The programs listed below are all offered by the Putnam/Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc., which also covers Putnam County. Continue below to learn more on how to get help, as well as the contact information for the community action agency.

Eviction Prevention and Mortgage Help

One of the greatest demands from individuals these days is for rent and mortgage help. The weak economy and high unemployment rate across the nation is causing thousands of people in the area to fall behind on their housing payments. The agency can help qualified customers by paying a portion of their mortgage or rental arrears if they are facing a foreclosure or have an eviction notice.

Financial counseling, budgeting and money management

The Putnam County Action Agency knows that no matter how much aid and financial assistance they provide, that the key to helping people is to put them into position to help themselves. So in order to meet this goal, the agency has counselors that provide financial counseling, debt reduction, and money management skills to clients .

For example, a counselor can guide you to a consumer credit counselor, advise you on debt management plans, and credit card hardship programs. Even medical debts can be tacked from various angles, as medical debts cause more and more bankruptcies across the nation. Reducing your debts will allow more of your income to be put towards staying on top of your current bills. Learn more on credit card programs.

Transportation assistance

There are three main components of this program. They include Children's Car Seats, Wheels for Work, and Car Repairs. Qualified families can get free car seats for qualifying low to moderate income families with small children. In addition, if your car is not working and you need the means to get to work, car repairs are eligible for TANF eligible customers that alleviate transportation issues that put them at risk of losing their jobs. Last, but not least, the Wheels for Work program provides zero percent interest car loans for TANF eligible customers with transportation issues related to employment retention or if the client needs the car in order to find a job.

Money for utility and heating bills

The agency administers the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program provides financial assistance for the payment of utility and heating bills for qualifying customers with a shutoff notice. So before your service is disconnected, ask for help and be sure to explore the options that are available to you.

Food Pantry

The agency also run an on site food distribution center, or pantry. They will distribute supplemental meals and groceries to individuals and families that exhausted their food stamps allowance. They can help people with no other place to turn to. In addition, victims of a disaster and others that are referred by other service providers or charities are eligible for free food.

The above are just a few of the services offered. Call the Putnam/Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc. at (914) 592-5600 to learn more or apply for help.


	By Jon McNamara
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