NORWICH – The housing services division of Opportunities for Chenango has received and will disburse $600,000 in home improvement grant funding to qualifying residents of Broome and Chenango counties.

Home improvement grant funding comes by way of the New York State Affordable Housing Cooperation (NYSAHC) and will be distributed to people who make less than 80 percent the median annual income (median income is $45,520 for a family of four in Chenango County; and $49,440 for a family of four in Broome County). Approximately 40 homes throughout the two counties will benefit.

Quaranta Housing Services Program Director Karen Glasbergen said funding will be awarded according to residents’ needs. “We look at things like the foundation, electric, plumbing, roofs – these are all big ticket items,” she said. “We might even repair or replace a well or septic, depending on cost.” The goal is to improve the health and safety of homes, not focus on cosmetics, she added.