Finding the Right Community Resources
You do not have to navigate every housing challenge alone. Knowing where to turn can make a difference.
Imagine you are living in a shelter and trying to find an apartment. Your Housing Specialist has explained the application process, but you still have questions about your voucher. You need identification documents. You are struggling to pay for transportation to apartment viewings. You are unsure whether a landlord can reject your rental assistance.
Or you have already moved into permanent housing, but your income has changed and you are worried about paying your rent. You have heard about Homebase, HRA, emergency assistance and legal services — but where should you begin?
New York City has many government agencies, nonprofit organizations and community-based services that support people experiencing housing difficulties. The challenge is often knowing which organization handles which problem.
This guide will help you identify the types of assistance available and find the right starting point for your situation.
Before contacting an organization, identify your most urgent concern. Are you looking for an apartment? Do you need help understanding your voucher? Are you at risk of eviction? Do you need emergency shelter? Are you experiencing discrimination? Do you need legal assistance?
Different organizations have different responsibilities. The right starting point depends on the problem you are trying to solve.
NYC 311 connects residents with information about city services. It is particularly useful when you do not know which agency handles your concern.
Call 311 within New York City or visit portal.311.nyc.gov.
Explain the specific problem clearly (for example: “I am behind on rent and want to find the Homebase office serving my ZIP code”).
The NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) administers important public-assistance and housing-related programs, including Cash Assistance, SNAP, CityFHEPS, FHEPS, and certain emergency assistance.
Use ACCESS HRA to apply for and manage certain benefits online. HRA determines eligibility under applicable program rules.
Homebase is one of NYC’s principal homelessness-prevention programs. Contact Homebase if you are behind on rent, have received an eviction-related notice, or recently moved from DHS shelter and need aftercare information.
Call 311 or visit the official HRA Homebase page. Financial assistance is not automatic.
The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) coordinates shelter services. If you are already in shelter, your Caseworker or Housing Specialist is usually your first point of contact. Shelter eligibility and placement decisions are made by the responsible agencies.
Contact the agency administering your Section 8 voucher (NYCHA or HPD) for questions about your voucher, recertification, income changes, or subsidy-payment problems.
Seek legal help if you receive Housing Court papers, a marshal’s notice, or face an eviction threat. NYC’s Right to Counsel program provides access to free legal services for eligible tenants. Call 311 and ask about Right to Counsel.
If a landlord says they do not accept vouchers or you experience different treatment based on a protected characteristic, contact the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Call 311 and ask for Human Rights, or visit their website.
Community-based nonprofits may provide benefits navigation, housing counseling, eviction-prevention referrals, employment assistance, food assistance, and more. Examples include CAMBA, Catholic Charities of New York, The Salvation Army Greater New York, and the Coalition for the Homeless. Always confirm current services and eligibility before visiting.
SNAP and community food programs can support housing stability. Explore SNAP through ACCESS HRA and food resources through Food Bank for New York City.
NYC Workforce1 Career Centers provide employment-related services. If you have rental assistance, ask your administering agency whether income changes must be reported. Visit the Workforce1 page for more information.
NYC Aging and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities provide relevant information and resources. Fair housing laws may also provide protections for reasonable accommodations.
Ask your Caseworker about family-support referrals if you are moving from shelter. NYC Public Schools provides information about enrollment and support for students in temporary housing.
Veterans may have access to specialized housing and supportive services. Contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or visit VA Homeless Programs.
Safety is the priority. Contact the NYC Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673). Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Be ready to explain your current housing situation, the specific problem, and any urgent deadlines. Ask clear questions about services, eligibility, appointments, and required documents. Keep a record of important contacts and next steps.
Ask why the service is unavailable and request a referral if possible. Confirm that the next organization actually handles your type of problem. One rejection does not always mean no help is available.
Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a government housing voucher in exchange for money, claims they can move you to the front of a waiting list for a fee, or pressures you to share sensitive information. Verify organizations through official websites. Legitimate assistance should never require you to falsify information.
Maintain a simple record of trusted organizations, the services they provide, and official contact information. Use the free THS Community Resource Planner to organize this information.
Who should I call if I need housing help in NYC?
NYC 311 is a useful starting point. The best organization depends on whether you need shelter, rental assistance, eviction prevention, or legal help.
Can Homebase help me find an apartment?
Homebase primarily focuses on homelessness prevention and housing stabilization. Contact the program to ask what assistance is available.
Where can I get free help with eviction?
Call 311 and ask about Right to Counsel or tenant legal services.
Who handles CityFHEPS questions?
HRA and the relevant administering units handle official CityFHEPS matters.
What if a landlord refuses my voucher?
Document the situation and contact the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
The key is understanding which service addresses your problem. If you are at risk of eviction, seek prevention and legal assistance promptly. If you have questions about your voucher, contact the administering agency. If you are uncertain where to begin, NYC 311 can often help direct you.
Knowing where to seek the right help is an important first step.
Important Notice: The Housing Specialist™ is an independent housing education and resource platform. This article provides general information and does not guarantee eligibility, funding, housing placement or services from any organization. Programs, contact information and eligibility requirements may change. Always verify current information directly with the relevant organization or government agency.
