Provides emergency financial assistance is available to Albany residents facing homelessness as a result of eviction or foreclosure.

Provides assistance to people who are deliquent on their utilities because someone in the household lost their job, or loss of head of household. Assists families in exploring all payment options.

* Provides heating grants for income-eligible RG&E customers who have an active disconnect notice in the RG&E and NYSEG service areas. This program is fuel blind and grants are $200, available once per season.* Provides heating grants for active-duty military personnel and veterans and their partners who have an active disconnect notice (no income requirement).

Provides assistance to individuals facing eviction or utilities shut-off and may include negotiations with landlords or utility companies, budget planning and direct financial support. Coordinates free legal consultation through the Capital District Women's Bar Association and is offered on a regular basis.

* Processes applications for financial assistance for low-income individuals through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which offers various benefit components such as: Regular benefit: Assists low-income individuals with the cost of heating their homes. Usually opens in November. Emergency benefit: Assists low-income individuals facing a heat or heat-related energy emergency. Heating equipment repair or replacement: Assists low-income homeowners repair/replace their furnaces. Heating Equipment Tune-Up: Provides equipment inspections and cleanings before the start of the heating season. Cooling Assistance: Provides cooling assistance service to HEAP-eligible households, including individuals with a documented medical condition exacerbated by heat.

* Provides emergency temporary financial assistance with paying for: Utility bills Rent* Offers benefits screening with assistance available online regarding eligibility requirements and application processes for Temporary Assistance, Food Stamps, Health Insurance, tax credits and other related programs by visiting www.mybenefits.ny.gov.

* Provides financial assistance to individuals/families who have a utility shut-off or need rent assistance Assistance is based on a first come, first serve basis.

* Facilitates applications for financial assistance to seniors through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which offers various benefit components. Regular Benefit: assists low income individuals with the cost of heating their home. Emergency Benefit: assists low income individuals who are facing a heat or heat related energy emergency.

* Processes applications for financial assistance for low-income individuals through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which offers various benefit components such as: Regular benefit: Assists low-income individuals with the cost of heating their homesEmergency benefit: Assists low-income individuals facing a heat or heat-related energy emergencyHeating equipment repair or replacement: Assists low-income homeowners repair/replace their furnaces Heating Equipment Tune-Up: Provides equipment inspections and cleanings before the start of the heating seasonCooling Assistance: Provides cooling assistance service to HEAP-eligible households, including individuals with a documented medical condition exacerbated by heat

consumer advocacy and education crisis intervention to customers with financial difficulties referrals to area financial assistance programs, weatherization, and conservation referrals information on energy assistance and friendly reminder programs, balanced billing and payment arrangements materials and training for human resource personnel on the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA), NYSEG programs, electric and gas safety and energy conservationEnergy Assistance Programsto help eligible customers gain control of their energy bills, including bill credit/rate reduction, arrears forgiveness and reconnection fee waiver. Energy Assistance monthly bill credits for customers whose regular or emergency HEAP payments are applied to their accountsOctober 2024 Update: Please provide NYSEG customers with any inquires to NYSEG customer service at 800-572-1111 Monday-Friday 7am-7pm. If a customer advocate is needed the customer's account will be referred to the advocate.Please do not give NYSEG customers Marcy's direct phone number or email address.

Provides financial assistance to help low-income households meet home energy costs.

Regular Benefits range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as a power shutoff, less than tank oil, kerosene or propane or have less than 10 days' supply of wood, pellets or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefits are available to repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source working.

Cooling Assistance Benefits are available to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan to help keep the home cool. Individuals must have already received a regular benefit greater than $21 and have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.

