County agencies have collaborated on a resource forum focused on affordable housing programs available to residents and families in Chautauqua County. Hosted by the Chautauqua County Land Bank Corporation (CCLBC), this forum will provide information regarding programs and services available from the participating agencies, including Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. (COI), Chautauqua Housing Rehab and Improvement Corporation (CHRIC), Southern Tier Environment for Living (STEL and Legal Assistance of WNY.

Additionally, the city of Dunkirk will providing some opening remarks regarding housing initiatives underway in the city.

Affordable housing programs typically are income-based, where participants cannot show a household income over a specified amount, e.g. $50,000 for a four-person household. Program criteria may vary per program and/or agency. The participating agencies provide programs and services varying from first-time homebuyers programs, to assistance with rehabilitation projects, to rental or rent-to-own housing.

Although the Land Bank’s mission does not focus on affordable housing, it collaborates with these agencies to serve the needs of the lower income population. Executive Director, Gina Paradis, explained, “This is an opportunity for us to help familiarize the community with the resources available locally, and support our partner agencies with their mission to provide quality affordable housing.”

The forum will be held Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the JCC North Center, Route 60, in Dunkirk.

Brief overviews of the programs and services provided by each agency will be presented from 5:30 to 6:30, followed by exhibits where attendees can follow-up directly with the individual agencies with specific questions or applications. The forum is free to the public. Questions regarding the event may be directed to Amanda Mick, at the Chautauqua County Land Bank Corporation, 969-7843.