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

Career Opportunities
1 current opening

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 guidelines may apply which can be explained over the phone or at your appointment.

These income levels are effective as of February 13, 2008 and are subject to change without notice.

• 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

Holly Volgamore began participation with Family Self-Sufficiency Services in April, 2002.  At the time, Holly 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 in 2004, 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 began participation with Family Self-Sufficiency Services in February, 2003.   The goals she set for herself included 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 the form of 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.  And in early 2005, 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 when it was introduced in 2004, and became the first homeowner under the program.  Opportunities offers the program in both Jefferson and Lewis Counties, with employees Teresa Johnson (Jefferson County) and Karen Galasso (Lewis County) 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 Ms. Johnson and Ms. Galasso, participants can

expect some hard work ahead, but the rewards can be certainly worth it.  “When an applicant first comes in, we try to be realistic about the service,” said Ms. Galasso.  “For instance, if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria, we also explain the importance of having enough money to cover start-up costs the participant will be responsible for.”

Ms Johnson agreed. “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.

Ms. Galasso added, “Each person is also responsible to secure his or her own funding from a lender.  We help out by providing information on some options, but it really is up to the person to shop around and meet with the different lenders.”

According to Ms. Johnson, 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.  “For instance, here in Watertown, Neighbors of Watertown sets some money aside in one of their grant programs that helps out with closing costs and independent inspections for eligible buyers.  Also, HSBC bank has a 1 to 3 match savings program for first time homebuyers, in which a savings account can be created for down payment, closing and other costs that may occur during purchasing.   Of course, each program has rules, but it does work.  Just ask Ms. Gemayel.”

Ms. Gemayel did in fact, sing the praises of Home Ownership Services through a recent conversation with Ms. Johnson.  “Mariane has shown confidence in continuing to improve her life,” said Ms. Johnson. “We recently received a heart-felt thanks from Mariane, to all of us who helped her in realizing her goal of homeownership through the years.”

In Lewis County, Ms. Galasso also reported the first successful closing on a home by a participant.  “It’s a dream that at first seems so out of reach to the people we work with.  But for those who are willing to work hard, establish good credit, and save some money for start up costs, this program can really make a difference with mortgage payments once the person purchases their home,” said Ms. Galasso.  Ms. Johnson agreed.  “It’s really a great feeling knowing, that in a small way, we’re really helping to open doors to people who have a dream of owning their own home.”

• 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.

Number of Households Served through  Housing Assistance Services

Rental Vouchers to landlords through ‘Housing Choice Vouchers’