Rockland County assistance programs.

Prevent an eviction and get help with utility bills

Almost $1 million dollars will be provided to the Rockland County area. The funds are being provided from the federal government stimulus program, and the money is to be used to provide rent assistance, prevent evictions, and to also help people keep their utility service one and prevent a shut down. However, like most programs, there are some limited restrictions on how the money can be used, and of course the program is available only to low and moderate income people who fall within certain household income guidelines.

The maximum grant that can be provided to people in need is $3,000. The funds can be used for several reasons, including to prevent a court-ordered eviction by paying back rent on their housing, to prevent utilities shut-off, and to also assist an individual or family who is on the verge of homelessness by paying their rent for up to three months.

The Rockland County Department of Social Services is handling the assessment process, and managing the program, and they can provide further information. Phone (845) 364-2020.

Dozens of families are expected to be helped per year from the federal government Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, as it is formally known as. The money being provided to Rockland County is coming from the $800 billion Obama administration economic recovery package that Congress passed in February. From that stimulus program, about $1.5 billion was directed to pay for homeless prevention and rehousing programs nationwide, and this will benefit many low income families.

The money that is provided will be paid directly to the landlord or the utility company, never the homeowner.

 

 

 

Help with bills, rent, food, and other assistance

One of the leading non-profits is Catholic Community Services of Rockland, Inc. The non-profit provides additional social services and help to those in need in Rockland County New York. Some of the services and resources provided include Emergency Meals, Financial Assistance for paying bills and debts, Job Readiness & Placement, rent help and eviction prevention. (845) 942-5791

People to People’s Family Fund may be able to provide emergency financial assistance and cash grants to Rockland County New York residents on a case by case basis. The funds are provided to stave off or prevent evictions, heating and utility turn offs, offer residents prescription medications or help for paying bills, or other urgent care needs or financial aid. Nanuet New York. Call 845-623-4900

Utility-Based Services, which can be called at 877-426-8969, offers water utility hook-up, billing information or access to assistance programs. Call 877-426-8969. Also, read about utility disconnection laws and what rights customers have.

Community Action Partnership of Rockland County offers low to moderate income families extensive support. Assistance programs include the following. emergency financial aid for paying housing expenses and rent, food assistance and clothing, the Neighbor Fund which can help with energy or utility bills, holiday assistance, meals, and information and access to federal government programs such as LIHEAP and weatherization. Spring Valley. The local community action agency is always on of the first places to call when in need of help. Phone (845) 352-4167

 

 

Food bank and assistance

Call People to People, which is Rockland County’s largest food pantry. The organization provides food and other services to families and seniors in need of help throughout the area. They can also refer people to other local food distribution centers and locations. 845.623.4900

Fairmount Baptist Church - 845-429-5835. Haverstraw NY

Sloatsburg United Methodist Church - This non-profit provides the working poor and low income a food pantry twice a month for those in the community in need of free food. Also provides a holiday food basket for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and holiday assistance. Phone 845-753-2059

Rockland County debt and credit programs

Catholic Community Services of Rockland (phone 845-942-5791) offers local residents debt and credit counseling. They can also refer people to foreclosure prevention programs. Learn more on New York mortgage assistance programs.

Housing, eviction prevention and other free legal aid

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley provides free or low cost legal support and advice. Some of the programs administered include Landlord/Tenant Dispute Resolution, which may be able to aid individuals or families that are struggling with their landlord for reasons ranging from eviction, rent delinquency, living conditions, recurring problems, etc. Another service is Eviction Assistance. This component may be able to provide help to seniors, low income individuals, the elderly, individuals with mental illness, or individuals diagnosed with AIDS who may be a target for eviction. Last, but net least, free legal Foreclosure Assistance may be able to help advocate for individuals with mortgage foreclosure with guidance through the legal process and representation, if needed. Find more New York free legal advice, or call 845-499-2330.