Borough of Jersey Shore Looking to Expand Waitlist for Housing Rehabilitation Grant

The Borough of Jersey Shore had received a $500,000 housing rehabilitation grant and interested residents who live within the Borough limits should apply now to get on the waiting list for the no-cost repairs.

Qualified residents may receive up to $65,000 each for home repairs.

Interested residents may call SEDA-COG’s call Stacy Anderson at 570-524-4491 Ext. 7215.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Modifications for mobility-impaired residents are also eligible within this program. Homeowners must maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of signing in order for this service to be received at no cost.

“SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) manages the entire process for the homeowner,” said Teri Provost, Chief of the agency’s Community Services Division.

Provost continued, “Not only does the homeowner get necessary home repairs, but they also get the benefit of going through the process hassle-free as we manage the logistics from start to finish.”

Qualifications:

• Must live in the Borough limits of Jersey Shore;

• Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it;

• Meet income qualifications based on household size;

• Be current on all local taxes and municipal utility bills;

• Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance;

• If located in a flood zone, must provide proof of flood insurance;

• Live in the home an additional five years.

Additional requirements may apply.  

Annual Gross Income Limits:

Family size: 1 – $42,650; 2 – $48,750; 3 – $54,850; 4 – $60,900; 5 – $65,800; 6 – $70,650; 7 – $75,550; 8 – $80,400.

Since 1989, over 1,100 houses have been rehabilitated through SEDA-COG totaling over $49.5MM. In FY 2020-21, the Housing program rehabilitated 34 homes, investing over $2.25MM in 12 communities. 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. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG Offers Clean & Tune Service at No Cost for Qualified Individuals

With colder weather approaching, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is continuing to offer the LIHEAP Clean and Tune program for residents.

This program is a benefit available to provide homeowners and residents the assistance to maintain their new or repaired heating systems and to avoid interruption.

Annual servicing of your heating system will allow them to perform better and ensures your family’s safety. The more efficient the heating system runs, the lower your energy bills will be.

Heating systems should be serviced yearly to keep them running smoothly, improve their life span and heating efficiency. It provides general service with the goal of preventing crisis calls.

Residents should contact their local county assistance office to see if they qualify for this program.

Mandy Fox, chief of SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program, said, “Annual servicing of your furnace is necessary to ensure the safety of you and your family. It is no different than having your vehicle inspected annually.” Last year, there were 210 homes that capitalized on these funds. 

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

If residents don’t qualify for Clean & Tune 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 – $20,385; 2 – $27,465​; 3 – $34,545; 4 – $41,625; 5 – $48,705; 6 – $55,785; 7 – $62,865; 8 – $69,945​.

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

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG Housing Rehabilitation Seeks Contractors for Juniata County

General contractors have an opportunity to perform housing rehabilitation work with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) in Juniata County.

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. 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 signing.

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

Local communities 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.

“We know that along with many others, contractors’ workload has been hard hit by the effects of the pandemic. With our housing rehabilitation work, we not only help our communities by rejuvenating housing stock, but we invest in our workforce by bidding out to local contractors,” Provost said.

Provost continued, “Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility. 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 and contractor requirements, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle Rippon at 570-524-4491 or drippon@seda-cog.org.

Since 1989, over 1,100 houses have been rehabilitated through SEDA-COG totaling over $49.5MM. In FY 2020-21, the Housing program rehabilitated 34 homes, investing over $2.25MM in 12 communities. 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. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

New Hire in SEDA-COG’s Community Development Program

SEDA-COG recently welcomed Nathand Carter as a Project Coordinator within the department of Community Development.

Carter is a 2019 graduate of Bucknell University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a focus on Sustainability and Development. While at Bucknell, Carter served as an LGBTQ Resources Office Assistant, Lead Multimedia Consultant, Residential Advisor, and Teaching Assistant. Upon graduating, Carter travelled to Chongqing, China to work as an English as a Second Language teacher. Carter was most recently a member of Teach for America, which took him to Los Angeles, California as a 9th Grade Inclusion Specialist.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.