The People's Fund

The People's Fund is a mutual-aid style fund directed to support residents in Buffalo's most historically excluded, intentionally overlooked, and economically distressed zip codes for crisis response and emergency assistance.

Guaranteed Income Program

The Guaranteed Income Program is offering $500 per month for 12 months to 30 Buffalo residents living in Zip Codes 14208, 14211, or 14212. The money will be loaded on a prepaid debit card and can be used for your needs, like food, rent, or other bills.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if:

  • You are 18 years of age or older
  • You live in one of these Zip Codes: 14208, 14211, or 14212 and have lived there for at least 60 days
  • Only one person in your household is applying
  • You are going through a significant life challenge that has made it harder to get by
Click Here to Apply to The People's Fund

In order to apply, you will need to create an account for the Impact Charitable Online Portal

For help filling out this application, or for questions regarding The People's Fund or the Crossroads Community Fund, please contact us via email at peoplefund@crossroadscommunityfund.org or phone at 716-368-9297.

Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do I need to apply?

  • Proof of identity and age: driver's license or passport
  • Proof of residency: You must provide two documents. One must be a utility bill, a lease/mortgage statement, or a landlord letter. The other document can be another utility bill or piece of mail. One must be dated older than 60 days from the time of your application, and the other must be dated within the previous 30 days. Both must have your name, a date, and your current address.
  • Proof of hardship: Documents related to the significant life challenge or significant financial challenge you are currently facing.

How does the Guaranteed Income Program work?

  • Step 1: Complete and submit the application. Application period ends Monday, July 14 at 11:59 PM ET
  • Step 2: We will review all applications and randomly select 30 people. Those selected will be notified by August 6.
  • Step 3: If you are selected, you will met with our People's Advocate to enroll in the program.
  • Step 4: If you enroll in the program, you will begin receiving $500 monthly payments for 12 months.

How does the Guaranteed Income Program selection work?

  • This is a lottery-based program. That means not everyone who applied will be selected. Submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

What is considered a "significant life challenge"?

  • This could be large medical bills, being behind on rent or utilities, a job loss, transportation issues, or if you receive public benefits like SNAP.