How can we help?
Homelessness
HUD is not a direct service provider, but HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- If you need emergency shelter within the five boroughs of New York City, dial 311.
- For direct assistance dial 2-1-1 and press 6 for homeless services
- If you are unable to get a response from 2-1-1 or receive a message that the service is not available from your location, go to https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211 and enter your zip code to find the number for your local office.
- Or contact a homeless service provider in New York.
- For Veterans who need temporary housing shelter outside of normal business hours:
- Call Volunteers of America (available 24/7) at (213) 563-7979.
- If you do not receive a response within 30 minutes of your call, please text “Unhoused Veteran in Need of Transitional Housing” to (213) 563-7979 or (213) 500-7889
- For a full list of homeless shelters in the state of New York, visit Homeless Shelters Directory. See here for a full list of local Department of Social Services offices.
I am experiencing domestic violence, what are my options?
- If you are in danger, please call 911 or a national hotline. HUD is not a direct service provider and does not provide individual counseling, crisis response, or legal services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or human trafficking.
- National Hotline: Call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TYY: (800) 787-3224
- Or text “START” to 88788
- For more information and to connect to a local service provider in your area, please see Help for Survivors.
- If you are in New York City, review your rights and options here.
- At any time, a tenant can apply for an emergency transfer or obtain any form by visiting the local Property Management Office or the NYCHA Self-Service Portal.
I am a veteran and at-risk for or currently experiencing homelessness, what should I do?
- Need immediate help? Call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for 24/7 assistance.
- Contact the VA medical center in your area and mention your interest in Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) or find instructions for contacting the National Homeless Veteran Call Center here.
- Call the Veterans Affairs Emergency Housing Hotline for assistance at (310) 268-3350.
- Check the resources available from the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.
I am in the following counties and am at-risk for or currently experiencing homelessness, where can I get help?
Counties: Albany, Buffalo, Erie, Rochester Counties, or the five boroughs of New York City
- The five boroughs of New York City:
- Dial 311 or visit the 311 website.
- Buffalo and Erie Counties:
- Crisis Services or call (716) 834-3131 (available 24 hours).
- Albany County:
- Homeless and Travelers Aid Society or call (518) 463-2124.
- Rochester County:
- If you are in need of emergency shelter now, call the Monroe County Department of Human Services: (585) 753-2780 from 8AM to 3PM, Monday-Friday. After 3 PM and on Weekends/Holidays call (585) 442-1742.
- Visit the Rochester Homelessness page for more resources.
I need more help, what else may be available for me?
- Apply for Temporary Assistance: temporary help for needy adults, and children. If you are unable to work, can't find a job, or your job does not pay enough, TA may be able to help you pay for your expenses.
- ACCESS NYC - for New York City residents, check benefit eligibility and apply online for dozens of city and state benefit programs in one place, including SNAP, Cash Assistance and Medicaid renewal.
- Find your local food bank.
- Contact your local United Way for help finding shelter, food, and other resources in your area.
- Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration.
- Find affordable health care and insurance in New York.
I need help finding a job or gaining an education, what should I do?
- Check the following employment and training services resources:
- New York State Employment and Training Services
- New York State Jobs and Careers Resources
- New York State Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation
- Learn about the New York State High School Equivalency Diploma
- In NYC:
- Visit the NYC Workforce Career Center
- Check out the NYC Human Resources Administration Employment Services
- NYC – Find a Job
- Visit the NY Department of Labor site for resources and information.
What is Section 3, and what are the requirements in my area?
- Learn more about Section 3 requirements: to promote training, employment, contracting, and other economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.
Affordable Places to Live
- HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- Speak to a HUD Approved Housing Counselor for advice on your specific housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- What is Public Housing? Learn more about what it is, who is eligible, and how to apply. Also learn more about Housing Choice Vouchers.
- Find a list of Public Housing Authority contacts by State or call (800) 955-2232 for help to find your local Public Housing Authority. Some PHAs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one PHA. Your PHA can also give you a list of locations at which your voucher can be used.
