71%

Percentage of extremely low-income renters who spend over half their income on housing

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Opportunity House homeless shelter is open and fully operational. OFO continues to adhere to federal and New York State health protocols, including continued mask wearing within our shelter for all persons regardless of vaccination status. 

Utility providers have resumed late payment and disconnections for past due accounts. Households that owe their utility company money for services should contact the billing department immediately and consider the following programs:

  • NYSEG Credit Department 1.888.315.1755 
  • REA/Otsego Electric Co-op, 607.293.6622
  • NYSEG Energy Assistance Program:  Any household enrolled any of the following benefit programs may receive a monthly bill credit on their NYSEG account. (Safety Net Assistance, TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension, BIA General Assistance, HEAP).
  • Regular Arrears Supplement Benefit (RAS): HEAP-eligible customers may qualify for up to $10,000 for past due electric and/or gas utilities. Customers must apply through the local department of social services. 
  • Low Income Household Water Assistance Program: HEAP-eligible households may qualify for up to $2,500 per drinking water or wastewater provider, or $5,000 if drinking water and wastewater services are combined, for past due payment. 

NEW! New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund: This program is dedicated to assisting homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement as a result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may be eligible for financial assistance and/or access to professional housing counselors or legal service providers who are experts in the field. Application deadline is February 18th.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program:  Funds for this program have been exhausted.  However, tenants’ rights advocates suggest that households who qualify should still submit an application in case additional federal funding is received.  This program provides financial assistance for low- and moderate-income renters who are behind on rent and utility payments due to COVID. Benefits include: up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020; up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30% or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent; up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020. 

Otsego County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Relief Program: This program of Otsego County Rural Housing (ORHA) provides up to 3 months of rental payments directly to landlords on behalf of local-renters facing financial hardship as a result of layoff, reduced employment, or non-retention by their seasonal employer. Visit ORHA for eligibility requirements.

Additional Resources:

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Our Emergency Housing program helps homeless and at-risk households during their transition from temporary to permanent housing. We assign a case manager to help you connect to community resources and find safe, stable housing. We also offer additional support to ensure the maintenance of housing.

Our programs are completely free to income-eligible households, with a minimal fee for non-eligible households.

Services offered by Emergency Housing:

  • 24-hour hotline
  • Emergency shelter and off-site lodging
  • Rent assistance
  • Eviction prevention and housing location
  • Assistance in speaking with landlords
  • Goal planning based on a households needs and strengths
  • Information and referrals to community programs
  • Budget counseling
  • Linkages to legal services to prevent eviction
  • Transportation assistance
  • Ongoing case management through one-on-one support and home visits

Call us today or stop in:

  • 10-20 Depew Street, Oneonta - We're open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
  • For emergencies, call our 24-Hour Emergency Housing Hotline: 607.433.8318

This program is funded in part by:

For more information:

Download our program brochure:

Housing Applications: