Home Modifications
Ramps, Accessible Bathrooms, Weatherization, Etc.
There are several programs that provide help with home modifications in the Broome County area.
This guide was compiled by the:
Southern Tier Independence Center
135 E. Frederick Street
Binghamton, NY 13904
724-2111
The purpose of this guide is to give the client a place to start in identifying a program that he or she might be eligible for. Clients or caseworkers should contact the individual programs to obtain further information and to apply for services.
It is complete as of December 2009 to the best of our knowledge. Programs are dependent on funding – an existing program may be discontinued or a new program created. To make corrections to this guide, please contact STIC.
Most grant-funded programs are restricted to certain age groups, locations and income levels. You will be asked for this information when you apply.
Income guidelines may change each year. The demand is great and there may be a waiting list for services, even if you are eligible.
_ Are you receiving Medicaid Long Term Home Health Care through Ideal or Lourdes? Ask your CASA case manager to find out if Medicaid will pay for a ramp or other modification.
_ Do you have a Medicaid waiver? If yes, contact your service coordinator or Southern Tier Independence Center at 724-2111 for more information.
_ If you are a client of VESID, ask your counselor if you are eligible for any home modifications through VESID.
Get information about yourself together before you start calling:
Your age is Some programs are for seniors only.
You live in If you live in a town of less than 10,000, you may be eligible for the USDA Rural Program.
Do you own the building you live in? Some programs do not serve tenants.
Do you know what year it was built? ______
Your yearly or monthly household income is $ for everyone.
Total number of people in household is Any children under 6?
If you live in the Town of Union Call the Planning Dept at 786-2975
If you live in Chenango County Contact Opportunities for Chenango, 44 West Main St. PO Box 470
Norwich, NY 13815-0470
Phone: (607) 334-7114
If you live in Tioga County Contact Tioga Opportunities
Countryside Community Center
9 Sheldon Guile Blvd.Owego, NY 13827(607) 687-0944
Toll Free: (877) 786-2419
Or contact, Sheen-Housing
Rochester, NY
(585) 657-4114
_ If you or your contractor needs assistance in accessible design (ramps, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) contact Southern Tier Independence Center at 724-7211 for specifications.
First Ward Action Council
Provider is: Non-profit agency
Funded by: Access-to-Home Program, through NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Service: Bathroom and other modifications, widening doorways, ramps
Location: Broome County
Client age: Any age with a permanent disability that is certified by a physician
Client must be: Owner of owner-occupied house
Tenant, with landlord’s permission
Client income: $ 20,500 maximum income for household of 1
$ 23,450 maximum income for household of 2
For larger households, call 772-2850 x 109 for eligibility information.
Client resources: No limit
Conditions: Client gets 7-year loan. One-seventh of loan is forgiven each year that client remains in the modified house or apartment.
Who does work: Contractor is hired by the client, under the aegis of the First Ward Action Council
Wait time: Depending on urgency and demand
Other services: Home repairs for any client in Broome County age 55 or older with income under guidelines. (Income limit for home repairs is higher than for Access Program.) Other grant programs are applied for (under auspices of NYSDHCR, among others) and are available from time to time.
Contact No. 772-2850 x 109
Current as of December 2009
Metro Interfaith Housing Management Corp.
Provider is: Non-profit agency
Funded by: HOME program, through NY State Division of Housing
Service: Ramps, bathroom modifications, widen doorways
Locations: Parts of Northside, Southside and Eastside
Call to find out if you are in their service area.
Client age: No restrictions
Client must be: Owner of owner-occupied house or two-family
Client income: $ 32,850 maximum income for household of 1
$ 37,500 maximum income for household of 2
Call for eligibility information for larger households
Client resources: No limit
Conditions: Each home must be approved by Albany.
Client receives 5-year loan. One-fifth of loan is forgiven each year that client remains in the house.
Who does work: Client chooses contractors from referral list provided by agency.
Wait time: First come first serve.
