OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Pictured from left are Dana Corwin, Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services; Joshua Freifeld of the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation; and Bridgette Paoletta, NY Connects Coordinator. The three of them discussed a new program for select seniors to get their furnaces inspected.

At the beginning of winter, both the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Heating Equipment Repair and Replace program were on the chopping blocks. The HEAP program returned, but the HERR program did not.

Due to the HERR elimination, Chautauqua County is doing what it can to help senior citizens keep their furnaces in working order.

Dana Corwin, director of the county Office for the Aging Services, has announced a new “Warm & Well at Home” program for adults 60 and older.

“The initiative focuses on preventative home maintenance, particularly the annual cleaning and safety inspection of home heating equipment,” Corwin said. “This will help to reduce safety risks involved in heating issues, improve energy efficiency, and prevent costly emergency repairs.”

Corwin explained that the Warm & Well program helps seniors remain in their homes as they continue to age. “Older adults can live safely, stay healthy, and remain connected to their communities, while also strengthening the neighborhoods across Chautauqua County,” she said.

A specific income level was not announced, although the program is designed for seniors who have a “self-stated financial barrier.”

Seniors must reside in Chautauqua County and be living in the home being serviced. The funds are for maintenance and inspection, not replacement of a furnace.

Secondary homes and rentals do not qualify.

“Funding is limited and we will be continually monitoring the demand for this service,” Corwin said.

The Office For the Aging is partnering with the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation to inspect and maintain furnaces.

Joshua Freifeld, the director of CHRIC, said they have about eight or nine vetted companies that will be doing the inspections and maintenance work. “As part of the campaign, we anticipate that our trusted partners will do a run-through of the entire furnace system, whether it’s a gas or an electric furnace, including looking at the filter, replacing it if need be, and examining the equipment to ensure everything is properly running the way it’s supposed to,” he said.

Bridgette Paoletta, NY Connects Coordinator, said seniors will actually apply through her office, as state money is ultimately being used to fund the new initiative.

To apply or to get more information call 716-753-4582, email ccnyc@chqgov.com, or stop by one of their three offices in Dunkirk, Mayville or Jamestown. Their Mayville office is located in the HRC building at 7 North Erie Street on the second floor. Their Jamestown office is located at 107 Institute St., in The Chautauqua Center on the second floor, Suite 20. Their Dunkirk office is located at 51 E. Third St., also in The Chautauqua Center, between the lab and the physical therapy office.