- If you are a person with disabilities, review HUD's Information for Persons with Disabilities.
- If you are a veteran, see what resources may be available for you for Supportive Housing, or if you qualify for a VA Home Loan.
- Use the HUD Resource Locator to find affordable housing opportunities near you.
- Please note: the HUD Resource Locator does not show property vacancy. HUD also does not have applications for these properties, information about vacancies or waitlists. Please call the management company to inquire about vacancies, wait lists or the application process.
- HUD sells both single family homes and multifamily properties – view HUD Homes for Sale.
HUD has rental assistance and housing resources through the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.
- Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that manage public housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
- Eligibility: Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. A Public Housing Authority determines eligibility based on 1) annual gross income, 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with disabilities or as a family, and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.
Housing Choice Voucher (commonly known as Section 8)
- The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided through HUD on behalf of the family or individual, so participants can find their own housing. You can use an HCV to pay for all or part of the rent.
- Eligibility: A Public Housing Authority will determine eligibility for the housing choice voucher program based on the total annual gross income and family size, U.S. citizenship and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority. During the application process, a Public Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Public Housing Authority will use this information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
- In New York City, apply through NYCHA through the self-service portal.
- View HUD's Information for Senior Citizens guide.
- Check the New York State's Office for the Aging for resources and support.
- Check NYC Aging for services and resources. To reach Aging Connect, call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or text a message.
- Check the Directory of Centers for Independent Living in New York, available for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- If you are in danger, please call 911 or a national hotline. HUD is not a direct service provider and does not provide individual counseling, crisis response, or legal services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or human trafficking.
- National Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TYY: 1-800-787-3224
- Or text “START” to 88788
- For more information and to connect to a local service provider in your area, please see Help for Survivors.
- If you are in New York City, review your rights and options here.
- At any time, a tenant can apply for an emergency transfer or obtain any form by visiting the local Property Management Office or the NYCHA Self-Service Portal.
- View the current public housing waiting lists in New York (Note: this information is not maintained or verified by HUD).
- Check the status of Section 8 waiting lists (Note: this information is not maintained or verified by HUD).
- Visit the NYCHA Self-Service Portal for assistance.
There are other opportunities for affordable housing in addition to the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and HUD subsidized public and private housing.
- New York State Programs:
- New York State affordable housing directory
- Complete New York State Housing Finance Agency lotteries and rentals
- New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: Homelessness prevention, temporary assistance (TA), and other support programs
- New York City Programs:
- Please note: Although many New York City subsidized housing lotteries are available via the www.nyc.gov/housingconnect website, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York City Housing Development Corporation, and the New York State Housing Finance Agency all have developments that require separate applications. It is necessary to check all listing sites above to access all available affordable housing opportunities.
- USDA Rural Development Multifamily Housing: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Multifamily Housing programs help property owners through loans and grants to rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families as well as domestic farm laborers. USDA RD Multifamily Rental Assistance Program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.
- Search for RD Multifamily Housing rentals in New York or call (202) 720-2791.
- Single Family Homes for sale:
- Make sure to review your rights and responsibilities as a tenant; also available from the Office of the Attorney General.
Homeownership
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs.
- Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call 800-569-4287 or 202-708-1455 (TTY)
- Get free legal assistance in New York through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Other local legal organizations that may be able to help:
- Understand your options by reviewing HUD's Avoiding Foreclosure guide and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guide to facing foreclosure.
- Review New York's help for homeowners facing foreclosure.
- Be aware of reverse mortgage fraud.
- If you need help paying your utility bills, contact one of these organizations:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): A federally funded program that helps homeowners heat and cool their homes
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA): Energy assistance related resources
- Or call 1-866-NYSERDA
- Consider other ways to make your home more energy efficient:
- For customized support, speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner:
- Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call 800-569-4287 or 202-708-1455 (TTY)
- Check out HUD's guide to buying a home.
- You may qualify for one of these programs:
- Some housing agencies can help Housing Choice Voucher holders buy a home. Contact your local housing agency to find out if they are participating in a homeownership program.
