Resources and support

In the wake of the tragedy that occurred at Tops on Jefferson Ave. on May 14th, the United Way has put together a list of local resources for those affected to immediately receive assistance, ways to help, and online resources that can be used in the weeks and months to come.

Jump to a section by using the links below

Local Resources
Ways to Help
- Immediate Community Needs
- Giving Opportunities
Online/Virtual Resources
Helplines

Local Resources

(updated 5/26)

Resources for Food:

African Heritage Food Co-op
- Call 716-253-1521 and let them know you need delivery and what type of items are needed (groceries, diapers, hygiene products, etc.) and they will be delivered within 24 hours Monday-Friday
Johnnie B. Wiley Center - 1100 Jefferson Ave.
- Food distribution every day through Friday 5/27 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
  - After 5/27 distributions will be every Friday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. through July 8th
Resource Council of WNY - 347 E. Ferry St.
- Free food distribution every Wednesday from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Assistance with Utility Payments, Banking Services & Mental Health Counseling are also available here Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. / Saturday 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Buffalo Community Fridge - 257 E. Ferry St.
- Open 24/7
Rooted in Love Community Fridge - 347 E. Ferry St.
- Open 24/7
Tops Prescription Delivery
- Call 716-515-0055 to inquire about getting your prescriptions delivered

Resources for Transportation:

Shuttle Rides to Tops Friendly Markets on Elmwood
- Meet at the corner of Jefferson Ave & Riley St. for pickup and drop off
Free Lyft Rides in 14208 & 14209
- Use code 'BuffaloLyftUp' to receive a free ride up to $25 to and from Tops Friendly Markets (425 Niagara St.) and Price Rite (250 Elmwood Ave)
Free Uber Rides in 14202 & 14209
- Use code 'SHOPBUF' to receive a free ride up to $20 to and from Tops Friendly Markets (425 Niagara St.) and Price Rite (250 Elmwood Ave)
Hearts & Hands: Faith in Action
- Offering free transportation to grocery stores to community members living on the East Side of Buffalo. Call 716-406-8311 ext. 103 for more information

Resources for Mental Health:

Johnnie B. Wiley Center - 1100 Jefferson Ave.
- Available through 6/30 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. No appointment is needed and services for children are available
Erie County Medical Center - 462 Grider St. OR virtually
- Available Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Call 716-898-1594 to schedule an appointment or visit ECMC Virtual Help Center Visits - ECMC Hospital | Buffalo, NY
Spectrum Health & Human Services
- Available Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 12 a.m. call 716-566-6506
24 Hour Crisis Services Hotline
- Call 716-834-3131

Victim Assistance

Compensation for Funeral Costs
- Victims' family members may be eligible for compensation to help with funeral costs. Contact the NY Office of Victim Services by phone at 1-800-247-8035
NYS Office of Victim Services
- The District Attorney's office and other NY Office of Victim Services programs can provide compensation to family members. For more information call 716-858-2400. This line is staffed Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- After hours, call 716-858-4640 and leave a message

For a complete list of local resources please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211

How to help

(updated 5/20)

Immediate Community Needs:

Matt Urban Hope Center
- Is asking for donations of fresh meat, produce, and bread for families to prepare meals. Those who are interested in donating fresh food items can email Sarah Mauer at [email protected] or call 716-893-7222 x232 to arrange a time for drop off
The Response to Love Center
- Is asking for donations of cleaning supplies and personal care supplies. Please contact Sister Johnice to arrange to drop off items at 716-894-7030 or by email [email protected]
- Items Needed:
  - Laundry detergent
  - Fabric Softener
  - Dishwashing liquid
  - Paper Towels
  - Toilet Paper
  - Feminine Hygiene Products
  - Body Soap
  - Shampoo/Conditioner (especially for Black or African hair)
The UAW Local 186 "Rooted In Love" Committee
- Is hosting a hygiene drive for East Side Community members. Donations can be dropped off at the United Way (742 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 14209) to the attention of Chrissy Cassata
- Items Needed:
  - Bar Soap
  - Body Wash
  - Deodorant
  - Shampoo (especially for Black or African hair)
  - Paper Towels
  - Toilet Paper
  - Shaving Cream
  - Razors
  - Feminine Hygiene Products
FeedMoreWNY
- Is accepting donations of non-perishable food as well as diapers/wipes. Donations can be dropped off directly at FeedMoreWNY (91 Holt St, Buffalo 14206) Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Johnnie B. Wiley Center - 1100 Jefferson Ave.
- Best Self, Crisis Services, faith leaders, and a number of organizations are offering free mental health and trauma counseling at the Johnnie B. Wiley Center. There is a critical need for volunteers (especially volunteers of color) to help with greeting and door-to-door outreach in the community.
- To register for a volunteer opportunity please go here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49aaaa2aa4fbc16-johnnie

Giving Opportunities:

Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund
- In partnership with Tops, the National Compassion Fund has established the Buffalo 5/14 Survivors Fund to provide direct financial assistance to the survivors of the deceased and those directly affected by this tragedy.
Buffalo Together Community Response Fund
- Comprised of local philanthropic organizations, this collaborative effort is built upon our collective desire to take action and to work to address immediate needs in our community, long-term community rebuilding, and systemic issues that have marginalized communities of color.

For more information or to contribute to either fund please visit: https://bit.ly/BuffaloTogether