Home Upgrade Grant Program
Providing holistic support to low-income Kingston homeowners.
The Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) program provides holistic support to low-income Kingston homeowners: including application support, project management, energy assessments, contractor coordination, grant assistance, and government incentives to deliver free and immediate improvements that increase the health, safety, and energy efficiency of peoples’ homes in preparation for future electrification.
How Do I Get a Home Upgrade Grant?
How Do I Get a Home Upgrade Grant?
Are You Eligible for a Home Upgrade Grant?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Homeowner located in zip code: 12401
- Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
- Be ready to make improvements in health, safety, and energy efficiency
Not sure if you are eligible? Speak with our team!
Not currently eligible? We hope to expand this program soon to renters, landlords, and new cities — stay in touch!
How Do I know If I Need Home Energy Upgrades?
Is there moisture or mold growing?
Impact
182
People Served
$93,854
Grants Given
99
Projects Complete
$481,025
Government Assistance Unlocked
Last Updated: April 2026
Real People, Real Results
Need More Resources?
Clean Energy Hub: If you need more information about clean energy solutions, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCEUC) offers state-authorized community energy advisors who can help. They provide guidance on available programs and, if you qualify, they can refer you to our HUG program. With their expertise, they’ll ensure you have the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about energy efficiency in your home. Contact them at 845-340-3990 x 201.
Homeownership Program: If you are a low-income renter interested in purchasing a home, the Ulster County Habitat for Humanity offers assistance in accessing funds for homebuying costs, educational support through their Homebuyer Education classes, and hands-on participation in building your home, setting you up for success as a new homeowner. Visit www.ulsterhabitat.org/housing/ or call (845) 340-0907 x105 to learn more.
Housing Discrimination Resources: The Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC) offers guidance for residents of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties facing housing discrimination. They provide resources for reporting housing discrimination, navigating fair housing laws, and free counseling and investigative services. To seek more information, visit www.fairhousingjustice.org
Housing Assistance: If you are facing housing instability, Family of Woodstock offers housing placement, emergency shelter, and homeless prevention services for low-income families. They provide critical support to help you secure safe housing. Contact them at (845) 331-7080 or info@familyofwoodstockinc.org for more information.
Tenants Rights Resources: For the Many offers support and guidance for renters facing challenges in housing. They offer information on tenant rights, resources for dealing with eviction, and ways to access legal assistance. If you are a renter seeking help and information about your rights and resources, visit www.housingforthemany.org
Utility Assistance: For low- or fixed-income households struggling with energy costs or utility disputes, the Public Utility Law Project (PULP) provides free legal assistance and advocacy. If you are seeking help or resources regarding your utilities, visit www.utilityproject.org/get-help/ or call 877-669-2572.
- Rebuilding Day Program: If you are a low-income homeowner in Dutchess or Ulster county in need of critical repairs, Rebuilding Together can provide free large-scale home repairs including major accessibility modifications, roof and structural repairs, and system upgrades. Visit www.rthudsonvalley.org/programs or call 845-454-7310 for more information on applying.
- Handyman Repair Program: For low-income homeowners in Dutchess or Ulster Counties in need of small-scale repairs or safety and accessibility modifications, Rebuilding Together Hudson Valley’s Handyman Program offers year-round services. Visit www.rthudsonvalley.org/programs or call (845) 454-7310 for more information on applying.
- RUPCO Home Repair Program: Low-to-moderate-income homeowners in Ulster County can benefit from RUPCO’s Home Repair Program, which provides grants for essential repairs to maintain safe and affordable housing. Visit www.rupco.org/homeowner-repair-program or call (845) 331-2140 to learn more.
- RUPCO Restore Program: If you’re a senior homeowner in need of critical home repairs, RUPCO’s Restore Program offers grants to cover the costs, helping you maintain a safe home. This program is aimed at ensuring senior homeowners can age in place comfortably. To be placed on the mailing list, call (845) 331-2140 or visit www.rupco.org/restore
- Ulster County ‘Plus one ADU’ Program: For homeowners interested in building or rehabbing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), the Ulster County ‘Plus One ADU’ program offers grants of up to $125,000. This can help create affordable housing on your property while also providing an income stream. For more information, visit them online at www.rupco.org/plusone or contact RUPCO at (845) 331-2140.