- If you are a veteran, learn more about VA Home Loans.
- If you are a senior, check HUD's resources for senior citizens, and learn more about New York State or New York City resources for the aging.
- Learn financial management tools and strategies through the FDIC's Money Smart program.
- Avoid homeowner scams and frauds. Need more help?
- Check the New York Attorney General's Help for Homeowners
- File a complaint with the New York State Department of Financial Services
- File a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
- Use the HUD Home Store to find HUD homes for sale.
- Read HUD's FAQ on FHA loans.
- Email the FHA Resource center at answers@hud.gov or call toll-free (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342) TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas).
- Visit HUD's National Servicing Center for more information.
- Use the SMART Integrated Portal to make a request and begin the subordination process (see SMART FAQs & Resources).
- Contact a Secretary-Held Mortgage Servicing Contractor.
- There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs.
- Email the FHA Resource center at answers@hud.gov or call toll-free (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342) TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas).
- The programs and resources listed below help homeowners in New York with home repairs and improvements:
- Healthy Homes (New York State Department of Health)
- Weatherization assistance providers
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Fuel and weatherization assistance
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA): Energy assistance related resources
- Attorney General's Home Improvement Fact Sheet
- New York State Energy Efficiency Programs
- Emergency Home Repair Program for the Elderly (RESTORE)
- New York affiliates of Habitat for Humanity: Builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
- Get Help from the Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity.
- ACCESS NYC - for New York City residents, check benefit eligibility and apply online for dozens of city and state benefit programs in one place, including SNAP, Cash Assistance and Medicaid renewal
- Find your local food bank
- Contact your local United Way for help finding shelter, food, and other resources in your area.
- Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration
- Find affordable health care and insurance in New York
Report Housing Discrimination
* The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability.
- Please visit the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Page
- File a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) Office:
- Online
- Call: (800) 347-3739
Rent Relief & Eviction Resources
HUD is not a direct service provider, but HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- Law Help NY offers free legal help and answers to general questions about evictions and your rights as a tenant in New York. Other options include:
- Legal Help FAQs lists common answers to Eviction and Landlord-Tenant problems in New York.
- Review your rights and responsibilities as a tenant; also available from the Office of the Attorney General.
- Check this comprehensive step-by-step guide for people at risk of eviction.
- If you are living in a HUD-subsidized or HUD-assisted building, or if you are receiving HUD-funded rental assistance:
- Contact CGI in New York to file a complaint at (866) 641-7901 or (800) 662-1220 (TTY); 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday through Friday
- If you are not living in a HUD-subsidized or –assisted building or receiving HUD-funded rental assistance:
- Contact your local housing authority or agency
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs.
- Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 or 202-708-1455 (TTY)
- Check the Rental Assistance Finder to get help paying rent and bills.
- Check what other resources may be available for renters.
- In NYC, check the HRA's Rental Assistance Programs to see what you may qualify for.
- If you need help paying your utility bills, contact one of these organizations:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - a federally funded program that helps renters heat and cool their homes
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) - energy assistance related resources
- Consider other ways to make your home more energy efficient:
- ACCESS NYC - for New York City residents, check benefit eligibility and apply online for dozens of city and state benefit programs in one place, including SNAP, Cash Assistance and Medicaid renewal
- Find your local food bank
- Contact your local United Way for help finding shelter, food, and other resources in your area.
- Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration
- Find affordable health care and insurance in New York
- Check out the following employment and training services resources:
- New York State Employment and Training Services
- New York State Jobs and Careers Resources
- New York State Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation
- Learn about the New York State High School Equivalency Diploma
- In NYC:
- Visit the NYC Workforce Career Center
- Check out the NYC Human Resources Administration Employment Services
- NYC - Find a Job
- Visit the NY State Department of Labor site for resources and information.
- Learn more about Section 3 requirements: to promote training, employment, contracting, and other economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.
