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Resources and Links

Below are resources and links on housing-related issues that households may face in finding or maintaining an apartment.

Domestic Violence Providers
Housing and Homelessness Resources
Public Assistance Resources
Housing Search Resources
Legal Providers
Housing and Domestic Violence Policy Organizations

Domestic Violence Providers

If you are a victim of domestic violence and in need of emergency shelter immediately, call NYC’s Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE.

General information about domestic violence services in NYC:

The City of New York Resource Directory of Domestic Violence Services contains comprehensive information on services available to domestic violence victims throughout the five boroughs. Click here to access the directory.

Specific domestic violence shelter and non-residential providers:

Housing and Homelessness Resources

Short-term financial assistance:

Click here for the New York City Department of Homeless Services “Desk Guide of Housing Resources for Families in Shelter.”

  • SOTA (Special One-Time Assistance Program) provides one-time rental assistance that may be used by homeless households within New York City or, if they choose, to relocate outside the city, either within New York State or to other areas out of state. SOTA is not an ongoing rental subsidy — the program will provide one year’s full rent up front. SOTA can be accessed by working individuals and families and those who receive SSI, SSD, etc. as long as there is the future ability to make rent payments.
    The New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) is the City agency that issues the one‑time SOTA payments to landlords on behalf of program participants. The SOTA program does not pay ongoing rental assistance. Case managers and housing specialists at shelters identify eligible individuals. In order to use SOTA, clients will be required to provide proof of income and the rent must not be more than 50% of household income.
    Click here for more information.
  • Enhanced One-Shot Deal (EOSD) is a one-time payment made to assist a client in moving out of a shelter. It is not an ongoing subsidy. Eligible individuals may be eligible for four months’ rent, broker’s fee, furniture allowance, security voucher, storage fees and moving expenses. In order to be eligible for an enhanced one-shot an individual must be residing in the New York City shelter system for at least 60 days, have an active or single issue public assistance case (which you can establish by applying at a public assistance office for a one time grant), and in most cases you need to have monthly gross income (before taxes) at or above the established thresholds below. Individuals in shelter should contact their case manager or housing specialist at the shelter for assistance applying for EOSD.
Assistance preparing for, and identifying, affordable housing:
  • HPD’s Housing Ambassadors
  • HPD’s Outreach Van which provides information and services throughout the five boroughs. Services include preparing for affordable housing lotteries, understanding rights and responsibilities as a tenant, help filing a complaint about housing code violations or landlord harassment.
    Learn how to remedy housing code violations at your property. Click here to view the Outreach Van calendar.
  • Ready to Rent  is a New York City program that helps New Yorkers prepare to apply for affordable housing. It provides free one-on-one financial counseling and assistance with affordable housing applications. To schedule a one-on-one financial counseling session, call 311 and ask for “Ready to Rent.”  For assistance applying for affordable housing through NYC Housing Connect, schedule an appointment with a Housing Ambassador who can help you apply for housing lotteries, gather information in case your number comes up, and get ready to show that you qualify. To make an appointment, contact a Housing Ambassador directly.
Homelessness prevention and outreach:
  • Housing Court Answers
  • Coalition for the Homeless
  • Homebase (Operated by NYC Department of Homeless Services)
  • The Legal Aid Society, Homeless Rights Project
  • JustFix.NYC – a free service that helps New Yorkers get repairs in their homes.
  • The Alternative to Shelter program works with victims of domestic violence who can remain safely in their homes and avoid shelter placement. Clients are assessed for safety needs and provided with crisis counseling, safety planning and developing a service plan. Under this program, a personal emergency response system (PERS) is installed in the homes of clients. This system provides a coordinated response with the local police precincts. Ongoing services are offered to include referrals to non-residential domestic violence programs that also provide free legal services to victims of domestic violence. Clients are required to maintain an exclusionary order of protection while they participate in the program and maintain at least biweekly contact with program staff.
      The Alternative to Shelter Program does not provide short term or long term rental assistance. For information or assistance call The Alternative to Shelter program at 212-331-4538.
Supportive housing information:
NYCHA public housing and Section 8:
Other Assistance:

Office of the Ombudsman
The DHS Office of the Ombudsman assists constituents and the general public in accessing a broad range of information and services. This is an independent unit that supports NYC’s homeless by helping individuals to:

  • Get appropriate access to essential resources
  • Improve their quality of life while in shelter
  • Advocate for a meaningful role in the decision-making processes that affect their lives

Constituents can contact the DHS Office of the Ombudsman directly or submit a “Constituent Grievance Form” in writing to their shelter director or shelter case worker, as a way of presenting complaints concerning DHS-funded services.

Contact the Office of the Ombudsman:
Directly by phone: (800) 994-6494 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm.
In person: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm, at 33 Beaver Street, 20th floor.
Shelter Repair Hotline: (718) 291-4141 or call 311.
Download the Office of the Ombudsman brochure.

Public Benefits Resources

Public benefits information:
Job Center locations and information:
To request a fair hearing:

To learn more about the communities in which you are searching for housing, use NYCityMap. NYCityMap allows you to select a location in New York City and view nearby services nearby including daycare centers, head start programs, libraries, public transportation, hospitals and more. This service will allow you to identify resources in your new community once you locate an apartment.

Free online listings:
Affordable housing opportunities in NYC:
Affordable housing opportunities in New Jersey:
Interactive real estate maps plus property data and listings:

Housing and Domestic Violence Policy Organizations

NYC Organizations:
National Organizations: