The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies is pleased to introduce the City of Johnstown Homeowners Sewer Assistance Fund, established by Marie Mock, Johnstown City Councilwoman and Assistant Vice President with AmeriServ Financial, to assist low income homeowners in the City of Johnstown in complying with the City’s Sanitary/Storm Sewer Separation Project. In establishing this fund, Mock has donated the stipend that she receives for her service to the Council, and she encourages other people to make donations to support this important program.
“I do understand that this sewer project is a financial imposition for a lot of residents,” said Mock. “The creation and intent of this fund was meant to offer another form of help and be of some assistance to ease the financial burden. The Greater Johnstown area has always been very kind, generous, and supportive to those in need, and I am hopeful others will follow my lead and make a contribution to help their fellow neighbor.”
Funds will be available for distribution on 1/1/15. The Community Foundation will appoint a committee (which will not include Mock) to review applications and select recipients. To qualify, a homeowner must currently reside in the house for which sewer upgrades are requested. The applicant’s household income must be at least 200% of the current poverty level, as published in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. A current income tax return or proof of acceptance in the free or reduced lunch program, supplied by the applicant, will be used to determine eligibility. Applicants receiving supplemental funding from the City of Johnstown or any other source specific to the City of Johnstown Sanitary/Storm Sewer Separation Project are not eligible. An amount up to $750 (not to exceed 25% of the required sewer upgrade) will be awarded to qualifying homeowners. All payments will be made directly to the service provider(s); self-initiated upgrades are not eligible.
“Community foundations are supposed to reflect the community’s interests. A fund like this certainly does that. We’re glad to be able to play a constructive role and are appreciative of this donor’s intentions,” said Mike Kane, president of the Foundation.
To make a donation to the City of Johnstown Homeowners Sewer Assistance Fund, please contactNancy Marley, Donor Services Officer, at 814-536-7741 or send a check or money order to: Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Attn: City of Johnstown Homeowners Sewer Assistance Fund, 116 Market Street, Suite 4, Johnstown, PA 15901.
Posted on February 19, 2014 at 4:22 PM by Angie Berzonski
