The families we serve...
are the true heroes in the struggle to overcome poverty and despair in our communities
Resources
Community Referrals (24/7)
211 - Susquehanna River Region: 24 hour/7 day a week referral service serving Otsego and surrounding counties. Call 2-1-1 or 1.800.901.2180
New York State Emotional Support Helpline: 1.844.863.9314 (8AM-10PM, 7 days a week)
Support Otsego Website: The Otsego County COVID-19 Economic Impact Task Force has declared this website the hub for any and all business and consumer resources needed throughout this crisis. It’s a multi-purpose website with retail capabilities, a community chat forum, and up-to-date information from New York State.
Summary of Community Supports (nutrition, education, delivery service, pets, etc)
Big Buddy Program
The Big Buddy Program of Delaware Opportunities is seeking Big Buddies in Otsego and Delaware Counties. Big Buddies are at least 18 and recruited to act as a “big brother” or “big sister” to a child, age 5-14, in their community. Big Buddies provide guidance, support, encouragement and boost self-esteem giving their Little Buddies the tools they need to succeed in life. For more information, download the flyer. To refer a child, download an application.
Budgeting/Finances
New York State Unemployment: The best way is to apply online. If you do not have online access or are having trouble with your NY.GOV account, call 1.888.209.8124 to apply. DOL has a streamlined application that allows you to apply for either traditional UI or PUA, depending on your eligibility. You do not have to complete a separate application for PUA. The application will determine which program (UI or PUA) you should be applying for and then prompt you to answer program-specific questions. Since individuals can only receive PUA if they are ineligible for regular unemployment, they should include all employers in the last 18 months including self-employment. DOL will process your application and contact you if any additional information is needed.
If you have a general Unemployment Insurance (UI) question or a claim-specific question not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section, you may send a secure message. Sign in with your NY.GOV ID and click on "Messages." See How to Send a Secure Message for more information. See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Customer Tutorials to help you get started with NY.GOV ID.
If you are having trouble with you NY.GOV ID, call 800.833.3000.
- Self-Employment Guide
- Pandemic Employment Assistance (PUA and PUC) FAQ
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - Who is Eligible
- NYS Unemployment Coronavirus Fact Sheet
Federal Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments: Visit the IRS site for details, updates, and eligibility. Federal IRS Coronavirus Relief Check
Free Tax Preparation: MyFreeTaxes.com and Volunteer Tax Preparers
Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions
"My Benefits" New York State Service Eligibility Calculator
Childhood Education
Child Care for Essential Workers: CARES child care scholarships for essential workers whose income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level, or $78,600 for a family of four. Link to application
Elderly & Seniors
Office for the Aging - Assistance for Elderly (Home delivered meals, Well-check Calls, Grocery shopping, Prescription pick up and more): 607.547.4232 or 607.432.9041 Service Update Memo (04.01.2020)
Cherry Valley Food Pantry - Home Delivery: The Daily Bread Food Pantry, serving the Cherry Valley/Springfield School District, is now offering free home delivery to seniors and homebound persons. Sign up for delivery at www.tinyurl.com/dailybreaddelivery or call 607.435.6064. Someone will be in touch once you have signed up.
Housing
Mayrose Apartments Housing Application
Oneonta Heights Housing Applications
College Guide for Homeless Students
Manufactured Home Tenant's Rights
Tenants Rights in New York State
Foreclosure Delay and Prevention (Legal Aid Society of Mid-NY)
Otsego County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Relief Program: This program of 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.
Immigration & Naturalization
The Center (Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees)
Nutrition
Cherry Valley Food Pantry - Home Delivery: The Daily Bread Food Pantry, serving the Cherry Valley/Springfield School District, is now offering free home delivery to seniors and homebound persons. Sign up for delivery at www.tinyurl.com/dailybreaddelivery or call 607.435.6064. Someone will be in touch once you have signed up.
Holiday Food Baskets/Holiday Meals & Delivery Programs
Hunger Coalition of Otsego County: Food and Nutrition Resources
Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) is a new crisis response nutrition program activated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides food benefits to approximately children who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to school closures. Households already receiving SNAP benefits will have P-EBT added to their EBT card in June. Other households will receive benefits in late June through August. No applications needed.
NYS SNAP/Food Stamp Program: In addition to emergency allotments being made to families/individuals receiving SNAP in March and April, through May 31, 2020 new SNAP applications found eligible will be expedited for processing and benefit issuance without an interview if the following conditions are met:
The applicant’s identity has been verified; AND the applicant has provided enough information for the SNAP office to determine eligibility and calculate a SNAP benefit; AND the applicant submits all mandatory verification (Identity; Social Security Number; Residency; Gross non-exempt income - earned and unearned; Disability; and Immigration Status/Alien Status). Apply online at www.MyBenefits.ny.gov. For help or questions with an application, call Ron of Catholic Charities of Otsego County at 607.432.0061.
Transportation
A&D Transportation Services: Taxi, airport, and non-emergency medical transportation. Serves Central New York and the Southern Tier. Call 607.433.1726
Medical Answering Services (MAS): Medicaid transportation. Otsego County residents, call 866.333.1030. Phone numbers for other counties are listed on the MAS website.
Mobility Management of South Central New York: Medical transportation (non-Medicaid appointments). Call 855.373.4040.
Oneonta Public Transit (OPT): Bus transportation in/around Oneonta and to Cooperstown.
Otsego Express (Gus The Bus): Bus transportation throughout Otsego County.