New windows will reduce energy costs.
A leaky roof or broken windows can create a health and safety hazard. New York state and local service organizations offer low-interest loans and grants to qualified recipients in need of repairing or replacing windows and roofs. Assistance is typically based on income, need of repairs and the location of the home. Does this Spark an idea?
RESTORE
RESTORE is a program sponsored by New York state's department of homes and community renewal. Grants of up to $7,500 are available to the elderly for residential emergency repairs. If RESTORE considers the condition of the roof or windows of the home hazardous, it may grant assistance. RESTORE only provides assistance for applicants over the age of 60 with a household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income. Begin the application process by contacting your local Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) regional office (see the link in the Resources section).
USDA Rural Development
Grants and low-interest loans are available from USDA Rural Development, which may award up to $7,500 for roof repairs or replacement. Grant recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, be a homeowner who resides at the property located in a USDA rural area, be age 62 or over and have an income below the guidelines established by the local USDA office. A low-interest 504 loan may be available to those that do not qualify for a grant. Recipients of USDA funding can apply it to home repairs, improvements or handicap accessibility modifications.
Weatherization Assistance
Weatherization assistance is available to qualified New York state residents. A specialist will perform an energy audit of the home. Based on the audit results, assistance may be provided for repair or replacement of roofs, windows and doors. Contact your local DHCR regional office (see the link in the Resources section) for a list of weatherization assistance providers in your area.
Local Programs
Several individual New York cities and towns may offer grants and low-interest home improvement loans to assist residents with roof and window replacements. A complete listing of programs is available on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website (see the link in the Resources section). In New York City, contact the division of Neighborhood Housing Services. Agencies are located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. Grant recipients must meet eligibility requirements.
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