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NEW YOrk
housing resources

Housing and Shelter

It's no secret- living in New York is often difficult and expensive. 

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New York City has several programs geared towards low to mid income residents that provide access to affordable options.

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1. Low Income Housing 

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Through NYCHA ( New York City Housing Authority), New York residents can be provided with housing specifically for low-income earners. Due to long waiting lists, families and individuals applying from shelters are given priority. This means wait times could last years. 

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Learn more about NYCHA and eligibility through their website

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2. Housing Lotteries

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This New York State program provides several resources under the same program. The program has income and credit requirements but is available for various income levels. 

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There are various lotteries programs. NYC Housing Connect (HPD and HDC programs) and Breaking Ground are highlighted programs. Both include recently renovated buildings with subsidized apartments. 

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For both HPD and HDC, The process is as follows: 

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  • Create a profile

  • Check Criteria

  • Search for Available units

  • Apply and wait

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For Breaking Ground, applicants will be asked to: 

  • Apply through their website or hotline number

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Learn more by visiting their websites. 

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3. Shelters

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4. And More!

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New York City provides access to various housing programs through their official government page. While some programs ( like the aforementioned) are general, there are several that specifically cater to certain individuals. Some of these individuals served may identify with the following: 

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  • Mental Illness/ Disability

  • Physical Illness/ Disability

  • Homelessness

  • Single Parents

  • And more

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To learn more about the various options provided, visit the New York City Housing page. Click here!

Traveling in New York City

Did you know about Fair Fares NYC? The relatively new program offers eligible New Yorkers a 50% discount on subway and some bus fares!

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So far, about 149,726 New Yorkers have enrolled. The discount is available for Pay-Per-Ride, 7-Day Weekly and 30-Day Monthly options! 

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Do I Qualify? 

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Maybe! If you are a low-income New Yorker, there is a high chance that you qualify. Reference the chart below for an idea of what is considered Low-Income. 

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What do I need to Apply? 

The application can be completed online. Applicants will need:

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  • Documentation to verify your IDENTITY and AGE. Some of the following are some examples: â€‹

    • Driver's License (Any State) 

    • Passport (Any Country) 

    • Government Issued Photo I.D ( Can be expired up to 3 years) 

    • US Military or Tribal ID

  • To verify your RESIDENCY, some of the following could work: 

    • Cable, Phone or Utility Bill​

    • Rent Bill

    • Bank Statement

    • Insurance Bill

    • More

  • To verify TAXABLE HOUSEHOLD INCOME, some of the following could work: 

    • All pay-stubs for last 30 days​

    • Letter from employer

    • NYS Disability Benefits: Award Letter or check stub

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For a complete Documentation and eligibility checklist, visit the NYC Fair Fares Website! 

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City of New York. All Rights Reserved. 

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