Are you a homeowner in Schenectady or Montgomery County in need of critical repairs or upgrades to your home? Grant funding may be available — and BCNI can help you access it.
BCNI has been strengthening Schenectady-area neighborhoods for decades. As a HCR- designated Neighborhood Preservation Company and Local Program Administrator for the State of New York and the City of Schenectady, we channel state and federal housing funds directly into the homes and neighborhoods that need it most — in partnership with NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the City of Schenectady, the City of Amsterdam, and other local partners.
Through our Owner Occupied Repair (OOR) programs, we help income-eligible homeowners protect and improve their most valuable asset — their home — while building stronger, more resilient communities for everyone.
Funding may be available for:
- Emergency repairs
- Accessibility modifications
- To resolve code violations & health and safety issues
- Repair or replacement of aging heating, electrical, or plumbing systems
You don’t have to figure this out alone. BCNI guides you through every step of the process, from application to completion. We work with third-party local contractors selected by you to complete an agreed-upon scope of work.
Grants are issued on a first-come, first-served basis to income-eligible homeowners. All grants are secured through a lien on the property — a standard requirement for grant-funded programs — with each program carrying a specific residency period after which no repayment is required.
If this is your first visit, you’ll be asked to enter your email and set a password.
Completing the application should take about 15 minutes.
Our Programs
BCNI currently administers the following grant programs for eligible homeowners. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, service area, and scope — read on to find the one that may be right for you.
Access to Home
| Service Area | Schenectady and Montgomery County |
| Funding Source | NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) |
| More Info | hcr.ny.gov/access-home |
The Access to Home program provides grant funding to make accessibility modifications to the primary residences of low- and moderate-income individuals living with disabilities. The goal is to enable people to safely and comfortably remain in their homes rather than move to an institutional setting.
Eligible modifications may include wheelchair ramps and lifts, handrails, widened doorways, roll- in showers, and similar improvements. Both owner-occupied and rental units may be eligible.
Who may qualify:
- Documented substantial limitation caused by a disability
- Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Primary, permanent residence in Schenectady or Montgomery County
RESTORE program
| Service Area | Schenectady and Montgomery County |
| Funding Source | NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) |
| More Info | hcr.ny.gov/restore-program |
The RESTORE program (Residential Emergency Services to Offer Home Repairs to the Elderly) provides funding to help senior homeowners age 60 and older address emergency repairs and code violations that pose a threat to their health, safety, or the livability of their home — so they can continue to live independently.
Who may qualify:
- Homeowner age 60 or older
- Own and occupy the property as primary residence
- Household income at or below 100% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Located in Schenectady or Montgomery County
Access to Home for Heroes
| Service Area | Schenectady County only |
| Funding Source | NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) |
| More Info | hcr.ny.gov/access-home-home-ownership-veterans |
The Access to Home for Heroes program provides financial assistance to make accessibility modifications, emergency home repairs, or address code violations at the primary residences of low- and moderate-income veterans with disabilities — enabling them to live safely and comfortably at home.
Eligible veterans may be homeowners or renters, and disabilities may be service-related, age- related, or health-related.
Who may qualify:
- Qualifying veteran status with a documented physical disability
- Household income at or below 120% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Primary, permanent residence in Schenectady County
NYS HOME Program — Housing Rehabilitation
| Service Area | City and County of Schenectady |
| Funding Source | NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) / Federal HOME Program |
| More Info | hcr.ny.gov/nys-home-program |
The NYS HOME Program uses federally allocated HOME Investment Partnership funds to expand the supply of safe, decent, and affordable housing. BCNI administers the Housing Rehabilitation activity of this program, providing grant assistance to income-eligible homeowners to address a broader range of repair and rehabilitation needs.
Who may qualify:
- Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Own and occupy the property as primary residence
- Located in the City or County of Schenectady
City of Schenectady CDBG Home Repair Program
| Service Area | City of Schenectady only |
| Funding Source | City of Schenectady / Federal CDBG Program |
BCNI also administers home repair grant funding through the City of Schenectady’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. These federal funds are targeted to income-eligible homeowners within city limits to address critical repair and rehabilitation needs.
Who may qualify:
- Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Own and occupy the property as primary residence within the City of Schenectady
Do I Qualify?
While each program has its own specific requirements, most of our OOR programs share these general eligibility criteria:
- You own and occupy the property as your primary residence
- You live in Schenectady or Montgomery County (service areas vary by program — see above)
- You are current on your mortgage, property taxes, school taxes, and carry homeowners’ insurance
- You meet household income requirements based on Area Median Income (AMI) — thresholds vary by program
Not sure which program applies to you? Don’t worry — that’s our job. Contact us and we’ll help you identify the best fit for your household’s situation.
How to Apply
We’ve made it easier than ever to get started. Applications for our OOR programs are now accepted online through our secure portal, powered by Neighborly Software.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the portal at portal.neighborlysoftware.com/BCNINY/Participant — works on any phone, tablet, or computer
- Create your account — register with your email address and verify with a quick code
- Start your application — complete each step at your own pace; save your progress and return any time
- Submit and track — once submitted, monitor your case status, respond to our team, and upload documents — all in one place
If this is your first visit, you’ll be asked to enter your email and set a password.
Completing the application should take about 15 minutes.
Is this a loan or a grant?
It’s a grant — not a loan. Grants are secured by a lien on your property. After the program’s required residency period, no repayment is required.
Who selects the contractor?
You do. BCNI works with third-party local contractors of your choosing to complete the agreed- upon scope of work.
Can I apply on my phone?
Yes — the portal works on any internet-connected device. Google Chrome is the recommended browser.
What if I have technical trouble with the portal?
Use the help icon in the bottom-right corner of the portal to reach Neighborly Software support (Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm ET). For questions about your application or eligibility, contact BCNI directly.
What if I’m not sure which program I qualify for?
Call us at 518-372-7616 or start an application in the portal — we’ll help you identify the right program based on your household’s situation.
Are these programs available outside Schenectady or Montgomery County?
BCNI serves homeowners in Schenectady and Montgomery County. If you live outside our service area, see the section below for how to find assistance near you.
Not in Schenectady or Montgomery County?
BCNI serves homeowners in Schenectady and Montgomery County. If you live outside our service area, similar programs may be available in your community through another HCR- designated local partner.
NYS Homes and Community Renewal maintains a directory of grant partners and available resources statewide — visit hcr.ny.gov/grant-partners to find organizations serving your area.
Ready to Apply, or Just Have Questions?
We’re here to help — every step of the way.
Call: 518-372-7616
Visit: bcnihousing.org
Stop by: 816 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308
If this is your first visit, you’ll be asked to enter your email and set a password.
Completing the application should take about 15 minutes.
PLEASE NOTE
Funding is limited and provided based on eligibility, availability, and project feasibility. Other restrictions may apply.
Grants are NOT available for or provided to investors, home flippers, or property owners who do not live in the home. Please visit our Small Rental Properties page if you have a multifamily property in need of assistance.