Mobile homeowners in New York are getting help for renovations and repair efforts through funds now made available by the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corp.

Maureen Brennan Lashlee, CEO of Dutchess County Habitat for Humanity, said attitudes toward mobile homes have changed over time.

There’s less of a stigma.

“It's not just about buying your new home, or in this case, replacing your mobile home," she said. "It's also about the sustainability of the future. And so mobile homes are that for many of our families.”

What hasn’t changed is the need for renovation, repair and upkeep.

In Dutchess County alone, Lashlee said as many as 300 mobile homes need serious help.

“Right now, in Dutchess County, we probably need about 6,000 new entry-level houses," Brennan Lashlee said. "If we don't keep these mobile homes available to our families, now we need 6,300 new homes there.”

However, there are many obstacles preventing nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity from doing mobile home repairs without extra assistance.

“The challenge is not only the intense nature of the repairs, but it's also the availability of the parts to make the repairs," Lashlee said. "You don't get to just go to the store and buy these parts. They have to be ordered. They are specifically designed for mobile homes.”

That’s why new funding from the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corp. is so crucial for Dutchess Habitat. Five organizations in total received funding to help with mobile home repairs, including groups in Clinton, Saratoga and Steuben counties.

Lashlee said she hopes the state continues to prioritize mobile homes because it’s proven to be as valid a housing option as any other.

“And we are thinking that if we succeed with this, this will be an ongoing grant," she said. "We hope that the governor and the legislators will see the value in this program and continue to fund it.”

Dina Levy of the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, released a statement a program.

“HCR continues its deep commitment to support residents in mobile and manufactured homes and to work with residents of this critical affordable housing stock on improving the quality of their homes. The Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement Program is an impactful resource that ensures New Yorkers are able to stay safely and affordably housed for decades to come in their new manufactured or modular home. We are proud of our partnerships with not-for-profits, including Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, to sustain and strengthen our mobile and manufactured home communities across the state.”