City Oneida seeks applicants to receive free health and safety home improvements

ONEIDA, N. Y. » Homeowners in the city of Oneida can have the chance to receive much- needed repairs and upgrades to their homes provided at no cost through the nys Home Program.

The city’s Planning Department is looking for low- to- moderate- income homeowners to apply.

“The main focus of this is to help people eliminate the health and safety issues in their homes,” shared Oneida Planning Director Cassie Rose.

The city of Oneida has participated in a similar effort through the NYS Homes and Community Renewal Department in the past, allowing resident homeowners to receive repairs/ upgrades to electrical components, heating, foundation issues, and other problems that are not up to code.

Getting homeowner applications in ahead of the grant application deadline is important in helping Oneida’s chances at landing the funds. “It’s a competitive grant,” Rose explained, but Oneida has a good track record. The city will be submitting their request by January 22, so the sooner residents apply, the better.

“The city of Oneida, through the planning department, has been doing housing rehabilitation work probably for at least 30 years now,” Rose remarked. The last time the city participated in such a program in late 2019, ap-

proximately 12 homes received free rehabilitation.

The reward process is first come first served. Should the city land the grant, those first on the list will be first to have their homes inspected by a housing rehabilitation specialist and subsequently, receive needed repairs managed and overseen by the city. Rose urges anyone who could benefit from this program to apply now and increase their chances of getting rewarded.

The city is targeting single- family style housing units for this initiative, though other types of homes may be considered. Besides homeowners meeting income requirements, they must also be current on their taxes to qualify and have submitted an application.

Anyone interested in applying or looking for more information should call the city of Oneida Planning and Development Department at ( 315) 3637467 to see if you qualify. An application will then be either sent to you via email or post.