The primary function of the DPW is to maintain buildings and grounds owned or leased by the Seneca Nation of Indians. Where possible, DPW may assist Seneca community members with free labor for minor emergency* home repair, as further described below. Important note: Any cost for material is the responsibility of the homeowner. (See “Available Assistance” for details regarding financial assistance available which may help with the cost of materials.)
*Emergency: A sudden or unforeseen occurrence that requires immediate action in order to prevent a life-threatening situation or hardship.
PRIORITY OF DPW WORK ASSIGNMENTS:
DPW assignments are prioritized and assigned as follows:
- Seneca Nation of Indians – buildings and grounds
- Elderly (60+) – snow plowing, written referrals from AOA and Tribal Advocate
- Disabled head of household – Same services as Elderly, but Head of Household must be approved for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration: SSI/SSDI, Veterans’ Affairs (VA Benefits), etc. The certification must be renewed annually. Special circumstances may also qualify, i.e., head of household has a sudden onset of illness or debilitating disease, dialysis or chemotherapy treatments, serious injury, etc., with medical verification.
- Community – Emergency basis – written referral from Tribal Advocate
ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES:
Services are provided on-territory only. All applicants must own the property/home and must also reside in the home where service is requested at the time of service. Services for Elders are limited to those 60 years of age and over. Services for Disabled individuals are contingent upon certification and/or documentation of disability as outlined above. Emergency services for others may be provided at the written request of the Tribal Advocate.
AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE:
AOA – Emergency Home Repair Program
- The Tribal Council provides limited funds to the Area Office for the Aging (AOA) Program to assist Seneca Elders with emergency home repair. Applicants must contact AOA directly. DPW will provide labor as requested in writing by AOA. The homeowner is responsible to pay for material over the AOA allowance.
TAP – Tribal Advocate Program
- Tribal Council also provides limited funds to the Tribal Advocates on both territories for emergency replacement/repair to existing essential features of the home. Applicants must contact the Tribal Advocate directly. DPW will provide labor as requested in writing by the Tribal Advocate.
Seneca Nation Housing Authority (SNHA) rental units are not eligible for emergency home repair services from DPW. Tenants must request services from SNHA.
SNOW REMOVAL:
During the winter months, priority for DPW is to clear parking lots and walkways of snow and ice in preparation for employee and visitor parking at SNI facilities. During storms, this may be done several times during the day, delaying other scheduled tasks.
After SNI sites are cleared, work begins to plow the driveways and shovel the walkways of the Seneca Elders/Disabled who have requested assistance. This service is provided to those who have no other resources or family support available. Homeowners must sign a waiver holding DPW harmless for incidental plow damage.
DPW makes every effort to schedule early plowing for those eligible who need to be able to get out of their driveways for dialysis, chemotherapy, etc. It is the responsibility of the individual to notify DPW of the requirements so appropriate scheduling can be planned.
GRASS MOWING:
DPW Allegany is able to provide lawn mowing services if requested. This service is provided to Elders/Disabled who have no other resources or family support available.
SEPTIC TANK CLEANING:
A “Honey Wagon” is available to pump septic tanks. There is a $125 dumpling fee. This fee is waived for Seneca Elders.
CEMETERY MAINTENANCE/BURIAL SERVICE:
DPW provides equipment and manpower needed to open and close graves for burial on territory. There is no cost for this service. DPW also maintains several community cemeteries; including landscaping activities and record keeping (Allegany):
Allegany: Hillside Haven, Memorial Heights, and Horseshoe Cemeteries
Cattaraugus: Seneca Nation Cemetery
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED BY DPW:
– Ice and snow removal from residents’ roofs
– Firewood distribution
– Moving Services
REFERRALS:
The Department of Public Works can provide assistance to its members in locating skilled craftsman to perform certain desired services. Where possible, in exchange for referral from SNI DPW, the providers may agree to certain desired services at a discounted rate, resulting in the lowest cost possible to our members.
DPW Community Service Policy (Adopted by Council 9-17-2011)
