Housing Assistance Resources in New York
Last updated September 5, 2026
New York residents facing housing instability have access to a range of federal and state-administered programs, from emergency rental assistance to permanent supportive housing. Whether you are behind on rent, at risk of eviction, experiencing homelessness, or trying to find affordable housing for the first time, there are legitimate pathways to help — and social workers and case managers can be powerful allies in navigating them.
The fastest way to find programs in your county is to call or text 2-1-1 (operated by United Way statewide as 2-1-1 New York). Trained specialists are available 24/7 and can connect you with local emergency rental assistance, shelter, utility help, and more. New York City residents can also call 311 for city-administered housing services. For statewide policy and program listings, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is the primary agency overseeing housing-related public assistance.
Eligibility, funding availability, and local program names change frequently, so the guidance below focuses on stable, verifiable entry points rather than specific dollar amounts or income cutoffs that may shift. When in doubt, start with 2-1-1 — navigators there have real-time knowledge of what is currently funded and accepting applications in your area.
Key programs in New York
2-1-1 New York (United Way)
A free, confidential statewide helpline that connects callers to local housing assistance, emergency shelter, rental and utility aid, food, and social services. It is the single best starting point for any housing need in New York.
How to access: Call or text 2-1-1, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also search online at 211nys.org. New York City residents may also call 311 for city-specific services.
HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) / Local Homeless Services
HUD funds a network of Continuums of Care across New York State that coordinate emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness.
How to access: Contact your local CoC or Homeless Services agency through 2-1-1 New York, or search HUD's resource locator at hud.gov. In New York City, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) oversees shelter access; call 311 or visit nyc.gov/dhs.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) — Emergency Assistance
OTDA administers public assistance programs including Emergency Assistance to Families (EAF) and Safety Net Assistance, which can cover emergency housing costs such as rent arrears, security deposits, and shelter expenses for eligible New York residents.
How to access: Apply through your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. Find your county DSS at otda.ny.gov or ask 2-1-1 for the nearest location. Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, or online through myBenefits (mybenefits.ny.gov).
HUD Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher Program
A federally funded rental subsidy program administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across New York. Vouchers help low-income households afford private-market rentals by covering a portion of rent. Waitlists are common and may be long.
How to access: Contact your local Public Housing Authority directly — for example, NYCHA in New York City or regional PHAs upstate. Find your local PHA at hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts or call 2-1-1 for a referral.
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) & HUD-VASH
Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability in New York may qualify for SSVF rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention services, or for HUD-VASH vouchers, which combine Housing Choice Vouchers with VA case management support.
How to access: Contact your nearest VA Medical Center or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (then press 1). You can also call 2-1-1 and ask specifically for veteran housing programs, or visit va.gov to find local SSVF grantees in New York.
Housing Assistance resources for New York
New York Mortgage Coalition
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Northfield Community Local Development Corporation Of Staten Island, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Pratt Area Community Council
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Rockland Housing Action Coalition
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Strycker'S Bay Neighborhood Council, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
The Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services Cdc, Inc.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
The Preservation Company
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Urban Upbound
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
Westchester Residential Opportunities, Incorporated
HUD-approved housing counseling agency (foreclosure, rental, homebuyer, and reverse-mortgage counseling).
211 Housing & Shelter
NationwideLocal shelter, rental, and housing assistance referrals. Dial 211.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
NationwideResources and local referrals for affordable housing and rental assistance.
Other resources in New York
- Food Assistance in New York
- Utility Assistance in New York
- Transportation Assistance in New York
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in New York
- Mental Health Resources in New York
- Domestic Violence Resources in New York
- Disability Resources in New York
- Veteran Resources in New York
- Child & Family Assistance in New York
- Senior Resources in New York