Oneida County assistance programs.

Eviction prevention and rent assistance

Individuals and families that live in Herkimer and Oneida counties who are facing an eviction because of the poor economy or some other financial emergency now may be able to receive help from a partnership of six charities and agencies that are partnering with the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided over $1 million in federal government stimulus funds to the agency to fund the new Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program. It is anticipated that almost 2,000 families will be assisted.

The rent and housing assistance program is open to households who live in the two counties. The money will be granted to people who have been recently laid off or who have had their income cut. The grants and funds can be used to help pay for security deposits, moving and storage expenses, utility bills, legal assistance with eviction actions, credit repair, eviction prevention services, and even heating bills.

There are some conditions to receiving aid, and eligible households need to have income at or below 50 percent of the area median income. This would mean that typical incomes would be under $20,000 for an individual or $27,900 for a family of four. Priority for assistance will be given to those households that may be facing eviction within two weeks or living in condemned housing.

There are several different places people can turn to to learn more or apply for aid. Participating charities and agencies, the services they will provide and contact phone numbers are:

• Catholic Charities of Oneida-Madison counties, offers rent assistance and help for security deposits, utility assistance, moving costs. Utica 724-0120, Rome 337-8600.
• Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, rent help and security deposits, Rome 339-2649, Herkimer 866-0030.
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central New York, turn to this group for credit card help and budget counseling and credit repair, Utica 797-5366.
• Legal Aid Society of Mid-NY, free legal services for eviction prevention for renters and also credit repair assistance, 793-7077.
• American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley, offers short term heating and utility bill help as well as rent assistance, Utica 733-4666, Herkimer 866-2890.
• Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, funds for security deposits, motel vouchers, utility bill assistance, moving costs. Ilion 894-9917.

Contact these agencies for help with bills, rent, housing, and other expenses.

Assistance from Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Inc.

This is the local Oneida County and Utica New York community action agency. The services they offer to low income and other qualified individuals includes:

• FAMILY SELF SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM - Get access to rental vouchers, counseling and case management help. The aid can assist families and individuals with obtaining full time employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency for the applicants.
• EMERGENCY SHELTER AND RENT GRANTS - Low income families can get access to grants that provide emergency assistance for rent, and can be used for either arrears or first month's rent. Payment is limited to one month payment of rent or housing help. Unfortunately funds cannot be used to pay for security deposits.
• Home Energy Assistance Program - This will help low income individuals pay for heating, electric, and energy bills.

Financial assistance for paying bills

The following non-profits and charities may be able to help Oneida County and Utica area families.

Catholic Charities of Oneida County (phone (315) 724-2158) may be able to provide limited financial assistance, access to a food pantry and clothing closet.

Rome and Utica Salvation Army 315-336-4260 - This agency offers the following assistance for bills and expenses. Emergency Assistance - Emergency Shelter,  Emergency Financial Assistance for utility and heating bills, rent and housing expenses, Seasonal programs and assistance, food and nutrition programs, and worship services.