Government

Press Conference To Bring Attention To Funding Available To Help Low-Income Families Pay Their Water Bills

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2023

Press Conference to Bring Awareness to Federally Funded Program that has Already Provided Millions of Dollars in Relief to Local Households, Additional Funding Still Available

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Westchester County Executive George Latimer will be joined by local social service and nonprofit leaders for a press conference in recognition of “LIHWAP Awareness Day.” The press conference will take place on Thursday, January 12, at 2:00 PM at The Nyack Seaport (21 Burd St., Nyack, NY 10960).

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program administered by New York State designed to help low-income households reduce the balances on their residential water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP Awareness Day is intended to bring greater awareness of this program to families in Westchester and Rockland Counties who may be eligible for relief.

Hear from County Executives Day and Latimer and social service and nonprofit leaders about how this program has helped local families and how there’s more funding available. Proclamations will be presented at the press conference, and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will be lit yellow – the color of hope – on January 12 in recognition of LIHWAP Awareness Day.

WHO: Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Westchester County Executive George Latimer

Joan Silvestri, Commissioner, Rockland County, Dept. of Social Services

Leonard Towns, Commissioner, Westchester County, Dept. of Social Services

Tom Gabriel, President & CEO, United Way of Westchester and Putnam

Steve Papas, President & CEO, United Way of Rockland

Additional Speakers TBA

WHEN: Thursday, January 12, 2023

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

WHERE: The Nyack Seaport

21 Burd St.

Nyack, NY 10960

Background

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).

The program can assist households who have past due bills for water and sewer services and can help prevent water and sewer services from being shut off. LIHWAP is a benefit based on the actual amount of water and/or sewer arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per water or sewer provider, or $5,000 if water and sewer services are combined, per applicant household.

The OTDA has set up a secure Application Portal for households to apply for LIHWAP online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The program will expire on Dec. 31, 2023. Learn more here.

Community

Rockland Repair Café Residents Can Bring Broken Items To Be Fixed For Free

Published

3 days ago

November 19, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

This event brings together skilled volunteer Repair Coaches and residents seeking to repair household items. Participants are invited to bring items such as lamps, clothing, small appliances, wooden items, small furniture, toys, and electronics for evaluation and repair.

Items powered by gas engines (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered landscaping equipment) are not eligible for repair. Additionally, computers and digital devices will not be repaired at this event.

Repair Coaches will evaluate and fix items for free, provided the necessary materials are on hand. These talented volunteers are eager to share their expertise, preserving the art of repair while fostering community connections.

“The ability to fix and repair items is becoming a lost art,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The Repair Café not only celebrates this essential skill but also encourages its transfer to the younger generation, ensuring these talents continue to thrive in Rockland County. Events like this reduce landfill waste, foster sustainability, and strengthen our community ties.”

The Rockland Repair Café is a free, youth-friendly event made possible through the support of Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, along with Rockland Green, Pearl River United Methodist Church, and the Pearl River Library. Volunteer Repair Coaches from Woodcraft & Willow and IBEW LU 363 will also participate.

For more information, or to confirm if a Repair Coach can fix your item, please call Kathy Galione at (845) 364-2932, or email [email protected].

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY

Government

UPDATE: Brush Fire At Rockland Lake

Published

4 days ago

November 18, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

George Hoehmann, Town Supervisor Clarkstown has provided an update as of 11:45AM, Sunday November 17th on the brush fire in Rockland Lake State Park along the Hudson River. Numerous fire departments are on scene including Rockland Lake, Congers Fire Department, Valley Cottage Fire Department 22, Nyack, Piermont Fire Department as well as the Clarkstown Police Department battling the blaze. The location of the fire is difficult to access water is being supplied by fireboats from the river and I am informed that the fire is being contained. The photo from the police drone unit demonstrate the area affected. We will post updates as the situation evolves.