Our Mission

Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County aims to partner with individuals and families to eliminate poverty and identify the resources and opportunities available to them to enhance their self-reliance. With your help, we can make a difference.

How can Community Action help you?

We offer services to help you with Financial Assistance, Food Pantry Needs, Prescription Assistance, Dress for Success employment empowerment at our Career Center or Boutique for females, Suited to Succeed for males for interview and employment suiting's, Weatherization Assistance for your home, Free Tax preparation, and Community Outreach events throughout the year to help local families.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT HEAP:

Due to the delay in the approval and release of federal funding, the opening date for the 2025-2026 HEAP Regular Component has been postponed until further notice. We cannot accept or process any new applications until HEAP opens. 

In addition, for the 2025-2026 program year, New York State will not operate the HEAP Heating Equipment Clean and Tune benefit component. The Emergency HEAP benefit is scheduled to open January 2, 2026. This date is contingent on federal action to fund the program. We will provide additional updates as new information is received.

If you have an emergency HEAP related circumstance, please contact 211 for a referral to other community-based organizations that could assist you. You may be eligible for emergency assistance through Temporary Assistance Program. For more information on emergency assistance through Temporary Assistance visit Temporary Assistance (TA).

OTDA will issue updated guidance as additional information becomes available. Please continue to check the OTDA website for up-to-date information at otda.ny.gov.

Energy Emergencies Prior to HEAP opening

Applicants who present to the district with an energy emergency prior to HEAP opening should be referred to PA using the guidelines outlined in 25DC067-Processing Public Assistance (PA) Requests for Energy Emergencies. Individuals in receipt of SNAP or PA who have energy emergencies should have their eligibility determined as if HEAP is not an available resource.

Districts are encouraged to collaborate with community partners and outreach organizations to ensure households are informed about available resources to meet energy emergency needs.