As the Southern Tier approaches the 12th anniversary of one of the worst floods in its history, residents could finally be getting help they need. A nonprofit is joining the state’s Home and Community Renewal office to offer $9 million in available loans for those living in the 500-year floodplain.

The goal is for those living in the areas to mitigate any future damage.

"Photographs are gone, memories are gone, appliances that they need every day. Their livelihood is just washed away. And it's scary,” said Katie Walpole, director of program strategy of Home Headquarters, Inc.

The floods of 2006 and 2011 devastated the Southern Tier, with many still recovering. Twenty thousand people were displaced, many of them twice, in a matter of five years.

To this day, many of the homes have never been rebuilt, and those that have continue to face heavy flooding any time a heavy rain rolls through. Some might ask, why not simply move out of the flood plain?

For so many, that’s just not an option.

“It's their home. It'd be like asking you to move tomorrow and say, 'I'm sorry, this is what it is. And you have to move on.' People don't always have the ability to pick up and move. And I think that's something that we have to remember,” said Walpole.

That’s where she and the local nonprofit, Home Headquarters, come in. Along with the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, $9 million in loans are now available for those living in the 500-year floodplain.

Homeowners are eligible for up to $50,000 in loans with a 1% interest to address flood risks and improve energy efficiency in their homes.

"It can be a small improvement, such as a sump pump, that you just need to replace, a sump pump and they'll be able to survive in that storm. And it may be something like installing back flow vents so that we don't have sewage come up through their basement during a flood,” said Walpole.

While the program is still new, it’s already gaining interest from those throughout the Southern Tier.

While many hope to never see such images again, you can never be too prepared.

"It's designed to help people keep their livelihood and uphold with their life, so let us give them a tool that is designed to allow them to make those necessary improvements,” said Walpole.

You must live in the 500-year flood plain to be eligible for the loans. Home Headquarters says if you don't qualify, they may still be able to connect you to a variety of programs.