Speak to a Housing Counselor
- Becoming a homeowner
- Foreclosure assistance
- Reverse mortgages
- Home improvements/repairs to my home
- Renting
Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs.
- Search online for a HUD Approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287
Housing Quality & Improved Living Conditions
- Review HUD's Resident brochure.
- All HUD-assisted properties are inspected to make sure they are decent, safe, and sanitary. HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) sets the inspection standards and oversees inspections. These inspections are known as REAC physical inspections.
- As of 2023, all HUD-assisted rental housing is now subject to the National Standards for Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), though some programs have extensions to continue under prior inspection standards until October 1, 2024.
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program regulations set forth basic housing quality standards (HQS) which all units must meet before assistance can be paid on behalf of a family and at least annually throughout the term of the assisted tenancy. More information is available here: Housing Quality Standards.
- Lead Based Paint Information
- Review HUD's Healthy Homes Tips.
There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs.
The programs and resources listed below help homeowners in New York with home repairs and improvements:
- Healthy Homes (New York State Department of Health)
- Weatherization assistance providers
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Fuel and weatherization assistance
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA): Energy assistance related resources
- US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office: Home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas
- Attorney General's Home Improvement Fact Sheet
- New York State Energy Efficiency Programs
- Emergency Home Repair Program for the Elderly (RESTORE)
- New York affiliates of Habitat for Humanity: Builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
- New York State:
- New York State: Healthy Homes: Learn more about your home environment and how you can prevent or get rid of some common health and safety hazards.
- New York State Department of Health
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Health and Safety in the Home, Workplace, and Outdoors (NYSDOH)
- New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
- State Attorney General's environmental resources
- New York City:
- More From HUD:
Disaster Resources
- Immediately after a disaster, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other government agencies offer initial assistance. HUD then provides additional support for ongoing recovery through programs and partnerships.
- Register with FEMA online at: www.disasterassistance.gov
- Register through FEMA’s disaster app on your smartphone. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, you can go to https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
- Call (800) 621-3362. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are on duty.
- Reach out to your local Red Cross
- HUD Disaster Resources
- HUD Disaster Line: Call (800) 304-9320 or email recovery@hud.gov
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
Native American Programs
- Contact my Local ONAP Office; New York is located in HUD's Eastern Woodlands office.
- View all ONAP Funding Programs that are available from HUD.
- You can also check New York State's Native American Services office for additional resources and programs.
- View 184 Loan Information or contact HUD at:
- Call (800) 561-5913 (toll free) or email Section184@hud.gov
- Reach out to your local ONAP Staff; New York is located in HUD's Eastern Woodlands office.
- Apply for Tribal HUD VASH
- If you have questions, email TribalHUDVASH@hud.gov or contact the local Area Office.
My Local Office Information
For assistance at all times, we encourage you to utilize the self-help resources above.
If you are unable to have your questions answered from the resources above, please click on the Need More Help button below to contact your local office for further assistance.
New York Regional Office
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
26 Federal Plaza, Suite 3541
New York, NY 10278-0068
Phone: (212) 264-8000
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
Fax: (212) 264-0927
Alicka Ampry-Samuel, Regional Administrator
Buffalo Field Office
300 Pearl Street, Suite 301
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 551-5755
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
Fax: (716) 551-5787
Lisa Pugliese, Field Office Director
Albany Field Office
52 Corporate Circle
Albany, NY 11203-5121
Phone: (518) 862-2801
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
Fax: (518) 464-4300
Lisa Pugliese, Acting Field Office Director
Interested in learning more about what HUD is doing in your community?
⚠ In Crisis? Call or Text 988
HOUSING INSTABILITY CAN BE VERY DISTRESSING
If you are struggling, in crisis, or need help for yourself or someone else, please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to get connected with a trained listener. This lifeline provides emotional support to people who are experiencing emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in the United States.
SAMHSA Helpline:
This Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential help. You can get treatment referrals and information about mental health and drug or alcohol use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
- Call: 1-800-662-4357
- TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- Text your ZIP code to: 435748
- Visit SAMHSA's National Helpline