Rental Evictions On The Rise In Western New York

After nearly a year of reduced evictions, Buffalo and Western New York have been seeing a steady increase in the number of people who are on the brink of homelessness in New York State's second-largest city.

Western New York led the state in rental evictions for quite a while. More people were losing their housing in Buffalo and Western New York than anywhere else in the Empire State, which is truly significant when you consider the population density of Buffalo compared to places like The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Westchester County.

Luckily, those numbers have fallen from historical highs in 2022 and 2023, but that does not mean things are okay for Western New York people living on the edge.

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According to recent data released by the New York State Unified Court System, evictions in Erie County have increased compared to the same time last year.

Through September 7, 2024, nearly 3,500 eviction warrants have been issued in Erie County alone. This is nearly 10 percent more than the same time in 2023.

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This, of course, means that the homelessness problem in Buffalo is in danger of becoming even more precarious than it already is. Couple that with the serious lack of affordable housing in Western New York, and we're prime for a housing crisis.

Eviction Help Is Available

Organizations in Western New York, such as Belmont Housing Resources, Rental Assistance Corp, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Neighborhood Legal Services, and the Buffalo Urban League, report that the problem continues to be a significant issue for many people.

A few programs are available to help people. If you find yourself in need of assistance, you can contact Buffalo's 211 help line.