Clean and Tune Benefits are available to clean the household's primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipments. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Update July 2024- The Samaritan Center has a NOEP coordinator that assists with SNAP eligibility and application.Referrals and assistance to low-income residents with urgent needs at its Ithaca offices and food pantries in Danby, Groton and Caroline.Free clothing, personal care products, linens, towels sheets and diapersAccepts gently used donations of bedding (sheets, blankets,etc.), towels and clean clothing for men, women and children, including shoes.Once-a-year emergency financial help when resources are available:Security deposits eligibility requirements:-Tompkins County resident moving within Tompkins County-Ineligible for Department of Social Services security deposit voucher-Family has not received security deposit funds in the past 5 years-Income must be less than 60% AMI guidelines-Assistance must be within the FMR guidelines for the unit size and household size-Application and approval process take about 2 weeks-Applicant can not reside in unit before approved inspection or application approvalUtilities- Must have shut-off notice and denial from DSS during HEAP (they are flexible w/ requiring DSS denial letters).Can do minimal fills for propane.Back rent - when funding is available (similar eligibility guidelines as security deposits program)Prescription medications (controlled substances not eligible)Transportation assistance - bus passes or gas vouchers for: education (semester long), employment (verification required-not to look for employment), or medical appointments within Tompkins County.Limited car repair funding available, applicant needs a quote and mechanic needs a W9. Applicant pays the difference for repairs beyond $500.Moving Assistance (limited funding)- Partnership with Reuse where CC refers to the ReMap program for store credit to get furniture, household goods, appliances, etc., and Reuse provides access to moving truck, driver and movers for up to 2 hours for one move per year.-Move must be within Tompkins County.-Low-income households (60% AMI guidelines)-The program doesn't have the capacity to go up and down multiple floors when moving items.-All items must be packed and prepped for moving.-Items can be moved to a storage facility rather than apartment, if there is not a new apartment lined up yet-Refer to the Samaritan Center for screening.Tompkins County site for:Fidelis, Child Health Plus, Medicaid, and Medicare applicationsFood Stamps screeningAnnual Winter Event "Share the Warmth": clothing drive gathers items at red collection bins throughout Tompkins County. Seeks donations of clean items in good condition (working zippers, no missing buttons, no spots/stains). Typically late November or Early December.

Offers individuals assistance to apply for HEAP benefits.

Care & Share was founded by National Grid in 1981 to help low-income families and individuals with elevated bills meet their monthly payments. This year, HeartShare Human Services of New York was asked to administer the fund.

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) units allow an individual to contact emergency help by pushing a button. PERS units provide peace of mind for individuals who may live alone or be at risk of falling. Units are provided at a reduced cost for individuals aged 60+.

Provides heating assistance to income-tested households for cold weather emergencies. May be available 2x/year. Other components of the program are: cooling, clean & tune, HERR (Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement)HEAP AC Cooling program - 60+ or kids under age 6 who have received HEAP and have not received AC within 5 years auto qualify. If does not meet those qualifications but have a medical condition they need doctor order.

Works with agencies to bring services to rural area. Center for information and application to Food Stamps, Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, EPIC, HEAP, and Access to Independence (services for persons with handicaps), Office of the Aging and Family Counseling of Cortland.

* Serves as an Alternate Certifier for HEAP applications in Wayne County processing all HEAP applications for people over 60 years of age or who are permanently disabled. HEAP is a one-time per season grant that assists persons with low incomes help to pay a portion of their heating bills.

Provides food and clothing assistance to those living within the townships of Berne, Knox, Rensselaerville, and Westerlo in Southern Albany County. Special projects include a Back-to-School school supply program and holiday assistance.

* Offers support services and programs to families in need, such as: Homeless Intervention and Case Management. Supportive Housing Program for Adults. Car Seat Distribution. Health insurance access. Personal Care Pantry. HEAP enrollment. Rapid Re-Housing of Homeless Families. Kinship Care Program. Kinship Care Support Group. Medicaid Transportation Program.

Emergency financial assistance to low income Cortland County families and individuals having difficulty paying heat-related bills.Eligibility and application: individuals who meet HEAP income guidelines call CAPCO for an appointment to apply HEAP recipients CAN apply for Care & ShareHeartShare Human Services of New York currently administers the program.Visit the Care and Share page at HeartShare Human Services

Offers grant to assist with fuel or energy costs when the Federal HEAP funds have been depleted or families have not qualified for the Federal program.

* Provides utility and rent assistance when funding is available.

Assists residents of Albany and Rensselaer counties with utility bills that threaten to cause homelessness or dangerous situations.