New York community action agency assistance programs.
An extensive variety of assistance programs and social services are offered by your local New York based Community Action Agency. The non-profit organizations can provide support for a short term crisis and also help people achieve longer term stability from job programs, case management and related services. Many agencies can refer the needy to local resources and public aid. Receive linkage to community resources, support services, and emergency aid for needs such as housing, food or health care.
Each agency listed below offers their own programs, workshops, and assistance programs. Some examples of what tends to be offered in New York is below. Each organization is always committed to helping the poor, unemployed, and less fortunate.
Rental and housing assistance
In a crisis, cash grants may be offered to New York families as part of the federal government Emergency Food and Shelter program. A matrix of resources are available to address housing, food and energy bills needs. It is always better to prevent homelessness and malnutrition if possible. Help is directed both to those currently homeless and toward eviction prevention services.
This program can provide emergency one-time rent payments to prevent evictions and homelessness. Those individuals who are already homeless may be provided temporary shelter through a voucher system with area motels or hotels. Or community action agencies facilitate short term loans with NY lenders. This activity focuses largely on women with children and families. Food vouchers for use in a local store may be available from your local community action agency for all qualified residents facing a crisis.
While direct financial assistance is not that common, most agencies offer or can direct people to some form of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention programs. Community action agencies do what they can to prevent homeless situations in their local towns and cities. Some of the Supportive Services can include Crisis Counseling, Family Development Planning, and Case Management. Sometimes a location will have funds for paying rent or a specialist can offer Eviction and Foreclosure Intervention advice.
If those options do not help, other resources are available in New York. Community action agencies can help tenant look into some form of landlord mediation and coordination of existing support services within the community, such as non-profits or churches. All of these tools can be used to stop an eviction.
Housing support is offered for both renters and homeowners. Some services available in New York include the following. Get help with locating a new permanent home or apartment. Emergency rent, mortgage, moving expenses, security deposits, and utility costs may be paid for. Some counselors can also offer foreclosure prevention counseling or limited cash for a mortgage payment. Also access long term self-sufficiency, which will include assistance with accessing employment, substance abuse treatment, and other federal, state, and local resources
The New York Section 8 Rental Assistance Program is another option. This is a federally funded program administered by public housing authorities and community action agencies. It provides housing assistance to qualified, low-income and working poor families. The state of NY and federal government program enables families to obtain affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The government vouchers will subsidize a portion of the tenant's monthly rent, and exactly how much will be based on the tenant's income. The voucher is paid directly and promptly to the property owner, landlord or manager.
Fair Housing can provide information and referrals for those with questions and/or complaints about housing, discrimination, evictions and housing practices as well as landlord – tenant issues.
Community action agency self-sufficiency and employment programs
Job Placement Services Programs can provide opportunities to attend job coaching seminars, find employment, or to advance to a better position. Services can include Interview Techniques, Networking Opportunities, Resume Preparation, Job Search, and Workshops. Community action agency also work closely with Career Centers in towns across the state. Read job training programs in New York.
Head Start is a federal government funded program for preschool children up to age 6 from low-income families. Children who attend are enrolled and attend a Head Start program participate in a variety of educational activities. Examples include, but are not limited to, free dental and medical screenings, have free healthy meals and snacks provided to them, and of course attend classes.
Studies have shown that Head Start helps children of all background and cultures succeed. Services are even available to help meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Assistance is also available to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers.
Family support services and self-sufficiency type resources are offered across New York. The program provides a variety of advocacy and case management services for families who have children who are faced with a financial hardship. Some of the ways a social worker or case manager can provide support are teaching advocacy skills, career counseling, offering community resources, help people apply for aid, and in general a wide variety of system navigation services, support services.
