Provides used or new household items, clothes, toys and other items to low income residents. Also accepts donations of toys, clothes, household items, etc. If donating furniture please call first to check if there is a need, space is limited.

Update November 2025- The main UW 211 ALICE program is still out of funding, however we have received a small amount of funds for utility assistance only due to the delay in HEAP opening this year. We are able to provide assistance to ALICE eligible clients for one time NYSEG shut offs or propane/oil tank refills or wood/pellet deliveries. HEAP income guidelines apply for this specific assistance. Clients must still try other programs first before applying for ALICE. This is very limited funding, check back for updatesAssistance up to $500 for qualified households, types of assistance includes:Car RepairsCar Insurance- must have cancelation noticePhone Bills- must have shut off noticeUtility Bills-must have shut off noticeHealth InsuranceChildcare ExpensesBack Rent Assistance- must have eviction noticeClient must be ineligible for other local programs that already provide these services such as DSS, Catholic Charities, Robin Fund, INHS for rent assistance or repairs- will need to prove ineligibility for other programsIncome guidelines listed in eligibility section belowDocuments needed for verification:Documents to prove residency or employment in Tompkins County:- Valid NYS driver license with current address- utility or phone bill or other mail issued in past 30 daysDocumentation of income, examples include:-current paystub in last 30 days- benefit statement for Social Security, SSI or Unemployment- Current bank statement- self attestation formDocumentation of Need, examples:-notice of eviction from court-repair bill/estimate- utility bill/shutoff notice with date of termination- other statement ie insurance, childcare, etc*must include amount needed to avoid shutoff or cancellation* Document upload short url: 211tompkins.org/uploadmobile friendly, screenshots and pictures of the documents can be uploadedClick on the link HERE to begin the intake process MUST BE FILLED OUT BY LOCAL 2-1-1 STAFF:

* Provides furniture and other household goods upon availability.

Provides air conditioning units to eligible individuals with documented medical conditions that are worsened by extreme heat.

Provides financial assistance to help low-income seniors meet home energy costs. Provides cooling assistance with the purchase and installation of air conditioners not to exceed $800 or a fan to eligible households.

* Provides a food pantry that includes baby food and formula. * Offers clothing. * Provides household goods such as Bedding/Linen and Kitchenware. * Offers furniture - based on availability, some appliances available or will assist with obtaining. * Offers prescription assistance. * Offers transportation assistance.

Focuses on creating asset development opportunities for both residents and entrepreneurs. Assists individuals in growing and investing in their communities by providing lending capital, training, consulting, technical assistance, seminars, workshops, and low-cost business rental space to new and existing businesses that would otherwise lack access to these services. Assists area residents in developing asset based thinking by providing financial literacy training, basic budgeting, and home appliance loans to combat predatory lenders. Loan programs and Cottage Industry Assistance Program target low to moderate income existing and prospective individuals. Chautauqua Microenterprise Loan Fund and the Women and Minority Microenterprise Loan Fund Programs help small businesses by providing small business start up and expansion loans. The small business incubator offers small businesses an opportunity to grow and stabilize with subsidies around rent, business services, and technical assistance. Program site serves as a Warming Center during times of excessive cold and as a Cooling Center during times of excessive heat. Always call ahead to make sure a Warming/Cooling Center is open before going there.

Program available to persons in need of furniture, household items, and/or clothing. Voucher can only be used at St. Vincent De Paul Store. Volunteers may not be available for all areas. Appliances may be provided on a case-by-case basis, pending availability of supplies from vendors. Does not provide Financial, Rental, Utility, and/or Travel Assistance. ##REENTRY##

Provides inexpensive new and used items to furnish or improve a home. Items include furniture, small and large appliances, housewares, building materials, hardware, tools, electrical materials and fixtures, plumbing fixtures and supplies, windows and doors, and more. Accepts donations of above items to be sold in the store; donations are tax deductible. Volunteer opportunities available for receiving, pricing, and stocking donations; assisting customers on the sale floor and at the register; and also for merchandising and running pick-up and deliveries.

**The 2024-2025 Cooling Assistance Benefit is schedule to open on April 15, 2025.** If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided. Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available. Call for detailed information.

