The Peru Gazette

COVID-19 December 18 Updates

Rent Relief Update

Previous Applicants for COVID-19 Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered.

HCR will re-evaluate all applications that were denied according to the new criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants.

Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. The Covid Rent Relief Extension Program is not first come, first served.

Applications will be accepted throughout the application period. HCR will prioritize eligible households with “greatest economic and social need.”

For the next round of applications, tenants will have to meet all of the following criteria:

• Must be a renter and have a primary residence in New York State;
• Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;
• Before March 7, 2020, household income must have been at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size; and
• Households must be “rent burdened” during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.

For help, applicants can contact HCR’s COVID Rent Relief Extension Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov.

Call Center representatives are available Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Call Center staff are available to assist residents in filling out the application over the phone.

Please note: The call center will be closed December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st.

Please see their Frequently Asked Questions site for more information.

Adirondack for Kids Food Box Giveaway

The event is free and open to the public

Please do not line up before 11am.

There are no eligibility requirements.

The supply is limited and there will be a limit of 1 box per vehicle.

Families will also be able to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the event!

Santa will have a gift bag and a very special assignment for the kids.

Veterans Feeding Veterans

The Clinton County Veterans Service Agency has learned that veterans are 66% more likely to be food insecure than the general population, and New York State has focused resources to address these issues.

As a result, the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency will be working to develop a monthly food box program for veterans and their families starting in January 2021.

If you are a veteran, and wish to receive a food box, please call the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency at 518-565-4720 to complete a short questionnaire.

They are also developing a list of pick-up/ drop off locations throughout the county.

They are focusing on Veterans Groups/ Organizations, and would like to hear from any who would be willing to be a designated pick-up/ drop off location in their community.

If you are interested in assisting with this program in any way, please call the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency at 518-565-4720.