Other services: Wide range of home repairs/improvements for income eligible homes within service area
Contact No. 723-0723
Current as of December 2009
Broome County Council of Churches “Ramp It Up”
Provider is: Non-profit agency
Funded by: Private donations and grants
Will accept donation from client
Services: Ramps only
Locations: Broome County
Client age: Any age with a disability
Client must be: Owner of owner-occupied single-family house
Owner of owner-occupied multi-family building
Tenant with landlord’s permission
Mobile home parks with management permission
Conditions: Building permits required. No warranties for workmanship
Who does work: Volunteer youth groups with mentors or supervisors
Ramps built during the summer months only
Wait time: Depends on need
Contact No. 724-9130 x304
Current as of December 2009
Rebuilding Together of Broome County
Provider is: Non-profit affiliate of national organization
Funded by: Private & corporate donations, grants
Will accept a donation from the client
Services: Ramps, minor home modifications, painting, roof repairs, minor plumbing & other miscellaneous repairs
Client age: No specific age requirements. Assistance for senior citizens, disabled individuals, veterans and low-income families with dependent children
Location: Broome County
Client must be: Owner of owner-occupied single family residence
Client income: Anyone eligible for HEAP
Client resources: No resource test
Wait time: Depends on available volunteers & funding
Contact No. 222-2324 to request application
Current as of December 2009
Broome County Office for Aging
Provider is: County government
Funded by: Nursing Home Diversion Modernization grant
Services: Ramps, bathroom modifications, widen doorways
Client age: Age 60 or older
Locations: Broome County
Client must be: Owner of owner-occupied house
Owner of owner-occupied multi-family building
Tenant with landlord’s permission
Client income: Client must be over-income for Medicaid
Client resources: Client must be over-resources for Medicaid
Other stringent criteria apply
Conditions: Client must be living at home and require modifications to avoid going into a nursing home.
Who does work: County hires contractors through a contract with First Ward Action Council
Wait time: 2 to 3 months
Other: This is a demonstration project and is scheduled to end after July 2010. Call number below for further information.
Contact No. 778-2411
Current as of December 2009
City of Binghamton Housing Department
Provider is: City Government
Funded by: Federal Access to Home
Services: Loans for code, electrical and plumbing repairs/lead hazards/weatherization and other
Client age: Any age
Locations: Entire City of Binghamton
Client must be: Owner of owner-occupied house, with clear title
Client income: Annual income below $32,850 for household of 1
Annual income below $37,500 for household of 2
Annual income below $42,200 for household of 3 ,etc.
Client resources: No limit
Conditions: Maximum loan is $25,000 plus costs of lead abatement
No interest or monthly payments for five years
If owner does not occupy housing for five years for any reason, 100% of loan must be repaid.
If owner occupies housing for at least five years, 40% of loan must be repaid
Who does work: City assists with hiring contractors and overseeing work
Wait time: Two to three years
Other: City will do code and fire inspection. All taxes must be current. House must be insured.
Contact No. 772-7240
Current as of December 2009
USDA Rural Development
Provider is: / USDA Rural DevelopmentFunded by: / USDA Rural Development
Service: / Loans: Roofs; siding; windows; chimney repairs; furnace; foundations; well; septic; remodel/update; bathrooms; kitchens etc¼ Modifications for handicap accessibility.
Grants: Funds can be used to remove health and safety hazards.
Locations: / Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Onondaga, Tioga and Tompkins Counties. (see website for ineligible areas, or call USDA Office – www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny
Client age: / 62 or older for a Grant
18 years of age or older for a loan
Property Requirements: / Must be owner occupied – single family housing only
Must own the house and the land. (we cannot help in Mobile home parks)
Income Requirements: / Very Low Income Guideline – as of 4-20-09
County / 1 person / 2 people / 3 people / 4 people / 5 people / 6 people / 7 people / 8 people
Broome/Tioga / 20,500 / 23,450 / 26,350 / 29,300 / 31,650 / 34,000 / 36,350 / 38,700
Cayuga / 20,600 / 23,550 / 26,500 / 29,450 / 31,800 / 34,150 / 36,500 / 38,850
Chenango / 19,200 / 21,950 / 24,700 / 27,450 / 29,650 / 31,850 / 34,050 / 36,250
Cortland / 19,900 / 22,700 / 25,550 / 28,400 / 30,650 / 32,950 / 35,200 / 37,500
Onondaga / 22,300 / 25,500 / 28,650 / 31,850 / 34,400 / 36,950 / 39,500 / 42,050
Tompkins / 25,150 / 28,700 / 32,300 / 35,900 / 38,750 / 41,650 / 44,500 / 47,400
Credit Requirements / Good credit. No open collections or Judgments; a bankruptcy must be discharged for 36 months. Will look at on individual bases
Grant Award: / Maximum Life Time Grant - $7,500.00
Loan Rates & Terms / Max. Loan $20,000; fixed rate of 1%; maximum term 20 years
Conditions: / Site visit by RD Area Specialist, assists in completing application and budget. Applicant is required to copy needed documentation and have a least 2 estimates for needed work.
Wait Time: / No waiting list. Approximately 30 days for an eligibility decision.
Contact: / Donna or AnnMarie at 607-753-0851 ext. 4