UPDATE (3/25/2020): Our building will remain closed until at least April 20, 2020. More details about accessing services during this time are included below.
Our highest priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our clients and community.
In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, effective Monday March 16th , the International Institute of Buffalo will suspend on-site services and move to remote work plans for staff.
While our building is closed to the public, our staff remain committed to providing expert, compassionate care to our clients and the community. Staff will continue to be available by email and phone as usual. For urgent client needs please use the following numbers:
Refugee Services – 716-241-1173
Interpreting Services – 716-249-1234
Victim Services – 716-222-3890
Our staff has been in contact by phone with nearly all our clients to ensure they are receiving the support they need at this time. We developed remote work plans and systems to provide continuous support to our clients.
We are continuing to receive and support refugees, to support and advocate alongside survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, and to provide interpreting and translation services.
We are reassuring anxious families, working in many languages to provide critical information and updates, and identifying emergency resources for those whose employment and basic needs resources are impacted by this crisis.
This is uncharted territory for everyone, but the flexibility of our staff and the resiliency of our clients is reaffirming and reassuring.
This is a moment when all of us need to support our neighbors, friends, and families, as well as take care of our health and well-being.
Thank you for all you do for refugees and survivors. Please take care of yourself and your family, and stay tuned for further updates.
Sincerely,
The International Institute of Buffalo