Albany County assistance programs.

Get assistance with bills, free health care and prescription drugs

Capital City Rescue Mission runs several different programs for local residents in need. the options include the following:

• Medical care - Has a free on-site medical clinic that is located at the mission. It is staffed by an experienced Nurse Practitioner. Last year they helped about 3,000 people with medical assistance, and they helped address episodic, primary care for the poor. They also are the local organization that works with the Dispensary of Hope organization. So the clinic therefore distributes free prescription drugs to those who can’t afford to pay for their medications. In addition, the Capital City rescue mission can also help with.
• Food aid - They provide free meals to low income families and the poor, as well as offer a food pantry.
• Free clothing - Residents who need assistance can get donated clothing supplied by numerous generous donors. It is given away free of charge at their clothing distribution center, Blessingdale's.
• Additional aid - They offer several other assistance programs, including ways to help people find a job, housing and rental assistance, a learning center, and family assistance programs.
   

They are located at 259 South Pearl Street in Albany New York. Call them at (518) 434-1603.

Child care assistance

Arbor Park Child Care is a non-profit agency that offers child care to children who are up to 5 years old. The organization focuses on helping low income and the working poor. Some of the services may be free, or have a nominal cost. Call them at (518) 465-8466.

 

 

 

Funds for paying bills of people in a short term crisis

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany offers numerous programs, including financial assistance and cash grants, to people who are facing an emergency situation. They have limited funding, but may be able to provide funds for paying energy and heating bills, rent, and other expenses. However, one of their major services offered is counseling. Individuals in need of help can receive advice and counseling on housing issues, such as evictions and foreclosures. Receive information on medical and health care programs. Numerous other forms of counseling and referrals are also offered. 518.453.6650

The local community action agency, Albany Community Action Partnership, can also help individuals in need. They can refer people to grant programs, assist with rent and housing expenses, and they also even run a food pantry and provide food. Phone (518) 463-3175.

United Tenants of Albany - The non-profit has emergency financial funds and cash grants for those renters and homeowners who are risking homelessness due to rent and mortgage payments. Call this Albany New York agency at 518-436-8997

The Eviction Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program is administered by the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York. This organization is administering the federal government funded Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program. This was created with stimulus funds, and the program will assist with rent payments, security deposits, and and evictions for the low income. Call (518) 462-6765.

Colonie Senior Resources department can provide help with heating bills from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Colonie NY (518) 459-5051.

Employment programs

If you need help finding a job, or want to increase your income, the Albany Community Action Partnership (phone (518) 463-3175) runs several employment programs. One of the main resources offered is known as CareerLinks, and it provides employment and job assistance for individuals who are either unemployed or underemployed. It helps people of Albany County New York. Participants in this employment program receive job readiness training, resume review, placement, advice and counseling, and even retention assistance as well as many other support services.

 

 

Foreclosure prevention and housing programs in Albany

One of the agencies to call is the Affordable Housing Partnership. The agency offers one-on-one counseling and advice to help homeowners facing a mortgage default and provide next-step strategies to help a homeowner save their home from foreclosure and provide them with mortgage assistance. Foreclosure counseling activities provided includes budget review, debt elimination, mortgage loan review, explanation of workout options, loan modifications, advocacy with mortgage lender, referral to legal services and follow-up services. Learn more n other New York mortgage programs. Click here. Call (518) 434-1730.

Also try calling The Legal Project (phone (518) 435-1770). The program they run will assist those homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

Senior assistance programs

Senior citizens can turn to Senior Services of Albany for access to various forms of aid. Some of the services they offer include prescription assistance, help people with transportation, meals on wheels, advice on insurance plans and programs, various classes, and even recreational activities. You can call them at 518.465.3322.

Grants for paying utility bills, and how to reduce expenses

Albany Community Action Partnership runs a few different programs that can help residents with heating and energy bills. (518) 463-3175

• The Weatherization Assistance program will assist families by helping them make their homes or apartments more energy efficient. They can conserve energy, and save hundreds of dollars per year. This services leads to a more comfortable home and saved energy costs, and it is free to qualified people.
• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is an Albany County program, that is partially funded by the federal government, that provides heating as well as utility payment assistance to qualifying families.

Community Clinics

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Services - The facility provides provides primary medical services to the uninsured and underinsured residents of Albany New York. Health care prenatal care, women's health, pediatrics, opthamology, adult medicine, family practice, NY prescription programs, school based health, mental health, nutrition, and podiatry services. Call (518) 465-4771

Food banks, pantries, and meals

The Center City Parish offers the low income a food pantry. Call (518) 465-8262

The Albany United Methodist Society is an organization that has a food pantry for those in need of help and free food. Call (518) 432-0818

The FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry provides free food and groceries to needy persons and families in the Albany NY area. Call (518) 443-0460

Or click here for more food banks, charities, and pantries in the region.