Finding the Money: Major Home Repairs/Emergency Repairs
For More Information: Please contact Franklin County Home Care Information and Referral Services: 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 or send us e-mail.
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For Orange Seniors
Tracy Gaudet is our Elder Outreach Worker, 978-544-2259 Ext. 297.
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Fuel Assistance, Insulation/Weatherization
This program was designed to assist lower-income households by paying a portion of their home heating costs. The program is available to homeowners and renters. Program eligibility and payment amounts are determined by family size and gross annual household income. A household that is accepted for fuel assistance is also eligible for some major repairs including insulation & weatherization, heating system repair, electric efficiency programs, as well as subsidized electric and phone bills. There is a waiting list, established on a set of priorities for these repair and energy efficiency programs. Register with Fuel Assistance annually. Call to apply. If you live in: Franklin County call Community Action, 413-774-2310; Hampshire County. call 1-800-370-0940; Athol, Royalston, Phillipston, Petersham, call NE Farm- Workers Council 978-342-4520.
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Housing Rehabilitation
The Franklin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority has some funding for emergencies such as failed septic systems, or failed heating systems. They also administer a major home repair program based on deferred payment (no payments until the house is sold or transferred to a new owner), zero interest loans on behalf of towns located in Franklin County. The program goal is to enable low to moderate-income homeowners to access up to $30,000 to bring their homes into compliance with local building codes, which includes insulation/weatherization and elimination of lead-based paint hazards. Funding is currently available for homeowners in Bernardston, Colrain, Erving, Gill, Greenfield, Montague, Northfield, Rowe, Shelburne and Whately. (Other towns? Ask.) www.fchra.org 413 863-9781 ext. 132 or 121. Emergency heat may also be available from RAFT program for two-person households, one with disabilities. Call 413-863-9781X150, 151. For a similar Athol/Petersham/Phillipston, Royalston-area program, call Warren Welch, Planning Depart. 978-575-0301.
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The Public Utilities
The Public Utilities offer free energy assessments and subsidies through MASS SAVE. Energy advisors carefully survey the house and appliances, and offer generous subsidies for energy efficiency upgrades for households of any income level. The program provides up to $2000 or 75% of cost of insulation and weatherization, and energy efficiency upgrades. You need to provide 25% of the first $2000 worth of work, and 100% of the cost of work above $2000. (In some cases Franklin County Home Care can provide the matching money for insulation jobs. Send us e-mail to request “Mass Save Fund” information.) The program can also provide a 0% interest loan for a new heating system that is up to 97% efficient saving a great deal on fuel, and some other major “energy efficiency” repairs. Schedule a FREE assessment (energy audit), which is required in advance. (See also #5 for 0% loans up to $10,000).
Call MASS SAVE HOTLINE: 1- 866-527-7283
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MASS SAVE 0% Interest Loans
MASS SAVE 0% Interest Loans for energy efficiency upgrades, $2000-$10,000, are accessed through Franklin First (Greenfield), Workers (Orange), or Southbridge Credit Unions. They require a FREE Mass Save energy assessment (audit) before the work is initiated, plus a contractors estimate, and loan application. Eligible installations are for insulation, energy star heating systems, thermostats or hot water systems; replacing single pane with energy star windows, and more. See contact information for MASS SAVE in #4 to Schedule a Free Energy Audit; Contact Credit Union loan officers for more detailed information on the loans.
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Coop Power
Coop Power Greenfield, a membership network, is organizing installations and “sweat equity” installations of solar hot water heaters, discounts on major heating appliances, solar collectors, discounted bulk oil purchases, and lots of other energy saving ideas. Call 413-772-8898 or 877-266-7543; www.cooppower.coop email: info@cooppower.coop
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Bio-Mass (such as Woodstove and Pellet Stove) Installations
It takes more work to load and clean out a wood or pellet stove, but it is comforting to have the supply of fuel in hand. Wood stoves work even if the electricity is out. Pellet stoves only work if electricity runs the pellet feed system (unless a battery back-up is used). Make sure that the fuel needed—wood or pellets—is still available before purchasing a new appliance, and that the installation meets the building/fire code. In Franklin County try: Bernardston Farmer’s Supply or Coop Power (see #6).
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Banks
Some banks have very low energy efficiency loans: Franklin First Credit Union, Greenfield, Contact: 413-774-6700; www.franklinfirst.org; Workers Credit Union, Orange; Greenfield Co-operative Bank, Greenfield, Citizens Bank, with location in Greenfield-Stop & Shop, are offering very low fixed-rate loans repaid over 10-20 years for energy efficiency upgrades, including new heating systems-- $5000-$50,000.
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Free Grant Money and/or Low Interest Loans from USDA
Some homeowners are eligible for a Section 504 Home Improvement Grant for up to $ 7,500 and/or a $20,000 loan at 1% paid over 20 years, depending on income (I person- $25,900/year), and, in some cases on age. Call USDA Rural Development 413-585-1000 X 4 or www.rurdev.usda.gov/ma
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More Emergency Resources
We have other resources available. Please call: Franklin County Home Care Corporation Information and Referral Service. Contact: 413-773-5555; 978-544-2259; 800-732-4636. Send us e-mail
If you believe an elder is being neglected or self-neglecting, we can help.
Please call our Protective Service program during normal business hours at
413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 or 800-732-4636.
The 24 hour hotline is 800-922-2275.
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