Mayor Marc Nelson and Common Council Chairwoman Natasha Brown announced today that funding will be made available to help eligible senior citizens make repairs to their homes.
The funding is designed to help seniors live safely and independently in their homes, revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the local economy.
The city has obligated nearly $200,000 in grants and forgivable loans to eliminate health and safety hazards in qualified homes, along with pre-approved preventative maintenance and emergency repairs to both interior and exterior areas. Total project costs per household cannot exceed $7,500, and funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The initial application period for the program will start this summer and will be administered by Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County.
“We know the difficulty many seniors face in maintaining their homes. This initiative will provide another way for seniors to pay for repairs that are necessary but are sometimes put off because seniors don’t have the financial means to fix them,” Mayor Nelson said.
“The Common Council and administration are taking a collaborative approach to address a critically important issue for our seniors. These repairs will make it possible for eligible seniors to address deferred maintenance issues that have potentially been a source of stress and anxiety for some time,” said Council Chair Natasha Brown.
Maureen Brennan Lashlee, CEO for Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, said, “The Habitat for Humanity Aging in Place Program is one of our hallmark programs. We are both honored and excited to have been invited by the City of Poughkeepsie to expand our already successful relationship and spearhead its senior repair program. In the words of Dr. King, we are a ‘Beautiful Neighborhood’, and we are better together. Our seniors laid the foundation for us to grow this community and they deserve a safe and affordable home to age in.”
Interim Director of Development Joseph Donat stated, “From start to finish, this program has been about collaborating to help others. The mayor worked hand-in-hand with the Council to appropriate the funds necessary for the Development Department to work directly with Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County to provide this critical service to residents.”
Applicants must be 62 or older at the time of application and need to be named on the deed as an owner of the property. All taxes on the residence must be up to date, and the city reserves the right to deny assistance to those with serious and/or repeated code violations.
If you wish to receive more information or have any additional questions, please contact the Development Department at (845) 451-4007.