PENN YAN — Housing is a human necessity. Yet, it can be a real challenge for low-income individuals and families.
Yates County, like so many others in New York State, is facing a shortage of affordable housing in the rental and homeownership markets. Yet, many lower-income residents might not be aware of a nonprofit, HUD-certified counseling agency called Keuka Housing Council.
Founded in 1977, the Council offers free help with housing issues across the spectrum. The council also offers workshops and serves as a hub connecting residents to resources from the county and state.
The council’s mission is “to improve and maintain the quality and quantity of housing for individuals and families on modest incomes” in Yates County. It “envisions a community in which all individuals live in suitable and safe housing whether owned or rented.”
Residents can receive help with foreclosure prevention and mitigation, first-time home-buying, credit and budgeting, homelessness, and home repair.
Executive Director Peter Vazquez explained that the organization has two basic sides to its services:
• To help individuals and families who are homeless or having a housing emergency find temporary shelter. These services run out of its Community Resource Center at 200 E. Elm St.
• Assisting with homeownership issues. These services are available at 160 Main St.
“At Keuka Housing Council, we do not simply provide people with a place to stay — we offer them the first real chance at turning their lives around,” Vazquez explained. “When renters come to us, they are not just searching for shelter — they are reaching for a future filled with hope and opportunity. We deliver transitional housing with clear purpose: a springboard for personal growth, life transformation, and lasting stability. Through individualized support plans, practical skill-building, and powerful community partnerships, we guide people step by step toward true independence. This is not charity. This is the launchpad for those ready to reclaim control of their future—with pride, purpose, and a renewed sense of direction.”
He added that finding affordable apartments for rent poses a challenge simply because there isn’t enough inventory to meet demand.
The Council’s HUD-certified housing counselor, Jenelle Menio, assists residents with homeownership issues at the Main Street location.
When Menio works with first-time home buyers, she begins the counseling process helping individuals work on credit scores, budgeting, and incomes sources. She knows these figure must meet a bank’s criteria in order to secure a loan.
“For instance, if an individual is on social security or disability, there are programs that will assist first time buyers,” Menio said.
he explained that one such avenue would be to apply for a 502 U.S. Department of Agriculture (Rural Development) loan.
“It affords people with low to very low incomes an opportunity to purchase a house,” she continued, adding that there are options for residents who do not have enough money for a down payment.
When it comes to the pain of foreclosure, Menio can help in a variety of ways.
In the scenario of a lost job and falling behind in mortgage payment, Menio said the first thing she does is contact the person’s mortgage lender and request a “workaround.” She continued: “Sometimes, we might ask to file a forbearance request over the phone. Otherwise we submit a Request for Mortgage Assistance packet.”
The documents submitted can vary from basic to complex. She often submits around 30 pages of documentation that includes mortgage statements, bank statements, income, child support, SNAP or HEAP benefits, and any other data the bank requests. She works with her clients to draft a written statement discussing the reason for hardship. They also produce a detailed budget statement which includes information detailing holdings in checking, saving, and investment accounts.
“Some banks are easy to work with, and some of them are really hard to deal with,” Menio relayed.
In difficult cases, the Council teams up with Legal Assistance of Western New York to get an attorney involved.
Menio recognizes that scenarios are truly hard and depressing.
“We are here to help people navigate through all of these kinds of housing barriers,” she reminded.