Career development and an increased income are key to overcoming poverty. The agencies try to help those seeking employment. Job training and career development programs can assist customers with resume and cover letter writing, basic soft skill education, interview readiness, assistance in childcare search and placement, job leads and searches, financial literacy, assistance in finding and securing reliable transportation, and other follow-up services. Each client of a community action agency receives ongoing case management. This includes not only resources in relation to employment, but in many other areas to help promote well-being, self-sufficiency, and growth.
Case managers work with people in the community to develop and provide resources and supports to encourage financially strong, healthy, and self-sufficient families. There is an emphasis on asset development to include fiscal literacy, budgeting, nutrition; parent support and education; life skills and family essentials.
Computer and IT skills are in high demand in New York and nationwide. Community Action agencies can be a source of information on free or low cost classes, access to laptop or desktop computers, and other high tech training or skills. There are even free laptop for students from charities, and they tend to be government provided.
Budget, credit, and foreclosure counseling in New York
Housing and mortgage delinquency counseling is available. If you need advice on buying a home, dealing with credit issues, renting, free foreclosure prevention, or help in refinancing a mortgage, then a community action agency may be able to help. Resources are offered that can help you prepare to purchase a home, or deal with a potential foreclosure.
Homebuyer education workshops can assist with improving credit, budgeting, shopping for a home, buying a home, the loan application process, and home maintenance. Pre-purchase counseling is included as part of this.
Foreclosure prevention is often provided in the form of one-on-one counseling to prevent foreclosure on your primary residence. Services offered by a specialist can include budgeting, referrals to local programs and services, mediation with your mortgage company, and more.
Mortgage default and foreclosure prevention programs provide support to homeowners. Agencies can help facilitate mortgage counseling for homeowners who are having difficulty maintaining their mortgage. HUD trained and certified counselors assist clients with identifying the sources of the hardship. Also get help in searching for resources, and get help in bringing your mortgage current.
Before buying a home, a families finances need to be in order. This is where New York State community action debt counseling services can help. Whether medical, auto loans, or credit card bills, assistance is available across the state. There are even tips to eliminate credit card debt, which can be effective.
Experienced and IRS trained volunteers will provide free income tax filing services as part of VITA. Both federal and state of New York forms can be prepared. Preparers provide assistance, and can take the lead in, preparing, filing, and advising on your income tax forms. All tax preparers undergo rigorous training and are certified by the Internal Revenue Service. Expert assistance is provided to ensure all clients receive all of the standard deductions they are entitled too as well as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Resources for food and nutrition in New York
The nutrition program for the elderly is for seniors in New York who are age 60 and over. Participants can enjoy nutritious, healthy meals at senior centers, non-profits, churches or through home delivered meals, including services such as Meals on Wheels. All items that are served or delivered are free or small donations can be made by the recipient. The senior centers also provide people a warm comfortable atmosphere for seniors to gather to enjoy activities as well as that meal. The program also provides information and a link to services and information for seniors, such as Medicare.
Community action agencies have lists of local food pantries and distribution centers. Food shelves provide canned goods, government commodities and food baskets for the low-income, elderly and disabled.
Summer Food Service Program provides free nutritious meals to children and students during the summer months. Some programs may even operate during school breaks. The point is to help children when school meal programs are not available. The SFSP program is made possible by the United States Department of Education with promotional support from the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program. Hot breakfasts, lunches and/or snacks are available at a variety of locations, churches, and community action agencies throughout New York State.
Holiday food assistance is often offered, usually in partnership with other local charities and non-profits like the Salvation Army. Meals may be provided at Christmas, Easter as well as at Thanksgiving. Community Action agencies in New York want to ensure families have some form of holiday joy. Find low income free Thanksgiving dinner programs.
The Women, Infant, and Children Program (WIC) is a food and nutritional assistance program for newborns, infants, pregnant and nursing women, and children up to five (5) years. Income eligible clients can get the support needed to ensure successful pregnancies and a good start in life.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC also offers breastfeeding support, nutrition education, referrals and a variety of nutritious foods and formula. The program has been shown to improve the health of new mothers and their infants and children as well as pregnant women. The free foods and formula provided are a good source of essential nutrients that are often missing from the diets of young children and women.