Provides financial assistance to help low-income households meet home energy costs.

Regular Benefits range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs, and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency, such as a power shutoff, less than tank oil, kerosene, or propane, or less than ten days' supply of wood, pellets, or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefits are available to repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source working.

Cooling Assistance Benefits are available to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan to help keep the home cool. To qualify, individuals must have already received a regular benefit greater than $21 and have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.

Clean and Tune Benefits are available to clean the household's primary heating equipment but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Provides financial assistance to help low-income households meet home energy costs.

Regular Benefits range from $20 to $675. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs, and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency, such as a power shutoff, less than tank oil, kerosene, or propane, or less than ten days' supply of wood, pellets, or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefits are available to repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source working.

Cooling Assistance Benefits are available to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan to help keep the home cool. To qualify, individuals must have already received a regular benefit greater than $21 and have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.

Clean and Tune Benefits are available to clean the household's primary heating equipment but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Seniors ages 60 and older can contact HEAP through the Department of Aging at 315-798-5456 to request a mail-in application.

Provides financial assistance to help low-income households meet home energy costs.

Regular Benefits range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency such as a power shutoff, less than tank oil, kerosene or propane or have less than 10 days' supply of wood, pellets or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefits are available to repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source working.

Cooling Assistance Benefits are available to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan to help keep the home cool. Individuals must have already received a regular benefit greater than $21 and have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.

Clean and Tune Benefits are available to clean the household's primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipments. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Provides financial assistance to help low-income households meet home energy costs.

Regular Benefits range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs, and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency, such as a power shutoff, less than tank oil, kerosene, or propane, or less than ten days' supply of wood, pellets, or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefits are available to repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source working.

Cooling Assistance Benefits are available to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan to help keep the home cool. Individuals must have already received a regular benefit greater than $21 and have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.

Clean and Tune Benefits are available to clean the household's primary heating equipment but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Provides heating assistance to income-tested households for cold weather emergencies. May be available 2x/year. Other components of the program are: cooling, clean & tune, HERR (Heating Equipment Repair/Replacement)HEAP AC Cooling program - 60+ or kids under age 6 who have received HEAP and have not received AC within 5 years auto qualify. If does not meet those qualifications but have a medical condition they need doctor order.

Regular Benefits range from $20 to $500. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs, and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency, such as a power shutoff, less than tank oil, kerosene, or propane, or less than ten days' supply of wood, pellets, or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefits are available to repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source working.

Cooling Assistance Benefits are available to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan to help keep the home cool. Individuals must have already received a regular benefit greater than $21 and have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.

Clean and Tune Benefits are available to clean the household's primary heating equipment but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Provides financial help with heating and cooling energy costs for low-income households.

Offers furnace testing, repair or replacement, insulation, caulking, weather-stripping and other energy conservation measures.

Low-interest loans for down payments, closing costs, repairs, and help securing USDA loans for purchases/repairs. Currently, amounts up to $10,000 may be borrowed starting at 3.5%, repayable over a period of up to 10 years. Other loan funds may also be available for additional purchase/repair assistance.

Provides financial assistance to help low-income households meet home energy costs.

Regular Benefits range from $20 to $675. Amounts depend on income, age of household members, energy costs, and shelter situation. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Emergency Benefits are available for persons who are eligible for HEAP and have an energy-related emergency, such as a power shutoff, less than tank oil, kerosene, or propane, or less than ten days' supply of wood, pellets, or coal. Applicant households must meet a resource test. Benefit amounts vary. Typically it is a one-time only benefit during the program year.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Benefits are available to repair or replace a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source working.

Cooling Assistance Benefits are available to purchase and install an air conditioner or a fan to help keep the home cool. To qualify, individuals must have already received a regular benefit greater than $21 and have a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat.

Clean and Tune Benefits are available to clean the household's primary heating equipment but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to provide clean and tune services, up to a maximum of $400.

Seniors ages 60 and older can contact HEAP through the Department of Aging at 315-798-5456 to request a mail-in application.

If you are age 60 or older and do not receive SNAP benefits, staff can process your HEAP application between September and March each year.