Starting: Home Rehab Loan Program Dedicated to Senior Citizens
In a significant move for the senior community, Mayor Marc Nelson and Common Council Chairwoman Natasha Brown of Poughkeepsie, New York, have announced the launch of a fund to assist eligible senior citizens in carrying out necessary home repairs.
The core intention behind the funding is to enable seniors to live safely and independently in their own homes, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods and the strengthening of the local economy.
The city has earmarked nearly $200,000 in the form of grants and forgivable loans for the removal of health and safety hazards from qualifying homes. This includes preventive maintenance and emergency repairs, both internal and external. The ceiling for the total cost of the project per household is set at $7,500, with funds being allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The inaugural application period for the program is slated to commence this summer, with the administration being undertaken by Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County.
In his announcement, Mayor Nelson acknowledged the financial challenges many seniors face in maintaining their homes. He expressed hope that this new initiative will provide a solution for seniors to meet repair needs that are often deferred due to financial constraints. Echoing this sentiment, Council Chair Natasha Brown emphasized the collaboration between the Common Council and the administration in addressing this crucial need for seniors.
Maureen Brennan Lashlee, the CEO for Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, expressed her gratitude and excitement over being chosen by the City of Poughkeepsie to spearhead its senior repair program. She celebrated the efforts of the seniors who have laid the foundation for community growth, stating they deserved a safe and affordable home to age in.
Adding to this, Interim Director of Development Joseph Donat said that the program was a result of collaboration aimed at serving others, with the mayor and the Council working together to allocate necessary funds.
For an individual to qualify for this initiative, they must be 62 or older at the time of application and listed as the owner of the property on the deed. The property taxes must be current, and the city reserves the right to refuse assistance to individuals with serious or recurrent code violations.
For more information on the program, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the Development Department at (845) 451-4007.