At your local office, each participant will be issued a set of checks listing certain grocery items or foods for that month. The checks are redeemed at grocery stores, supermarkets and retailers that are contracted to accept the checks. By providing some of the items needed daily for good health, WIC can help you stretch your food budget. Another service is offered by nutritionists at the WIC clinics. They can advise on infant feeding, help families plan healthy meals for your family, prepare children's diet needs, and provide the food needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) was also created by USDA. It plays a vital role in improving the access to and also the quality of child care. The program can make it more affordable for many low-income families. So your community action agency can help people learn about quality providers in your county. CACFP reimburses participating day and child care providers for healthy meals and snacks served to children in day care and it will ensure that young children have access to a nutritious diet and improved eating habits.
Grants for basic needs
The offices serve as application sites for the Weatherization Assistance Program as well as HEAP. This resource enables low-income families, seniors and the disabled to permanently reduce their cooling and heating bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Or a community action agency can help arrange grants to pay for the energy bills. The program can also pay for a wide range of energy efficiency measures for retrofitting homes. Any updates are based on the results of a comprehensive energy audit, which is performed on each home. More on New York state HELP energy bill help.
While not administered directly by a community action agency, EmPower is another conservation program for New York residents. This program focuses on electricity reduction measures, but also addresses heating and cooling systems. All resources are focused on reducing the household’s energy burden. Services from EmPower are delivered by a network of private contractors and weatherization agencies.
Get information on emergency and crisis programs in your region. Community action counselors provide crisis intervention services to families who are unable to meet their basic needs or who can’t pay their rental costs and pay their bills. The agencies work with charities and non-profits in New York such as Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, local churches, and other non-profits. Area non-profits provide support for an emergency when other resources are unavailable.
Learn about places to go to for food, shelter, rent help, medicine and other basic needs. Your community action agency works to connect existing non-profit and government resources to the people that need them most, and counselors can often help you apply for aid. A focus is always on stopping homelessness, so clients can learn about where to turn to for rental assistance for their housing needs.
Centers serve as application sites for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). If you can't afford to pay your heating bill during the winter, then New York State may consider you at risk of serious illness or injury. So the Home Energy Assistance Program is one resource that can assist low-income households that pay a high proportion of their household income for their energy bills.
RESTORE is offered in a limited number of locations. It provides services to elderly and senior homeowners with emergency repairs to their homes. Funding is provided by the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation's Office of Community Renewal. If you want to apply, one of the homeowners must be 60 years of age or older and also meet income guidelines. Types of home repairs that will be considered are tripping hazards, roofs, electrical, plumbing, furnace, water problems, steps, handrails, and foundations.
Address and phone numbers of community action agencies
ACCORD Corporation
Address is 84 Schuyler Street, PO Box 573
Belmont, New York 14813-0573
Telephone number - (585) 268-7605
This is the community action agency for Allegany and Cattaraugus County. They offer a wide range of programs, including zero interest loans to buy or repair a car, homeless prevention in the form of rent help, mortgage counseling, and security deposit assistance. Other community action services are a free food pantry, home repairs and more. Continue with ACCORD community action Corporation.
Action for a Better Community, Inc.
550 E Main Street
Rochester, New York 14604-2522
(585) 295-1825
This is the primary center for the central part of the state, including Monroe and Ontario County. Read Action for a Better programs.
Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. of Essex County
Main address - 7572 Court Street
Elizabethtown, NY 12932
Phone number - (518) 873-3207
The Emergency Needs program is available as well as other support. Click here Adirondack Community Action agency assistance programs.
Albany Community Action Partnership
333 Sheridan Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
Telephone number is (518) 463-3175. Call for intake.
The organization supports the Capital region and Albany County. A number of resources and case management/referrals are offered. Click here financial help community action agency in Albany County.
Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc.
