Lewis County Opportunities, Inc.  •  8265 State Route 812  •  Lowville, NY  13367
Telephone:  315-376-8202  •  Fax:  315-376-8421  •  Location and Business Hours  •   Contact Us

Career Opportunities
Current openings

Rental Subsidies

Rental subsidies are provided through Section 8 vouchers.  The subsidies provide the means for low income families, the elderly and disabled to obtain decent, safe, affordable housing.

Income guidelines are based on gross income.  The following information is presented for informational purposes; additional income-related and other guidelines will apply which can be explained over the phone or at your appointment.

These income levels are effective as of 12/11/12 for both Jefferson and Lewis Counties (subject to change without notice).

You can also download our pre-application (requires Acrobat Reader 9 or higher) and print out, complete, and mail to:

• If you are applying through our Lewis County program:

Housing Assistance Program
749 LeRay Street
Watertown, NY  13601

• Identify their career goals;
• Identify the barriers which could prevent achievement of their goals;
• Identify resources and services necessary for participants success;
• Develop a plan to achieve specific goals and objectives necessary for self-sufficiency and economic independence;
• Obtain support services related to their plan;
• Receive case management services, encouragement and moral support as they work toward reaching their goals

Sara Doherty set goals to return to school, earn her LPN licensure, and obtain more reliable transportation. As a single mother of two children and working to support her family, Sarah knew it would take a lot of hard work to reach her goals. With her determination, she was able to earn her LPN licensure which then led to a higher paying job. She also was able to obtain a vehicle loan for a new and reliable vehicle. During this time, Sarah's escrow account grew to nearly $5,000, which she received upon her completion of the program. In her words, “It’s amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it".

Holly Volgamore was working as a clerk at a local convenience store.  She knew she one day wanted to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  Holly also expressed a desire to obtain her driver's license and to improve her budgeting skills to better help make ends meet.  With a lot of hard work, and trails and changes along the way, Holly was able to chart her own course to eventually achieve all of her goals.  She graduated from a two-year LPN program, then went on to pass the New York State Board exams.  She also became a certified Emergency Medical Technician, and was hired as an LPN by a local employer.

Mariane Gemayel set goals for herself including improving her financial skills, having more reliable transportation, furthering her education, and obtaining more secure employment.  Her final goal was to purchase her own home.  Over the next two years, Mariane demonstrated her commitment to achieving these goals.  She participated in a money makeover program sponsored by her church, and eventually secured reliable transportation in obtaining her own vehicle.  She completed a course in theological and ministerial areas and was commissioned a lay minister by the Catholic Church.  She was then hired as a lay minister by her church, accomplishing her stated goal of obtaining more secure employment.  In time, Mariane accomplished her final goal of owning her own home, through her participating in Opportunities' Home Ownership Services (see story below).

Home Ownership Services helps families reach "American Dream"

As Housing Assistance/Homeownership Coordinators, Teresa Johnson and Karen Galasso serve as contacts for Opportunities’ Homeownership Services in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

Mariane Gemayel is very happy with her new home.  With her hard work and some

help from Opportunities’ Home Ownership Services and other community resources, she achieved her longtime dream of owning her own home this past winter. 

Mariane is a single mother who works two jobs in order to make ends meet.  As a person who had received rental assistance through Opportunities’ Housing Assistance program since 1996, she decided to participate in the agency’s Homeownership program, and became the first homeowner under the program.  Opportunities offers the program in both Jefferson and Lewis Counties, with employees acting as liaisons to inform prospective participants about how the service works.

In short, Home Owner Services provides an incentive for low income families to purchase a home of their own by paying a portion of the participant’s monthly mortgage payments for up to 15 years of the loan.    The payments are based on the income level of the family, with utilities, insurance, maintenance savings, and taxes all considered when calculating the payments.  Special eligibility waivers provide further incentives to individuals with disabilities. 

According to program workers, participants can expect some hard work ahead, but the rewards can be certainly worth it.  When an applicant first comes in, program workers try to be realistic about the service.  For instance, if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, program workers explain the importance of having enough money to cover start-up costs the participant will be responsible for.  Typically this involves about $1,000, but it can vary from situation to situation.

Start up costs generally include a down payment, an independent inspection by a professional to determine if the house is up to code, and subsequent repairs to bring the home up to code.  Closing costs and insurance premiums are other common costs a person needs to prepare for ahead of time.  Each person is also responsible to secure his or her own funding from a lender.  Program workers help out by providing information on some options, but it is the person's responsibility to shop around and meet with the different lenders.

There are some resources in the community that might be able to help with some of the start up costs, which is perfectly acceptable as part of the Homeownership program.  Program workers can assist by providing this information.

• In Lewis County, please call Opportunities' Main Office at (315) 376-8202, extension 3.
• In Jefferson County, please call Opportunities' Housing Assistance Office at (315) 788-0193.