Bowie family: This restores our faith in government; Coverage from the Hornell Sun and Wellsville Sun along with a plea from the Bowie family has resulted in policy change
By JOHN ANDERSON
Families from Independence in Allegany County to Addison in Steuben County were concerned the would not receive $50,000 in additional aid from storm damage because of their family income level being too high.
Those concerns have been answered today by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office as the website numbers will be changing to $157,800 or 150% of area median income based on household size, whichever is greater.
The governor’s office told the Sun today it is important homeowners visit this website (click HERE) and complete the form so they are notified when the grant application info is available.
WHAT HAPPENED
Since a visit by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to Canisteo and the storm damage in South Canisteo, a statement about $50,000 for homeowners affected by Hurricane Debby has come under fire.
Residents who looked into the parameters for the funding said they made too much money to qualify for the $50,000 in additional aid from the storm.
However, Gov. Hochul’s office has told the Hornell Sun and Wellsville Sun the past two days no decisions have been made and no applications have been denied as the process wasn’t open.
Today, Gov. Hochul is asking for the eligibility to be expanded.
What once appeared to be a threshold of $60,000 will increase dramatically under a directive from the governor. A family can make $157,800 and be eligible for the money.
Hochuk’s office told the Sun, “Under the new eligibility thresholds, homeowners are eligible for the $50,000 for repairs if the household income is up to 150% of Statewide Median Household Income (which would be $157,800) or 150% of Area Median Income based on household size, whichever is greater.”
The family that caught the eye of the region was the Bowie family. Kate Bowie has been a special education teacher in Canisteo-Greenwood for 16 years and Jen Bowie is a physical education instructor at Hornell and coaches the high school softball team. They said looking at the parameters for the $50,000, they make too much money to be eligible for the aid.
Kate Bowie said on Monday, “We lost everything. I have to pay a mortgage on a house I can not live in. It doesn’t matter what I make, we can’t afford to live anywhere else.” She also had a Facebook post critical of the governor doing a press conference in front of her home split in half from the flood when she did not think they could get the money.”
BOWIE FAMILY PLEASED WITH GOVERNOR’S RESPONSE
Moments after the Sun received word of the changes to the income level, the Bowie family said they are eligible for $50,000.
“We are so grateful they were able to work it out, It restored my faith in government,” Kate Bowie told the Sun today. “It’s wonderful. I’m so glad I spoke up so we could get help for everyone, it’s so important for this community.”
One of the issues the state is looking into is the lack of insurance residents are able to get because of the flood zones. Families who live on multi-generation farms do not qualify for flood insurance, and in some cases, homeowners insurance. There is also the wait for FEMA funding as well.
“So many people do not qualify for insurance, flood insurance or any kind of relief,” Bowie said. “For many, $50,000 might just be a drop in the bucket, but it’s hugely helpful and goes a long way. To see this change is spectacular.”
HOCHUL SAYS SHE’S KEEPING HER PROMISE
Kristin Devoe from Gov. Hochul’s office has been working on this all week. In a statement today she said, “When visiting Canisteo on Sunday, Governor Hochul committed to providing state aid to impacted homeowners across upstate New York — and she’s keeping that promise.
“Recognizing the enormity of the damage, Governor Hochul has directed the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal to expand eligibility for this recovery funding to ensure more homeowners are eligible for the $50,000 grant for repairs,” Devoe continued.
Devoe also wants to make sure residents know that if they filled out information, they have not been denied. She also said, “To reiterate: no families have been denied funding to date, and we encourage all impacted homeowners to visit HCR’s website at www.hcr.ny.gov and complete the Homeowner Inquiry Form.”
Some more important information from the Governor’ office:
This assistance will be offered to homeowners impacted by the storms on July 10, July 16, and Aug 9-10.
– We understand there was concern among homeowners who visited the HCR website and were shown outdated information about eligibility thresholds. However, it’s important to note that no homeowners have been denied coverage.
– Even with the increased eligibility thresholds, funding grants will not be distributed immediately. There are interim steps, which require HCR to partner with a local nonprofit, for that nonprofit to set up an application process, and for homeowners to complete the application process.
