Vacant & Abandoned Property Program
The Western New York Law Center created the Vacant and Abandoned Property Program to help deal with the problems caused by vacant and abandoned properties. These properties can harm families and neighborhoods. Each part of the program is designed to tackle these issues and support homeownership whenever possible. Even though some properties might stay vacant for a while because of legal processes, our main goal is to keep neighborhoods strong and healthy for future generations.
716.855.0203
assistance@wnylc.net
Local Municipality Work
The Western New York Law Center (WNYLC) and its local partners are working together to help families and communities deal with the problems caused by abandoned homes during the foreclosure process, often called Zombie Properties. We provide support in different ways. For example, we help homeowners find solutions for their properties and offer representation against mortgage companies that don’t keep these homes up to legal standards. We also reach out to homeowners who risk losing their homes, work with mortgage companies and maintenance crews to get these properties in compliance, and educate local officials and staff about the effects of Zombie Properties on the community, among other activities.
Erie County Clerks ZOMBIES Initiative
The WNYLC staff realized that towns near the places receiving Zombie Grants also needed help. These towns might be too small or not have enough Zombie foreclosures to qualify for the grants. Clerk Kearns provided funding to help tackle Zombie properties in those towns. This allowed the Law Center to assist municipalities all over Erie County in dealing with Zombie foreclosures. The Law Center also leads the Erie County Clerk ZOMBIES Initiative Task Force, which meets every three months to bring together different groups to work on solutions for Zombie properties.