RESTORE Emergency Repair Program (City of Jamestown)

How it works

The City of Jamestown says this emergency repair program is funded by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s RESTORE NY Program and is used for specific emergency home repairs that eliminate conditions detrimental to residents’ safety and health. The city says it is for full-time city residents aged 60 and up, and the program applies only to owner-occupied single- and multi-family dwellings.

What the money covers

The city lists eligible emergency repairs such as:

• non-functioning heating systems during winter months
• plumbing repairs, including hot water heater repair/replacement, faulty toilet repair/replacement, and faulty water pipes on the home side of the meter
• electrical repairs where there is a hazard, including unsafe wiring, non-working heat due to electrical issues in winter, loss of electricity due to faulty service on the home side of the meter, electrical shock hazards, and electrical fire-safety hazards
• roof patching where there is an active leak, or roof replacement with an active leak if the inspector deems it an emergency

The program says homes will not be fully rehabilitated. It also says non-emergency repairs are not reimbursable, and ineligible work includes doors, windows, flooring, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, appliances, and bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

Amounts and matching

• Maximum grant: $20,000
• The project cost is based on the accepted written bid from an approved contractor
• If the bid exceeds the grant amount, the city will prioritize repairs to keep costs within $20,000
• If the work exceeds the maximum and the owner cannot supplement the grant, the city may reject the application

How to apply

The page indicates applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The city also says the Code Enforcement/Rehab Specialist inspects each property to determine whether the condition is an emergency.

Timing and deadlines

The city states that funding is limited and applicants are limited to one grant during the current HCR fiscal year (July 1–June 30) and no more than one grant over the lifetime of ownership of the home.