VESTAL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Broome County Office for Aging Senior Helpers (previously GROW)

• Provides employment services matching older job seekers (55+ yrs) with people needing personal care, companions, repairs, maintenance, yard work, driving, housekeeping, and help with household chores for a fee. Long-term, short-term, or one-time jobs. Individuals or families of any age are welcome to call to request a match with a worker. Workers are Broome County residents 55+ years old.

• 607-778-6105​

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First Ward Action Council (Home Repair Program)

• Provides mobile mini-repair service to do small home repairs, such as leaky faucets, railings, wheelchair ramps, safety devices, locks, etc. and to provide technical referrals when necessary. May rebuild stairs, repair leaky faucets, repair railings, and build wheelchair ramps. May do minor weatherization. Resident is responsible for the cost of materials needed. Eligibility: Low-income senior citizens and/or persons with disabilities who are living in Broome County.

• 607-772-2850

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Tioga Opportunities Inc. (Weatherization)

• Provides weatherization assistance to Broome County residents to reduce heating costs by insulating and weatherproofing dwellings.

• 607-687-0944

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USDA Rural Development

• Provides loans to very low-income households that own and live in a rural area in their own single-family home that needs repairs and are unable to get a loan elsewhere. Maximum loan: $20,000; 1% up to 20 yrs term. Grants may be possible for applicants 62+ yrs who cannot afford a loan for essential repairs (max grant $7500). Loan and grant purposes include: winterizing, purchase/repair of heating system, structural repair, water/sewage connection fees, and similar uses. Information and applications mailed upon request. Eligibility: Rural residents within income guidelines.

• DOES NOT HAVE EMERGENCY FUNDS.

• MAY TAKE UP TO 90 DAYS TO PROCESS REQUEST. Provides loans to very low-income households that own and live in a rural area in their own single-family home that needs repairs and are unable to get a loan elsewhere. Maximum loan: $20,000; 1% up to 20 yrs term. Grants may be possible for applicants 62+ yrs who cannot afford a loan for essential repairs (max grant $7500). Loan and grant purposes include: winterizing, purchase/repair of heating system, structural repair, water/sewage connection fees, and similar uses. Information and applications mailed upon request. Eligibility: Rural residents within income guidelines.

• DOES NOT HAVE EMERGENCY FUNDS.

• MAY TAKE UP TO 90 DAYS TO PROCESS REQUEST. Provides loans to very low-income households that own and live in a rural area in their own single-family home that needs repairs and are unable to get a loan elsewhere. Maximum loan $20,000; 1% up to 20 yrs term. Grants may be possible for applicants 62+ yrs who cannot afford a loan for essential repairs (max grant $7500). Loan and grant purposes include: winterizing, purchase/repair of heating system, structural repair, water/sewage connection fees, and similar uses. Information and applications mailed upon request. Eligibility: Rural residents within income guidelines.

• DOES NOT HAVE EMERGENCY FUNDS.

• MAY TAKE UP TO 90 DAYS TO PROCESS REQUEST.

• 607-753-0851 x 4

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Binghamton Planning & Housing and Community Development

• Provides housing rehabilitation programs and first-time home buyer programs. to income-eligible households. Provides accessibility grants for improvements to homes or rental units for occupants with disabilities. Eligibility: City of Binghamton resident within income guidelines.

• 607-772-7028

• The Impact Project - Greene

• Volunteers help the elderly, handicapped, and low-income families with major home repairs such as roof repair, heating, hot water heaters, and ramp construction.

• 844-586-1055

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Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango (NYSERDA)

• Provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions for income-eligible (HEAP eligible) New Yorkers (homeowners, renters, and landlords). Services include lighting and appliance (inefficient refrigerators and freezers) upgrades and home performance measures, including air sealing, insulation, new energy-efficient lighting, safety checks of smoke detectors, and more.

• 607-723-6493

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Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango (Revolving Loan Funds and Loan Packaging)

• Low-interest loans for down payments, closing costs, repairs, and help securing USDA loans for purchases/repairs. Currently, amounts up to $10,000 may be borrowed starting at 3.5%, repayable over a period of up to 10 years.

• 607-723-6493

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NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (EmPower New York - NYSERDA)

• Provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions for those who are income-eligible (HEAP eligible) New Yorkers.

• 866-697-3732; 518-862-1090

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Cornell Cooperative Extension (Energy Assistance Program)

• Provides free professional home energy assessment to qualify for the following programs: EmpowerNY- covers 100% of the cost of energy efficiency improvements (i.e., air sealing, new refrigerator and lighting). Weatherization Assistance Program- provides additional energy improvements at no cost. Assisted Home Performance with Energy Star- covers 50% of additional energy improvements.

• 607-366-0833