Primary address is 25 Jefferson Street
Salamanca, NY 14779-0308
Telephone number - (716) 945-1041.
The center may offer the Emergency Solutions Grant which can help pay rent to prevent an eviction. Other resources from the non-profit community action agency include home repairs, applications to the Summer Meal Program for children, and other aid. More on Cattaraugus community resources.
Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, Inc.
Main address is 65 State Street
Auburn, NY 13021-2699
Main telephone number - (315) 255-1703
Programs include holiday assistance from Christmas Elf, HEAP energy bill applications, EmPower New York and other aid. Continue with Cayuga/Seneca County Community Action Agency assistance programs.
Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
17 West Courtney Street
Dunkirk, New York 14048
Telephone: (716) 366-3333
Call for information on emergency assistance and self-sufficiency. Food assistance, applications for HEAP and weatherization, and general case management is provided. Learn more on assistance from Chautauqua Opportunities.
Columbia Opportunities, Inc.
540 Columbia Street
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4611
Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, Inc.
2331 Fifth Avenue
Troy, NY 12180-2291
Telephone: (518) 272-6012
This location services the low income in Rensselaer County. Find more details on grant programs from the non-profit CEO community action agency.
Community Action Agency of Franklin County, Inc.
343 W. Main Street
Malone, NY 12953-1508
Dial (518) 483-1261 for information.
Community Action Commission to Help the Economy, Inc. (CACHE) of Sullivan County
63 South Main Street
Liberty, NY 12754
Telephone number is (845) 292-5821
Community Action of Greene and Columbia County, Inc.
Address - 53 South Jefferson Ave.
Catskill, NY 12414
Call - (518) 943-9205
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
409 East State Street
Albion, New York 14411-1123
Telephone number - (585) 589-5605
Services include career counseling, referrals, and housing/foreclosure prevention. Services include clothing and Dress for Success Club, transportation, emergency grants for rent and bills from Community Angeles, and information on New York state benefits Continue with programs from Community Action Agency of Orleans and Genesee.
Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc.
Main office - 70 Harvard Place
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 881-5150
This is the primary community action agency for western New York and Buffalo. Some of the needs from the community include energy and heating bill assistance and also job training. Erie County and other nearby low income and unemployed families can look into for help, including for rent and government benefits. More on Community Action Organization of Erie County.
Community Action Partnership of Rockland County
176 North Main Street
Spring Valley, NY 10977
(845) 352-4167
The non-profit offers a number of emergency assistance programs, but one focus of the New York agency is on helping senior citizens. Click more information Rockland County community action agency.
Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County, Inc. (CAPC)
518 Davidson Street
Watertown, NY 13601-0899
Main telephone number is (315) 782-4900. For details on the programs, click here more information on emergency help from Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County.
Community Action Program for Madison County, Inc.
6 Cambridge Avenue
Morrisville, NY 13408-0249
Telephone number for intake is (315) 684-7862. For information on financial support, read more Madison County community action agency assistance programs.
Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO)
Address - 32 N. Main Street
Cortland, New York 13045-2698
(607) 753-6781
Some of the programs available include Head Start, Weatherization, and basic needs such as clothing and food. Another focus of community action is on credit counseling and financial literacy. More on Cortland County Community Action.
Delaware Opportunities Inc.
35430 State Hwy. 10
Hamden, New York 13782-1112
Telephone: (607) 746-1600
Case management, referrals, and government programs such as WIC are offered.
Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD - NYC)
156 William Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10038-2609
Telephone: (212) 227-4005
Supports the low income, seniors, and those faced with poverty in NYC. Assistance programs and services are offered for the regions of Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond.
Dutchess County Community Action Partnership
77 Cannon Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Telephone number - (845) 452-5104.
Examples of services include Dress for Success and free clothing, HEAP emergency heating bill assistance, as well as Empower New York. Read more about getting help from Dutchess County Community Action Partnership.
Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, Inc.