- Ulster County Septic System Replacement Program: If you are a property owner in Ulster County with an outdated or failing septic system, the Ulster County Septic System Replacement Program provides funds covering up to 50% of replacement costs for eligible homeowners and small businesses. To apply, visit www.rupco.org/septic or call (845) 331-2140 ext 303.
- Leading in Lead Prevention Program: If you are a multi-family rental property owner in Kingston, Middletown, or Newburgh with a building built before 1980, you may be eligible for grant funding of up to $40,000 per unit to remove lead hazards. To learn more, visit www.rupco.org/lead or call (845) 331-2140 ext 303.
- Newburgh Targeted Home Improvement Program: Low-to-moderate income homeowners in 12550 can benefit from the Targeted Home Improvement Program (T-HIP), which offers grants up to $40,000 to cover essential repairs. For more information, visit www.rupco.org/thip3 or call (845) 713-4568 ext. 110.
- First-Time Homebuyer Grant: If you’re considering buying a home in Ulster County, the First-Time Homebuyer Grant can provide up to $75,000 in grant funding for down payments, closing costs, and post-closing repairs. For more information, visit www.rupco.org/ahc-hb-ulster-county-grant or contact a counselor at (845) 331 -9860.
- Foreclosure Prevention Counseling: If you are having difficulty making your current mortgage payment, RUPCO and RDAC can assist by providing free, individualized Foreclosure Prevention Counseling. For more information, call (845) 713-4568 ext. 115 or email andrewgrodence@ocrdac.org.
- RUPCO Rental Properties: If you are seeking affordable apartment rentals in Ulster, Orange, and Greene Counties, RUPCO owns and/or manages a mix of artist, senior, family, and special needs rental housing. Visit www.rupco.org/our-properties to apply and learn more.
- Non-RUPCO Rental Housing: If you are seeking additional rental home opportunities in Greene and Ulster Counties, RUPCO maintains lists of properties for rent that are not owned or managed by them. To view these, visit www.rupco.org/rental-listings-ulster-greene-counties
- RUPCO’s Additional Resources: If you need more information about rental housing, social services, homeownership, community development, and transportation, RUPCO maintains a list of resources that can help. Visit www.rupco.org/additional-resources/ for more information.
Food Pantries and Meal Programs: If you are seeking food assistance in Ulster County, UlsterCorps maintains a list of food pantry locations and hours, meal programs, and bus routes. For more information, visit www.ulstercorps.org/for-volunteers/opportunities-by-agency-type/food-pantries-and-meal-programs
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): For homeowners needing weatherization services, the Ulster County Community Action Committee (UCCAC) provides energy advising and weatherization services. These services can help you reduce your energy bills by making your home more efficient. They offer weatherization services and are an authorized provider of Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for income eligible homeowners. To learn more about weatherization and other support services, call UCCAC at 845-338-8750.
HELPS Program: For households facing urgent financial crises, the United Way of Ulster County stewards an emergency assistance fund (HELPS) that provides one-time grants to help achieve stabilization and a pathway toward long-term well-being. For more information, contact Family of Woodstock’s Adult Case Management at (845) 331-7080 or visit www.ulsterunitedway.org/get-help.
Contractor Partners
Ready to upgrade your home but don’t need a grant? We’ve partnered with trusted local contractors who specialize in home energy upgrades and healthy homes. Explore these local companies to get started on creating a safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient home today!
Energy Efficiency
Insulation
Indoor Air Quality
Energy Efficiency
Mold Remediation
General Contractor
Lead Remediation
Heat Pumps
Energy Efficiency
Questions? We're here to help!
Have questions and need help getting them answered? Send us a question, schedule a meeting, or contact us at the information below:
- Email us at homes@mid-hudson.energy
- Call us at 845-328-6254
- Visit the office at 190 Fair Street, Kingston, New York 12401 USA
Check out our other programs
We’re dedicated to supporting those most affected by rising energy costs and the impacts of climate change, especially communities that have faced the greatest harm from our current energy system. Through continuous innovation, community involvement in program design, and advocacy for sustainable change, we’re building a cleaner, fairer future. Explore our other programs to see how we’re making a difference.
Community Council
Energy Innovation
HELP Fund