Government Housing Resources

HPD

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), has many different programs that help create affordable housing. Their website lists developments that are currently accepting applications for affordable rental and home ownership units. Another page provides links by borough to more affordable homeownership developments. Both of these lists can also be accessed by calling 311. The homeownership website also has information about homebuyer education programs and downpayment assistance. HPD also oversees 135 Mitchell-Lama buildings, which offer moderate- and middle-income rental units and home ownership opportunities, though many Mitchell-Lama buildings are now leaving the program. Information about getting on a waiting list at a Mitchell-Lama building can be found on HPD's Mitchell-Lama website.

The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) helps provide financing for affordable housing development. Its website provides a list of apartments now renting, and those that soon will be. Each project has different income guidelines, so be sure to read the advertisement for each one to learn if you're eligible and how to apply. HDC also funds affordable home ownership programs

Other Housing Resources

Legal Assistance for Tenants

Housing Conservation Coordinators (HCC)
777 Tenth Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Street
212-541-5996

HCC offers free legal consultations in all areas of the law on a walk-in basis at its Legal Clinic. The Clinic is staffed by volunteer lawyers who can refer you to other resources, assist with writing letters, clarify legal rights, and help determine whether a legal course of action exists. The Clinic is for consultations only. The lawyers cannot represent you. Consultations are Monday evenings from 7-9pm, on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive before 8pm. Please call ahead to confirm that the Clinic is open and bring all relevant papers.

HCC also provides free legal services, including legal representation, to elgible low and moderate income tenants, tenant associations, HDFC cooperatives, and other community organizations located in the Clinton/Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. HCC staff meet individually with potential clients to determine eligibility and the extent of legal services required. If you have a housing question, need advice or have received court papers and live in the neighborhood, come to see them during their walk-in intake hours: Mondays, 4pm - 6:30pm, Thursdays, 10am - 12:30pm.

HCC also offers assistance with tenant organizing, weatherization, and technical training in boiler/burner maintenance and home maintenance and repair.

Hudson Guild Chelsea Housing Group
441 West 26th Street, 9th - 10th Avenue
212-760-4402 x 23 (Rosa Maria de la Torre)

The Hudson Guild helps tenants with: heat and hot water complaints, rent overcharges, rent regulation information, housing code violations, landlord harassment, and tenant association formation. Drop-in/intake hours are Thursdays from 2:30 to 5:30pm, except holidays. The Chelsea Housing Group serves tenants who live between 14th and 34th Streets, west of 5th Avenue.

Chelsea Coalition on Housing
322 West 17th Street, Basement
212-243-0544

The Chelsea Coalition on Housing helps tenants with: heat and hot water complaints, rent overcharges, rent regulation information, housing code violations, landlord harassment, evictions, sublets, leases, and security. They have drop-in hours with a tenant attorney on Thursdays at 7:30pm.

Programs for Seniors

Home Sharing Program
New York Foundation for Seniors
11 Park Place, Suite 1416
212-962-7559

The Home Sharing Program matches compatible persons in shared-living arrangements in dwellings rented or owned by one of the participants. The program seeks to match persons for whom sharing of living arrangements would enhance their financial and/or social well-being, promote companionship, and relieve feelings of isolation. Applicants must be independent, medically and mentally stable, and non-substance abusing. Hosts are 60 years of age and older. Guests are 18 years of age and older. The New York Foundation for Seniors will provide: comprehensive, confidential screening, intake and matching services; assistance with negotiating shared-living arrangements; and referral for appropriate program-related government entitlements and/or social service programs.

Free Minor Home Repair Program
New York Foundation for Seniors
11 Park Place
212-962-7655

The Minor Home Repairs Program is a free home maintenance and repair service (materials may cost extra) for elderly homeowners who require minor home repairs to maintain safety within their homes but cannot pay for them. Eligible homeowners (including co-op and condo owners) are 60 years of age or older, living in one of the five boroughs of New York City, and have income no more than $35,150/year for one person or $40,200/year for a two person household. Call for more information about what repair work can be done, and how to apply.

Manhattan Legal Aid for Seniors Project
MFY Legal Services
299 Broadway
212-417-3700

MFY Legal Services provides free legal services to Manhattan residents aged 60 and older, with priority given to those who are facing the loss of housing or the loss or reduction of public benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid. The overarching goal of the project is to help seniors age in place. Priority is also given to seniors who are being abused physically or emotionally or who are victims of financial exploitation. Attorneys and paralegals from MFY provide advice, counsel, and full representation.