Address is 134 Jackson Street
Hempstead, NY 11550-2484
Telephone: (516) 292-9710. See more details below on this agency and all of Long Island.
Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc.
31 West Main, 3rd Floor
Patchogue, NY 11772-3121
Call (631) 289-2124, or continue reading below.
Both of the Long Island based community action agencies above provide support to the low income on Long island. Emergency financial aid for rent and energy bills (HEAP) may be offered. Also learn about housing assistance and mortgage delinquency counseling. Learn more about Economic Opportunity Council of Long Island.
Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. of Chemung & Schuyler Counties
Address - 650 Baldwin Street
Elmira, New York 14901-2216
Call - (607) 734-6174, or find more details on assistance from Chemung & Schuyler Counties community action agency programs.
Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc.
20 Park Street
P.O. Box 835
Fonda, New York 12068
Main telephone number - (518) 853-3011
Counties covered are Fulton and Montgomery. Clients can apply for heating bill assistance from HEAP. Other programs for the working poor include child development, senior transportation, and referrals to charities. More on Montgomery and Fulton Community Action Agency.
JCEO of Clinton & Franklin Counties, Inc.
54 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 561-6310. For details on their assistance programs and social services, read more on JCEO assistance programs.
Lewis County Opportunities, Inc.
8265 State Rt. 812
Lowville, NY 13367
Telephone - (315) 376-8202
Livingston County Workforce Development
Address is 6 Court Street, Room 105
Geneseo, NY 14454
Telephone number (585) 243-7047
Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Inc.
9882 River Road
Utica, New York 13501
Telephone: (315) 624-9930
The region supported is both Oneida and Herkimer. Call for food assistance, housing services, help for seniors, and much more. Additional resources from the community action agency may include home repairs from RESTORE and emergency food and shelter grants. Read more.
Newburgh Community Action Committee, Inc. - Eastern Orange County New York
Address - 123 Grand Street
Newburgh, New York 12550
Phone - (845) 562-0100
Niagara Community Action Program, Inc.
1521 Main Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14305-0000
(716) 285-9681
Some of the resources available include free food, low income energy bill assistance from LIHEAP, vouchers for groceries, weatherization and more. Continue with Community Action Program Niagara County.
Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation
76 Wadsworth Avenue
New York, NY 10033
Telephone number - (212) 822-8300
Focuses on certain parts of New York City, specifically the northern part of the city. A main focus is on homeless and eviction prevention.
Opportunities for Broome, Inc.
5 West State Street
Binghamton, NY 13901-2322
(607) 723-6493. Find more details.
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc.
44 West Main Street, Norwich NY 13815. Call (607) 334-7114.
5 West State Street Binghamton, NY 13901. Phone (607) 723-6493
The regional community action agency for Norwich and the county. They operate a free store, section 8 housing as well as foreclosure counseling, HEAP for heating bills and other services. Find assistance from Opportunities for Broome and Chenango.
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc.
3 West Broadway
Oneonta, New York 13820-2552
Call (607) 433-8000
Several state and local programs are run by the community action agency. They coordinate emergency housing, WIC vouchers, applications to HEAP, and other services. Learn more on assistance from Opportunities for Otsego.
Oswego County Opportunities, Inc.
239 Oneida Street
Fulton, NY 13069
Telephone number is (315) 598-4717
There are programs for victims of domestic violence as well the disabled. The community action agency also operates transitional housing, JART job training, and home delivered meals. Much more is offered as well, including information on state of New York and federal government grants. Click more information on community action agency Oswego County.
PathStone
400 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Telephone number is (585) 340-3300
This non-profit operates in most counties and towns in New York. Foreclosure prevention, emergency rent help, food, and other aid is administered. Also learn about local employment and career programs.
PEACE, Inc. - Peoples' Equal Action Community Effort, Inc.
Address is 217 South Salina Street, 2nd Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
Telephone number is (315) 470-3300
Provides services to Onondaga County. Numerous resources are offered, including information on rent and utility assistance, food, and employment programs. More on Peoples' Equal Action Community Effort.
