Cattaraugus County assistance programs.

Rent assistance and weatherization programs

Additional federal government aid is being provided to Cattaraugus County. Over $3 million in economic stimulus funds, primarily from the Obama administration, have been received by the county. In addition, the county can expect additional funds if the Cattaraugus Community Action agency uses the funds to increase employment. Tina Zerbian, who is Cattaraugus Community Action executive director, said that employees and free grants will be sent to help both homeowners and renters look at how to make multifamily and single family housing more energy efficient, safe, and help conserve energy. So the program will be similar to a weatherization service. Some of the energy saving improvements that can be implemented include heating and air conditioning, new windows, additional insulation, furnace repairs, hot water tank installation and more. Whatever is decided to make homes more energy efficient will be improved upon.

In addition to the funds being spent to help pay rent and on the weatherization projects, about 15 to 20 youth will be employed to help with housing maintenance, home repairs, and to also learn about green jobs and construction. They will also provide additional help to those who are struggling by providing food service, nutrition aid, and more to those in need.

Other assistance programs and services provided by the community action agency include, but are not limited to, HEAP FUEL ASSISTANCE as well as a FEMA assistance program, which is for anyone who is struggling, not just people facing a disaster. This particular program may be able to assist families and individuals with up to one month's payment of housing expenses, such as rent, mortgage, foreclosure prevention, or utilities to prevent eviction, foreclosure, or utility shutoff.

Dial the Cattaraugus Community Action at (716) 945-1041. They operate across the county as well as in Olean and Little Valley.

Additional housing programs are offered by the Cattaraugus Development Corporation. They run both the local version of Section 8, as well as service as a certified New York HUD housing agency. They are located in Olean NY and can be reached at (716) 372-2550.

Salvation Army of Olean ((716) 372-6740) offers resources including a free food pantry, shelter as well as emergency offsite lodging, access to a low cost thrift store and clothing distribution, emergency utility and heating bill assistance, adult services-group, limited rent assistance, emergency disaster services, activities, as well as even services such as missing persons referral.