We believe that all individuals and families should have access to necessary resources relating to food, clothing, housing, transportation, health care coverage, prescriptions, etc. We assist consumers in navigating health and human services, and the often complex requirements of county agencies, utility companies, and healthcare coverage - educating the consumer is crucial. The program is open to all individuals and families who are in need of crisis-related basic assistance, with particular emphasis on the poor, underserved, and disadvantaged population in Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, and Montgomery Counties

Forms of Funding Available:
Emergency Assistance funds may be used towards National Grid/Fuel, Medical, or Eviction.  Funds will not exceed $250 per applicant every twelve months.

FEMA Emergency Assistance:

FEMA funds may be used for National Grid/Fuel or Rental costs and may be awarded once per applicant per year for no more than two consecutive years.

Utilities:
May be used to either restore service or to put a 30-day hold on the account towards a disconnect notice. FEMA will only cover the amount of the current month's service. (Previous or Past Due Balances will not be covered)

May be used to purchase wood, fuel oil, propane or kerosene to cover the cost of a company’s minimum fuel delivery, not to exceed $250.

Rent:
May be used for a first month’s rent or to put a 30-day hold on an eviction notice.  These funds cannot be used for a Security Deposit. FEMA funds cannot be used for a Security Deposit.

To apply for any type of FEMA or Emergency Assistance funds we need you to bring us:

• A denial letter from the Department of Social Services and picture identification.
• In addition, if asking for assistance with National Grid we'll need: A disconnect notice from National Grid and the most recent bill addressed to the applicant. (Payments will not be made on accounts in another individual's name)
• For rental funds we'll need: an eviction notice. If FEMA, an agreement form signed by the landlord, showing acknowledgement of the policies of FEMA.