Pro Action of Steuben & Yates, Inc.
117 East Steuben Street, Suite 11
Bath, NY 14810-1600
Telephone: (607) 776-2125
Locations supported are Steuben and Yate Counties in New York. More information on how to get help from Steuben and Yates County Pro Action.
Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP)
Main address is P.O. Box 886
Middletown, NY 10940-0886
(845) 342-3978
Serves most of Orange County. They offer many of the more typical programs, such as emergency solutions grants for eviction prevention or paying rent, but the community action agency also distributes holiday food and gifts from a pantry. Find assistance from Regional Economic Community Action.
Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc.
40 New Street
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866-5120
Telephone number is (518) 587-3158
Short term financial aid may be offered from their crisis intervention services. This may be grants to pay energy bills, housing, or rental costs. The community action agency also runs a soup kitchen, provides applications to WIC, and can provide free clothes for employment reasons. Learn more on the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council programs.
Schenectady Community Action Program
Address is 913 Albany Street
Schenectady, New York 12307
Call (518) 374-9181
A wide variety of services and resources are offered. Get referrals, case management, applications for government aid, and more. Continue more information on Schenectady Community Action assistance programs.
Schoharie County Community Action Program, Inc.
795 East Main Street, Ste. 5
Cobleskill, NY 12043
(518) 234-2568. Several financial assistance programs are offered. More on Community Action of Schoharie County.
St. Lawrence County Community Development Program, Inc.
Location is 1 Commerce Lane
Canton, NY 13617
Main telephone - (315) 386-1102
Call for information on programs that are administered by this non-profit organization. Click here on financial aid from St. Lawrence County Community Development Program.
Tioga Opportunities, Inc.
9 Sheldon Guile Blvd.
Owego, New York 13827-0306
(607) 687-4222
Covers the southern Tier, including both the Binghamton and Tioga County region. Learn more on Tioga Opportunities.
Tompkins Community Action (TCAction)
Primary address is 701 Spencer Road
Ithaca, NY 14850-9999
Main telephone number is (607) 273-8816
Some of what may be provided by the non-profit community action agency include Head Start, job search assistance, and applications for utility programs such as HEAP. More on programs Tompkins Community Action.
Ulster County Community Action Committee, Inc.
Main address is 70 Lindsley Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401-3316
Call - (845) 338-8750
Warren-Hamilton Counties ACEO, Inc.
Glens Falls, NY 12801-0968
Telephone: (518) 793-0636
Counties are Hamilton, Warren. The non-profit community action agency can help families apply for New York benefits such as HEAP or SSDI disability. Other resources include free clothing, emergency grants for paying rent to prevent an eviction, and extensive referrals. More on Warren Hamilton County community action agency financial resources.
Washington County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc.
Address - 383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828-1015
Telephone number is (518) 746-2390. For more information on this community action agency, continue with Washington County Economic Opportunity Council assistance programs.
Wayne County Action Program, Inc.
159 Montezuma Street
Lyons, NY 14489-1228
Telephone: (315) 946-7530
Several regions are supported, including the counties of Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates. Social services, referrals, and other support services are offered by this agency. Emergency housing assistance may be offered in the form of loans or funds for paying rent, utilities, and security deposits. Other government benefits are HEAP, food stamp applications, weatherization, and referrals. More information on community action agency Wayne County.
Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc.
2269 Saw Mill River Road, Building 3
Elmsford, New York 10523-3833
(914) 592-5600
Putnam, Westchester residents can call upon this location. It does not help families in the City of Yonker. Click more information on emergency assistance from Westchester Community action agency.
Wyoming County Community Action, Inc.
6470 Route 20A, Suite 1
Perry, NY 14530-9799
Main telephone: (585) 237-2600
Yonkers Community Action Program, Inc.
164 Ashburton Avenue
Yonkers, New York 10701-9999
Call (914) 423-5905
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