Senior Supports Fund

Senior Supports Fund is sponsored by United Way of the Southern Tier. The Senior Supports Fund awards grants to local organizations that assist senior citizens in Chemung and Steuben Counties. It focuses on programs that help older adults.

2026 United Way grants will help seniors in Chemung, Steuben counties United Way grants to help Chemung, Steuben seniors age safely at home May 13, 2026, 11:19 a. m. ET Senior citizens in Chemung and Steuben counties could see expanded services aimed at helping them age safely in their homes, thanks to $192,336 in grants awarded May 12 through the United Way of the Southern Tier’s Senior Supports Fund.

Fifteen organizations received a total of $192,336 to support programs ranging from home repairs and accessibility upgrades to meal delivery and fitness equipment, according to a community announcement. “Each of these investments reflects the belief that people should be able to remain in the homes and communities they know and love as they age,” Maleaha Smith, United Way president and CEO, said in the announcement.

“We are grateful to support partners who are meeting seniors where they are and helping ensure they can live safely, with dignity. ” Arbor Housing and Development received $35,000 for home repairs and accessibility upgrades, while Chemung County Habitat for Humanity and Steuben County Habitat for Humanity each received $25,000 to build ramps and make homes more accessible.

Meals on Wheels programs in Chemung and Steuben counties also received funding. Meals on Wheels of Chemung County was awarded $11,839 to purchase a 60-inch range and hot food serving table, and Pro Action Meals on Wheels - Steuben received $5,000 toward the purchase of an upgraded delivery vehicle. Other grant recipients include: Bampa’s House: $7,500 for a short-stay respite care program.

Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care: $5,000 for NOAA weather radios and pulse oximeters. Corning Meals on Wheels: $6,500 for an IT upgrade. Faith In Action of Steuben County: $8,000 to expand services in eastern Steuben and Chemung counties.

Steuben County Office for Aging: $8,000 for wheelchair accessible transportation. Steuben Senior Services Fund: $17,500 for technology upgrades for the Full Circle America program. Teal Park Project: $10,000 for handicapped accessible bathrooms.

The Senior Center/Chemung County Family Fitness Center: $10,000 for equipment for the Senior Sneakers program. Tri-County YMCA: $11,997 for fitness equipment in Bath and $4,500 for the Senior Lunch & Learn program in Hornell. Vincent House: $1,500 for an intergenerational legacy and memories project.

The Senior Supports Fund was created through an anonymous bequest to United Way of the Southern Tier and is now in its fifth year. To date, the fund has awarded $908,263 in grants, according to the announcement. The grants are awarded in addition to annual allocations made by United Way of the Southern Tier through donations to the Community Campaign.

Grant applications for the fund will be accepted again in spring 2027. Those interested in learning more can contact Barbara Hubbell, senior director of impact at United Way of the Southern Tier, at 607-936-3753 or bhubbell@uwst. org .

United Way of the Southern Tier is a four-star rated nonprofit organization that focuses on improving quality of life in Chemung and Steuben counties. Its areas of focus include Southern Tier Kids on Track, Basic Needs and Senior Supports. This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm. usatoday.

com/ethical-conduct .