Last week, 1st Choice Roofers and Renovation employees removed old roofing shingles in preparation for the new roof installation to the Aleba home in Whitney Point. The Impact Project, based in Greene, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Chenango County and other surrounding areas by providing assistance for home renovations, financing and construction. This project was their 197 project since 2004. (Submitted photo)

WHITNEY POINT — The Impact Project, based in Greene, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Chenango County and other surrounding areas by providing assistance for home renovations, financing and construction.

Homeowner Linda Aleba applied to The Impact Project for roof replacement and soon after, the Impact Project contacted her to schedule a visit and review her needs. The team then approved the application and scheduled the project.

“Everyone involved was incredible,” Aleba said. “I will never forget their kindness. Thank you, thank you, thank you, one and all.”

She said it was an amazing day with hard work put in to complete the project.

Aleba said “amazing” describes Jim, Valerie, and Sarah, from The Impact Project, 1st Choice Roofers and Renovation owner Mayra Luna and team, and Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, who all made her roof replacement possible.

The Impact Project Executive Director James Willard III said, “It was an amazing day and everyone knocked it out of the park.”

Willard said the new roof on Aleba's home was finished earlier this month and he gave a huge thank you to Mayra Luna and her 1st Choice Roofing team, and County Executive Jason Garnar and the Broome County Legislature, who awarded money from the Broome County small community fund to the Impact Project to support the project.

He said Aleba's roof replacement was their 197th project since the organization’s inception in 2004, and they smashed their record last year with over 30 projects completed.

The Impact Project has two primary target populations. One is families at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, who can qualify for no-cost repairs and updates. Also, families in Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, (A.L.I.C.E.), who reside in Chenango County, can qualify for a loan program through Sidney Federal Credit Union with terms up to $15,000 and a .5 percent interest rate.

“This enables people with little resources to make something obtainable,” he said, “The financial arrangement behind the scenes is different in every case.”

Willard said through the years they have built relationships and arrangements with about 400 contractors including electricians, masons, roofers, contractors, and more. He said it's a huge component for the completion of a job.

“Skilled contractors are always at the projects along with volunteers, but there must be skilled labor to get the job done,” he added.

The Impact Project has had over 4,100 volunteers in their 19 years of projects and this year will be their 20th year of community support.

For additional information or to apply for home repair, visit theimpactprojectgreene.org.