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Home Upgrade Grant Program

Providing holistic support to low-income Kingston homeowners.

The Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) program provides holistic support to low-income Kingston homeowners: including project management, energy assessments, contractor coordination, grant assistance, and government incentives to deliver free and immediate improvements that increase the health, safety, and energy efficiency of peoples’ homes in preparation for future electrification.
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How Do I Get a
Home Upgrade Grant?

How Do I Get a Home Upgrade Grant?

1

Submit an Interest Form

Get started by filling out our interest form, and we'll guide you through the rest of the process.

2

Unlock Federal, State, and Local Incentives

We'll help you access available incentives, enabling you to receive free energy audits and financial assistance.

3

Get a Free Home Energy Assessment

Once approved, our team will arrange a free assessment to pinpoint energy upgrades that can improve your home.

4

Receive a Custom Home Upgrade Plan

Based on the assessment, we’ll work with contractors to design a personalized upgrade plan just for you.

5

Access Up to $20,000 in Home Upgrade Grants

Eligible projects in your plan may qualify for up to $20,000 in grant funding to make upgrades possible.

6

Complete Your Home Improvements

Your contractor will complete the approved upgrades, funded through government programs and HUG grants.

Are You Eligible for a Home Upgrade Grant?

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a Homeowner located in Kingston, NY
  • Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
  • Be ready to make improvements in health, safety, and energy efficiency
Apply Now
Check Your Income Eligibility

Not sure if you are eligible? Speak with our team!

Not currently eligible? We hope to expand this program soon to renters, landlords, and new cities — stay in touch!

How Do I know If I Need Home Energy Upgrades?

Have you struggled to pay your energy bills?
Is your home too hot or too cold?
Is there moisture or mold growing?
Do you have outstanding repairs that you aren’t able to afford?
Do you want to reduce your energy bill?
Do you want to live in a healthy home?
Apply Now

Impact

17

Audits Complete

$25,000

Grants Given

7

Projects Complete

$70,000

Government Assistance Unlocked

$200,000 Remaining...

Real People, Real Results

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What the Energy Transition Really Looks Like

No Perfect Homes, No Perfect Programs – Just Real People Trying to Stay Warm

M&T Bank Announces $50,000 Donation to The HELP Fund

Emiliano appears on Radio INTER Activa Oficial

Two Years In: What It Means to Build Something That Didn’t Exist Before

Turning up the Heat!

Candita Shares Her Story

From Space Heaters to Heat Pumps

Kicking Natural Gas to the Curb

Power to the People: Exploring Public Utility Ownership in the Hudson Valley

Diana, a HUG Recipient, Shares Her Experience on the Program

Tips for Energy Efficiency

How the Number of Households in Debt to Central Hudson Skyrocketed

MHET Publishes Their First Annual Impact Report

Santiago, a HUG Recipient, Shares His Experience on the Program

Jasmine Graham Presents Equitable Decarbonization in Practice

MHET Launches the HELP Fund

Lessons We’ve Learned from our HUG Program

Need More Resources?

If you need more information about clean energy solutions, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCEUC) offers state-authorized community energy advisors who can help. They provide guidance on available programs and, if you qualify, they can refer you to our HUG program. With their expertise, they’ll ensure you have the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about energy efficiency in your home. Contact them at 845-340-3990 x201.
For homeowners needing weatherization services, the Ulster County Community Action Committee (UCCAC) provides energy advising and weatherization services. These services can help you reduce your energy bills by making your home more efficient. They offer weatherization services and are an authorized provider of Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for income eligible homeowners. To learn more about weatherization and other support services, call UCCAC at 845-338-8750.
Low-to-moderate-income homeowners in Ulster, Orange, and Sullivan counties can benefit from RUPCO’s Home Repair Program, which provides grants for essential repairs to maintain safe and affordable housing. Visit www.rupco.org/homeowner-repair-program or call (845) 331-2140 to learn more.

If you’re a senior homeowner in need of critical home repairs, RUPCO’s Restore Program offers grants to cover the costs, helping you maintain a safe home. This program is aimed at ensuring senior homeowners can age in place comfortably. To apply, call (845) 331-2140 or visit www.rupco.org/restore.

If you are facing housing instability, Family of Woodstock offers housing placement, emergency shelter, and homeless prevention services for low-income families. They provide critical support to help you secure safe housing. Contact them at (845) 331-7080 or info@familyofwoodstockinc.org for more information.

For homeowners interested in building or rehabbing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), the Ulster County ‘Plus One ADU’ program offers grants of up to $125,000. This can help create affordable housing on your property while also providing an income stream. For more information, visit  them online at www.rupco.org/plusone or contact RUPCO at (845) 331-2140.
  • For the Many offers support and guidance for renters facing challenges in housing. They offer information on tenant rights, resources for dealing with eviction, and ways to access legal assistance. If you are a renter seeking help and information about your rights and resources, visit https://housingforthemany.org/.

Health & Safety

Lead
Asbestos
Mold

Contractor Partners

Ready to upgrade your home but don’t need a grant? We’ve partnered with trusted local contractors who specialize in home energy upgrades and healthy homes. Explore these local companies to get started on creating a safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient home today!

Better Energy Solutions Inc.

Energy Efficiency 
Insulation

Energy
Conservation Services

Indoor Air Quality
Energy Efficiency
Mold Remediation

J's Painting & Construction

General Contractor
Lead Remediation

Kingston HWS

Heat Pumps
Energy Efficiency

Questions? We're here to help!

Have questions and need help getting them answered? Send us a question, schedule a meeting, or contact us at the information below:

  • Call us at 845-383-1050
  • Visit the office at 280 Wall Street, Suite 379, Kingston, New York 12401 USA
Get in touch!

Check out our other programs

We’re dedicated to supporting those most affected by rising energy costs and the impacts of climate change, especially communities that have faced the greatest harm from our current energy system. Through continuous innovation, community involvement in program design, and advocacy for sustainable change, we’re building a cleaner, fairer future. Explore our other programs to see how we’re making a difference.

Community Council

Energy
Innovation

HELP
Fund

Home Energy Loan Program

Get in Touch!