Housing rehabilitation work offers opportunity for general contractors for City of Shamokin

Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation.

Housing rehabilitation bids typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.

The City of Shamokin and SEDA-COG strive to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Not only do these grant awards benefit the community and homeowners, but the local economy as we seek to work with local general contractors to perform this work,” Provost said.

This means work flexibility for contractors, Provost said.

“Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility,” Provost said. “Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”

Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle King at 570-524-4491 or dking@seda-cog.org.

Sullivan County residents may receive no-cost home repairs

Residents should apply now for wait list

Homeowners in the County limits of Sullivan County may be eligible to receive up to $65,000 in home improvements from the Community Development Block Grant Program.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is encouraging county residents to apply now to get on the wait list. SEDA-COG manages the program on behalf of the County.

Interested residents may call SEDA-COG’s Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310, ext. 7215.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents. There is no cost to homeowners who maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of contract signing.

Homeowners can go through the process hassle-free with SEDA-COG managing it from start to finish, said Teri Provost, director of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Eligible homeowners can enjoy a rehabilitated home at no cost to them while we help them from start to finish, from obtaining a contractor, managing the project, to anything that may arise during or after the rehabilitation process,” Provost said.

“The Board of Commissioners encourage interested homeowners to contact SEDA-COG,” stated Brian Hoffman, Sullivan County Board of Commissioners Chairman. “This is an excellent opportunity for eligible homeowners to make significant repairs to their homes,” Hoffman added.

Qualifications:

  • The home must be located within the County limits;
  • Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it;
  • Meet income qualifications based on household size;
  • Be current on local taxes and municipal utility bills;
  • Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance;
  • If located in a flood zone, provide proof of flood insurance;
  • Live in the home an additional five years.
  • Additional requirements may apply.

Annual Gross Income Limits:

Family size: 1 – $36,500; 2 – $41,700; 3 – $46,900; 4 – $52,100; 5 – $56,300

SEDA-COG offers two programs at no cost for home heating assistance

With colder weather arriving, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) will again offer the Crisis program to residents who qualify for fuel assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program repairs malfunctioning heating units at no cost.

Additionally, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus funds will be used to offer a new service, the LIHEAP Clean and Tune Pilot program for residents. The goal of this program is to perform preventative maintenance services on residents’ primary heating equipment.

Residents should contact their local county assistance office to see if they qualify for these programs. They are being offered from October 18, 2021 through May 6, 2022.

SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program serves a seven-county area: Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union.

If residents don’t qualify for LIHEAP or Crisis assistance, they may still qualify for SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services. SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services may provide furnace repair, although it is not immediate help, as it would be through Crisis. SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program can be reached at 570-522-7219.

Crisis Income Eligibility Guidelines

Family size:

  • 1 – $19,320;
  • 2 – $26,130;
  • 3 – $32,940;
  • 4 – $39,750;
  • 5 – $46,560;
  • 6 – $53,370;
  • 7 – $60,180;
  • 8 – $66,990​.

County Assistance Offices

  • Columbia: 570-387-4232
  • Juniata: 717-436-2158
  • Mifflin: 717-242-6095
  • Montour: 1-866-410-2093
  • Perry: 717-582-5038
  • Snyder: 570-372-1721
  • Union: 570-524-2201

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. .

Grant for Penn Township, Snyder County businesses open until October 30

For a limited time, funding assistance is on the way to micro-businesses in Penn Township, Snyder County that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Until October 30, microenterprises (those with five employees or fewer) in the township can apply for a $19,741 Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Relief (CDBG-CV) grant. Funds will be in response to damage caused by quarantine and will prevent further damage by keeping businesses operational during future quarantine and social distancing mandates.

Eligible business expenses include:

  • • Payroll
  • • Rent/mortgage
  • • Utilities (such as oil, gas, electric, water/sewer, internet, phone)
  • • Supplies (needed for day-to-day operations up to 90 days)
  • • Equipment purchases needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus
  • • Insurance
  • • Accounting
  • • Legal
  • • Advertising

Business owners must meet income eligibility requirements. Interested applicants within Penn Township should contact the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (GSVCC) at 570-743-4100.

Snyder County, on behalf of Penn Township, has allocated the CDBG-CV grant because of businesses shutting down during stay-at-home orders. SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is administering the funds for the county.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, communications manager, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org