For the first time in three years, low income families can apply for rental assistance with the Rural Ulster Preservation Company. Our Beth Croughan has more.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- "Providing affordable housing to those in need is a basic staple of life. And without affordable housing, it can lead to so many other problems," said Kevin O'Connor, the Executive Director of RUPCO.

Through the Section 8 Voucher Program, the Rural Ulster Preservation Company helps about 1,400 low-income families afford housing in Ulster County. But according to O'Connor, the need is much greater.

"Given the toughest economic times that I can remember and the loss of income that so many families are facing," he explained.

Eligible individuals pay about one third of their income towards rent. Section 8 vouchers cover the rest. For a family of four, the household income is $35,050.

"The RUPCO program has helped me, allowed me to save money and be able to progress in this world," explained Richard Roman of Napanoch.

This year, RUPCO has 200 more vouchers to give out. They're opening up the waiting list in hopes of helping more people like Richard Roman.

"We're serving the most vulnerable people in Ulster County. Over half of the folks are disabled that are on this program and probably need permanent rental subsidy because of their disability. Nearly a third are seniors," said O'Connor.

The program can help with rent and mortgages.

"Thirty-one right now have purchased homes through the Section 8 to home ownership program in Ulster County," explained Vanessa Secore, RUPCO's Director of Rental Assistance.

People like Charmaine Trought of Kingston.

"It's so amazing to own my own home. When I come home in the evening and I sit down and I look around, I say I finally did it," she said.

Interested individuals can apply now through February 10th. All applications will be placed into a random drawing. The first 1,000 selected will be placed on the waiting list.

Applications can be picked up at RUPCO's main office at 289 Fair Street in Kingston or one can be printed off their website, www.rupco.org.