Repair Programs Available to Homeowners Through CHRIC

In our region, we boast some of the oldest homes in New York State. These aged structures are a testament to our rich history but present a unique set of challenges to homeowners. As documented in the 2022-2024 Chautauqua County Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan, 40.5% of the county’s housing was built prior to 1939, surpassing the state’s average of 31%. Furthermore, homes built before 1950 comprise 52.7% of Chautauqua County residences, significantly more than the statewide figure of 32.3%.

These vintage homes, charming as they may be, often require a fair amount of upkeep, particularly as the occupants themselves age. Maintenance and safety upgrades can become essential to preserve these homes and make them more comfortable and safe for the people who live in them. Such improvements may range from minor repairs to substantial modifications and could involve changing certain features of the home to cater to evolving needs. Thankfully, local agencies, grants, local and state funding, and in some cases, health insurance plans are all potential sources of assistance with these necessary modifications.

A key resource for homeowners in our region is the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corp., often known as CHRIC. This organization offers a variety of repair programs designed specifically for owner-occupied homes. Additionally, CHRIC conducts educational classes for prospective homeowners and enlists contractors for work that needs to be done within the county.

CHRIC’s programs span a broad spectrum, with some focused on certain communities or specific types of repairs. Each program has its own guidelines for eligibility, which can be reviewed on CHRIC’s website. The organization also collaborates with various towns and villages to secure community development block grants (CDBGs) for repairs or replacements of infrastructure elements like water wells, septic systems, or water/sewer connections. For instance, in the town of Ellington, a CDBG is available for replacement homes for individuals living in poor-condition manufactured homes or trailers that are beyond repair. Detailed information and application forms for all these programs can be accessed on CHRIC’s website.

First-time homebuyers can benefit greatly from CHRIC’s counseling program. This initiative equips participants with vital knowledge about credit reports, budgeting, shopping for a home, making offers, financing, closing procedures, and more, helping to prepare them for the journey toward homeownership.

Another local support system is the Office for Aging Services, which provides assistance to older adults in need of home repairs and modifications. Depending on the available funding, this might include safety enhancements like ramps, modifications to bathrooms or kitchens, or the installation of grab bars.

Meanwhile, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. helps homeowners to apply for the USDA Home Repair Program. For homeowners aged 62 and over with low income, the program offers grants up to $10,000 for the removal of health and safety hazards, or to make dwellings more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Loan and grant combinations are also available for eligible rural homes located outside city limits. Applicants need to own and live in a single-family home and should not have the resources to meet repair needs. More details can be obtained from the Jamestown or Dunkirk locations of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.

Various insurance plans, such as Medicare Advantage, Veterans Care, private long-term care insurance, or Medicaid-managed long-term care (MLTC), may also cover home modifications. These modifications, which include wheelchair ramps, hallway widening, installation of grab bars, and brighter lighting, can significantly enhance the living conditions of older or chronically ill individuals, allowing them to maintain their independence. The ultimate goal is to enable individuals to stay in their homes for as long as possible, delaying the need for nursing home care. It’s always worth asking your insurance provider about coverage for these types of home modifications.

For more information about home repairs for older or disabled people in our community, feel free to contact the NY Connects Helpline at (716) 753-4582 or email us at [email protected]. NY Connects offers free, confidential information and assistance services. Catering to people of all ages with long-term needs, it focuses on the consumer’s needs and available resources. The NY Connects initiative is a joint effort by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging and the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services.