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STEUBEN CO., NY (WENY) -- Residents are still cleaning up and fixing their homes, after the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby hit Steuben County in August. Over a month later, affected property owners can apply for a grant to help.
"The Governor announced a new program from the state through Homes and Community Renewal... Arbor Housing and Development and Community Partners are the two agencies that will be distributing the HCR for Steuben Co. residents," said the Director of Public Safety for Steuben Co., Tim Marshall.
N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the Homes and Community Renewal Home Repair Program for people who had their primary residence damaged by flooding. Eligible people could receive up to $50,000 for home repairs.
RELATED: Governor Hochul announces flood relief assistance in Steuben County
"It's important for [people] who think they don't qualify, to reach out to Arbor Housing and Development or Community Partners to verify... The HCR program qualifies you for home repairs up to $50,000 that could include hot water tanks, furnaces, flooring repairs..." said Marshall.
Homeowners will need to provide documentation when they apply. This includes the deed to your home, insurance coverage, and specific storm damage. The income eligibility guidelines increased from 100% to 150% of the County's Area Median Income, which is based on household size.
'All households are eligible up to $157,800 or 150% of the County Area Median Income based on household size.'
The income eligibility guidelines for Steuben Co. are as follows:
Median Household Income: $84,000
1 person - $88,200
2 people - $100,800
3 people - $113,400
4 people - $126,000
5 people - $136,200
6 people - $146,250
7 people - $156,300
8 people - $166,350
Ann Zeltwanger of Canisteo is one homeowner who submitted her application. While she waits to see if and how much money she'll receive from the state, so far, she said she's had to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket on home repairs.
"I'm hoping to get back money I've already spent for reimbursement from the damage under my house. I haven't gotten the insulation yet but between my siding, six-foot holes [that had to be] filled, [resetting the] foundation, I've already spent $9,000," said Zeltwanger.
She added, "I'm hoping to get everything to cover my costs that I've already spent and grants for whatever still needs to be fixed. It's been a little crazy because winter is coming [and] we need to get everything winterized before the cold weather sets in. Having to borrow money to pay back people while waiting for some kind of help, it's been a little strenuous... With not knowing what's coming, what's happening next, are we going to get hit again? Everything is just up in the air right now."
Marshall said it's very important for people making home repairs to take a lot of photos of the damages, document the damages, and keep receipts so they can be reimbursed. He said it's important for those who need the money to apply for this grant.
"We learned a lot of lessons after Tropical Storm Fred (in 2021) and one of the things we did was enhance our recovery efforts by working with human service agencies and the United Way (of the Southern Tier) to get the money quicker to individuals. I understand that people can be frustrated because they want help right now, but there's a process... Now that the HCR program is available, we're going to try to work with these human service agencies to get the funding out to [people] as soon as we can," said Marshall.
He added, "It's important for [people] to make sure they call 2-1-1, get into the systems so a caseworker can reach out. If you've talked to a caseworker, fantastic... If you have not talked to a caseworker, somebody should be reaching out to you. If not, call back 2-1-1 [and] make sure you're on the list..."
SEE: Cleanup Efforts Continue in Canisteo, NY Days After Debby Hits
Marshall encourages people to apply sooner rather than later, as the deadline is October 7th. A disaster recovery center will be set up for the Small Business Association (SBA) in the Canisteo area. Once a location and date are set, that information will be shared.
Arbor Housing and Development can be reached at (607)-654-7487 and/or by email at [email protected].