Seward Announces Local Housing Grants

ONEONTA, 07/16/09 -- Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) announced today that local governments and not-for-profit housing organizations across the 51st senatorial district have been awarded over $3.6 million in grants to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

"The grants will help families afford their first homes, help senior citizens pay for vital repairs and assist those with disabilities make life-changing improvements,” said Senator Seward.  “In some cases the funds are the difference between a happy, safe home and the wrecking ball.”

A total of $31.4 million is being awarded statewide through three Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) programs:

The HOME Program – The HOME Program partners with local governments, private developers and community based non-profit housing organizations to acquire, rehabilitate or construct housing, or to provide assistance to low-income home-buyers and renters;

ACCESS to Home - ACCESS to Home provides financial assistance to property owners to make dwelling units accessible for low- and moderate income frail elderly and persons with disabilities. These modifications allow individuals to safely and comfortably continue to live in their homes;

RESTORE - RESTORE (Residential Emergency Services to Offer Repairs to the Elderly) helps low-income elderly homeowners pay for emergency repairs to eliminate hazardous conditions in their homes.

“At a time when so many families and senior citizens are feeling the economic pinch it is essential that we provide funding for the critical housing programs.  The grants will not only help upgrade our local housing stock but they relieve pressure on local governments and service providers,” concluded Seward. 

Otsego County
Otsego Rural Housing - $450,000

 
Herkimer County
Village of Ilion - $300,000
Village of Dolgeville - $400,000

Greene County
Catskill Mountain Housing Development Corp - $350,000
Hunter  Foundation - $300,000

Schoharie County
Schoharie Rural Preservation Corp - $300,000

Cortland County
City of Cortland - $400,000
Cortland County Community Action Program - $65,000 

Chenango County
Opportunities for Chenango - $400,000

Tompkins County
Tompkins County - $75,000
Better Housing For Tompkins Inc. - $200,000
Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation Inc. - $400,000

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