October 29, 2025 — The Town of Hancock is reminding residents of a comprehensive set of emergency assistance programs available through its municipal website, as well as in partnership with local non-profit service agencies, that can provide help in times of housing crisis, utility and heating emergencies, healthcare, and food-related shortages.
What’s Available
A new Emergency Assistance Resources page has been made available to local residents to better understand access to a variety of support services, some examples below:
Housing/Utility/Financial Support – Delaware Opportunities, Inc. (Hamden) offers emergency services including rapid re-housing, rental assistance, pre-tenancy support and utility/heat assistance. Hancock
Emergency Assistance / Case-Management – Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties (Sidney) covers caring-connections, utility/transportation/food support, and coordinates with emergency heating & power programs.
Disaster Relief Services – American Red Cross – Southern Tier Chapter provides temporary shelter and referral services for fires, floods and other disasters.
Social Care Navigation – Care Compass Collaborative (Southern Tier) helps Medicaid-eligible residents with housing supports, medically-tailored meals, transportation and referrals for health-related social needs.
Referral Service – Dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-901-2180) connects you with a referral program covering shelter, food, housing, legal aid and other services in Delaware County.
Food-Pantry Supports –
Hancock Community Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry (316 W Main St, Hancock) offers emergency food support for Hancock residents.
Readburn Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (Fishs Eddy) delivers emergency food and operates 2nd & 4th Sundays.
State/Federal Programs – The website lists the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) for safety net/emergency cash, utility/heat assistance and housing-crisis support.
Why These Matter
In rural areas like Hancock, unexpected events—such as heating failures, job loss, housing instability or natural disasters—can escalate quickly. Having a centralized reference of trusted agencies helps families act before small issues become major crises. The listing by the town streamlines the path to support and removes confusion about where to turn.
Important Tips for Residents
Call ahead to ensure current eligibility, hours and availability.
Prepare documentation such as proof of residency, photo ID, statements of need and utility bills.
Immediate danger? Call 911. The referral service at 2-1-1 can connect you with housing/shelter supports if you face an urgent housing crisis.
Use the PDF version of the resource list for offline access (link found on the town’s page).
Link to PDF Document:
Moving Forward
While the town’s webpage provides a strong foundation of support links, community leaders encourage residents to bookmark the page and review it periodically—especially as seasons change (e.g., approaching winter when heating assistance becomes more urgent). Getting ahead of an issue can lead to faster interventions and less stress for individuals and families.