our region. Our clients are mostly people of color, recent refugees and immigrants, and women. Our staff recognizes that it is our personal and organizational privilege to provide support to people as they work to thrive in an established, age-old, inequitable system. Our city, our region, our nation could unleash immense economic power and all that accompanies affluence: safe, well-tended neighborhoods, good public schools, blocks lit up by storefronts…  if unfettered by racism.

We grieve for the victims of the racist shooting at Tops on May 14, 2022 and their families, our friends, clients, East Side neighbors, city, region… our home. So we can heal and better connect, here are some resources to find support.

Compiled by 211WNY

Updated 10/25/2023

View a printable PDF of resources here.

FOOD & OTHER NEEDED ITEMS

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COUNSELING, MENTAL HEALTH, & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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  • Crisis Services is available for phone counseling/support 24/7 at 716-834-3131.

  • Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) is offering immediate mental health support and treatment in the wake of Saturday's tragic event, both virtually and in-person at 462 Grider St, available 7 days a week from 8am-10:30pm. Call the Help Center at 716-898-1594 or schedule a virtual visit at: ECMC Virtual Help Center Visits.

  • Spectrum Health & Human Services  offers free, confidential counseling and support, Monday-Friday, 8am-12 midnight; call 716-566-6506.

  • The NY Project Hope line is available for free crisis counseling 7 days a week, 9am-10pm, at 844-863-9314.

CRIME VICTIM SERVICES

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OTHER RESOURCES FOR IMPACTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS & FAMILIES

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  • The NYS Department of Health offers the Growing Up Healthy Hotline, available 24/7 to provide information about food access, nutrition assistance, mental health care, health care, and children's needs. Call 1-800-522-5006.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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NEEDS & DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

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  • Buffalo Community Fridge is requesting donations of food goods including fresh produce, milk, eggs, cheese, baby formula, baby food, juice, water, labeled cooked meals, and cooked meat (NO raw meat) to be dropped off at one of these locations.

  • Candles in the S.U.N. (Save Ur Neighborhood) is accepting monetary donations to support fresh produce stands throughout the East Side; donate here.

  • FEED Buffalo is accepting monetary donations to provide organic and Halal food; monetary donations accepted here. Donations of food (halal options if possible), hygiene products, and personal products will be accepted by drop-off at 456 Massachusetts Avenue, Buffalo; call 716-588-0137 to inquire about donating.y

  • FeedMore WNY is accepting donations of food at 91 Holt St, Buffalo, NY 14206 from Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. Requested items include nonperishable protein items, shelf-stable fruits and vegetables, beverages, snacks, toilet paper, personal care items, and diapers. Monetary donations can be made at feedmorewny.org. For any questions, call FeedMore WNY at 716-822-2002.

  • 20-year-old shooting survivor Zaire Goodman and mother Zeneta Everhart are requesting books from this list, which they will distribute to community centers, schools, and local orgs in an effort to help children learn about race, racism, and Black history.

  • Donate a meal from An Extra Scoop to the Buffalo Community Fridge.

HELPLINES

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211: Available for a complete list of updated community resources. They can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898-211

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Crisis Services 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 716-834-3131

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NY Project Hope: to reach the emotional support helpline call 7-844-863-9314

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SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press "2") to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

HEALTH EQUITY

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Know your options for Medicare Plans in New York, whether you're looking for Original Medicare or Medical Advantage (complied by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

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ADDICTION RECOVERY

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It’s clear that college students are under a lot of pressure from school and their peers, leading them to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse. This guide covers which substances pose the greatest risks to young adults, the potential consequences of being caught, and how to get better. 

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SENIOR CITIZEN RESOURCES

 

Seniors face unique challenges when it comes to finding appropriate care and housing. Ensuring that they have access to support, services, and living arrangements is crucial for their well-being and overall quality of life.  These resources offer assistance to those seniors and their caretakers guidance on various care options.​

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