Emergency Rental Help Is Now Available For Amherst Residents

After receiving an allocation of funds from the Federal CARES Act, The Town of Amherst has created an Emergency Rental Assistance Program for those people who have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents in the Town of Amherst and the Village of Williamsville who are low income, are eligible to apply for help with paying up-to three (3) months of past-due rent. Low income is defined as having a gross annual income that is less than 60% of the Area Median Income. In WNY, that is roughly $46,560 per year for a family of four (4).

These funds are being made available to individuals and families who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless due to not being able to keep up with their rent because of Coronavirus.

Temporary rental assistance for up to 3 months and a limit of $3,000.00 will be given to households that qualify.
-Town of Amherst Community Development

Because of limited funding, households are only able to apply to this program once. Also, if a tenant owes more than 3 months, they have to have the ability to resolve the remaining balance. In addition to that, if approved, the Town of Amherst will send a building inspector to ensure there are not any issues with lead paint in the apartment.

According to the Town of Amherst, there are 3 questions you should ask yourself if you think you qualify:

1. Does your household income qualify based on this year’s gross yearly income?
2. Have any of your household members become unemployed or under-employed as result of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
3. Are you homeless or at risk of being homeless because of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
-Town of Amherst Community Development

If you answered yes to these questions, then you most likely qualify and can reach out to the Town of Amherst Community Development department at 716-631-7053. You can also complete an online application for assistance here.