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• Consult your landlord: First, you should consult with your landlord. Often landlords are willing to work out payment plans in order to allow you to keep your apartment. You should gather any money you are able to pay and ask your landlord about setting up a payment plan for the remainder of your rent for the month. Speak with your landlord as soon as possible.
   
• Department of Social Services:  If you have received eviction papers, you can ask the Emergency Housing Unit at the Department of Social Services for assistance. DSS may be able to pay your back rent depending on your income and circumstances. You may be asked to sign a repayment agreement. Bring your court papers and income information to the first floor of the Rath Building at 158 Pearl Street, or call 858-6754 for more information.
   
• Community Action Organization (CAO):  CAO provides emergency rental assistance loans to stop an eviction. Once you receive notification from your landlord that you need to "pay or quit," or once you receive court eviction papers, you can call CAO for assistance. This assistance is an interest free loan that will need to be repaid over time. Contact CAO at: 70 Harvard Place, Buffalo, 881-5150 to see if funds are available and to schedule an appointment.
   
• FEMA Funds:  Several agencies will help with the application for FEMA funds. This money can be used to prevent mortgage foreclosure or to prevent eviction. Usually, funds are available from January to April. Agencies that help with FEMA applications include the Red Cross, CAO, Parents Anonymous, Native American Community Center, and Hispanics United.
   
• Your local church or parish:  Oftentimes, churches or parishes have emergency funds available for families in crisis. If you belong to a church, consult your parish in order to find out what assistance may be available.
   
• AIDS Community Services:  If you are HIV positive, or have AIDS, you may qualify for rental assistance through AIDS Community Services. Call them at 847-2441.
   
• Salvation Army:  The Salvation Army provides an emergency rental assistance loan to people being evicted. You will need to have been served with eviction papers. Contact the Salvation Army at 960 Main Street, Buffalo, 884-4798.
   
• Crisis Services:  If you have been denied assistance from DSS (in writing), Crisis Services has some back rent funding for City of Buffalo residents. Requirements include, but are not limited to, a sudden loss of income and a future ability to pay rent. Call them 834-3131.