Dutchess County Assistance Programs

Senior Home Assistance Program

Seniors in Dutchess County can receive home repair assistance or even free minor home repairs from this program. The goal is to address the concerns of the elderly who are physically incapable of providing safe living conditions in their home or who may not have the resources currently needed in their homes. Many people hope that this initiative will contribute to the right and ability of the elderly to age in their home in a manner that is as independent and safe for them as possible. Phone 518-867-4100.

The program is being run by the Rotary Club. The Rotary members have organized themselves into six teams of at least members per team to respond as quickly as possible to the requests made by the homeowners. The services and aid provided will cover non emergencies. They will be provided on the second weekend of each month.

The group will perform a variety of tasks. Services provided may consist of installing grab bars in showers, installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, provide assistance for reaching difficult light bulb replacements, repair gutters, give assistance with minor outdoor maintenance, repairing locks and other minor handyman type problems, fixing heating systems.

The help provided from the county should save elderly homeowners substantially on home repair bills, not to mention improve their living conditions.

Help will bills and emergency aid

The non-profit community action agency, Dutchess County Community Action Partnership, which is located in Poughkeepsie  and can be reached at (845) 452-5104, offers low income residents several different programs, and can refer people to other local agencies and non-profits.

• Prescription medication - The non-profit helps low and moderate income families and individuals that require maintenance prescription medication. The agency will help people apply to the drug manufacturers for free medication. In addition, the Mastroianni Fund was also created to provide prescription drug assistance of up to $400 annually for patients and individuals who do not have health insurance or insurance doesn’t cover required prescription drugs.
• Food and groceries - Qualified families and individuals will receive groceries and food enough for each household member to have 3 meals per day for 3 days.

Another non-profit that can help is Community Based Services. 845-452-5104. They run assistance programs that various services and resources to low and moderate income residents. The programs will help individuals and families deal with a short term hardship or a one-time crisis and other ongoing issues. Services provided to low income individuals include free food and health services, medical prescriptions, heating and utility bill assistance, emergency financial aid and more.

Dutchess Outreach, phone number 845-454-3792, can help eligible client who meet specific guidelines as outlined by Dutchess Outreach. These qualified individuals may be eligible to receive one time financial assistance and cash grants up to once per lifetime including rent/mortgage payment, utility bill payment assistance, prescription drug assistance, health care, and other aid.

Mortgage and debt assistance

A credit agency known as Pathstone offers various free mortgage and debt programs. Homeowners and debtors can work one on one with a professional who will provide free debt and mortgage counseling for borrowers and homeowners who are having trouble making their mortgage payments or paying down their debts. The agency can help borrowers understand their budget issues, the fine details of their mortgage and they can advice people on the foreclosure process and their rights during the process. If needed, when appropriate, and at the homeowners or borrowers request, the counselor can enter into negotiations with their lender or bank to modify their current loan so that they can become current on their loans and afford to pay the mortgage into the foreseeable future, and be able to stay in their home. (845) 569-0770.

Get health care from a clinic

Community Health Services runs a free medical clinics at sites throughout the Poughkeepsie area as well as county on specific days each month. Call them to learn more or make an appointment. 845-677-4000.