Finding a safe place to call home should not be a struggle. But many New Yorkers face housing challenges every day. Rent keeps going up. Bills pile up. One unexpected expense can put your whole family at risk.
That is where housing stability programs step in to help. At Guide2Care, we provide crucial support to individuals and families facing housing challenges.
What Are Housing Stability Programs?
Housing stability programs are support services that help people keep their homes and avoid becoming homeless. These programs work in different ways to make sure you have a roof over your head.
Think of these programs as your safety net. When you are about to fall, they catch you. When you need help climbing back up, they give you a hand. The main goal is simple: keep you housed, safe, and secure.
In New York City, housing stability services serve over 25,000 households every single year. With Right to Counsel legal services now available across all five boroughs, 89 percent of tenants who get a lawyer stay in their homes.
Need help with housing stability right now? Visit Guide2Care to connect with our experienced team who can guide you through every step.
Why Housing Stability Matters for New York Families
Your home is more than just four walls and a roof. It is where your children do homework. Where you cook dinner. Where you feel safe at night.
When your housing situation becomes unstable, everything else falls apart too. Studies show that families in stable housing have better health. Children do better in school. Parents can focus on work instead of worrying about where they will sleep next week.
Research proves that 86 percent of tenants who received Right to Counsel legal help were able to stay in their homes. Since implementing Right to Counsel in 2017, eviction filings have dropped by 40 percent because landlords know tenants will fight back with lawyers by their side.
Housing instability creates stress that affects your whole life. You might skip doctor appointments because you need that money for rent. Your kids might change schools multiple times. You lose connections with neighbors and friends.
But when you have a stable home, you can plan for the future. You can save money. You can build a better life.
Facing eviction or rental problems? Our team at Guide2Care works to prevent evictions, offers rental assistance, and connects clients to shelters or long-term housing options. Contact us today to get started.
Who Needs Housing Stability Programs?
These programs exist for anyone facing a housing crisis. You do not need to be homeless already to get help. In fact, the best time to reach out is when you first see trouble coming.
You might need housing assistance if you are experiencing any of these situations:
Your landlord sent you a notice about eviction. You lost your job or had your hours cut. Medical bills are piling up and you cannot pay rent. You are living with family or friends but need your own place. Your current apartment has serious problems but the landlord will not fix them. You are leaving a dangerous situation and need a safe place to stay. You have a disability that makes it hard to keep up with rent. You fell behind on rent and owe money.
Housing stability programs serve all kinds of people. Single adults. Families with children. Seniors living on fixed incomes. People with health conditions. Veterans. People with disabilities. Survivors of domestic violence.
In New York, these services are available regardless of immigration status. Right to Counsel legal services help everyone facing eviction in Housing Court, no matter where you were born.
Many programs offer help in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and more. Your background does not matter. What matters is that you need help and you are willing to work with a team to get stable.
Not sure where to start? Learn more about our comprehensive housing stability programs and how we can help your specific situation.
When Should You Reach Out for Housing Help?
The answer is simple: as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are already on the street. Do not wait until the eviction notice arrives.
The earlier you connect with Housing Stability Programs services, the more options you have. Some people think they need to hit rock bottom before asking for help. That is not true. These programs work best when you reach out early.
If you see a problem coming three months away, call now. If your savings are running low and rent is due in two weeks, call now. If your landlord is threatening you or not making repairs, call now.
Many housing assistance programs can step in before things get worse. They can help you avoid eviction court altogether. They can connect you with rental assistance before you fall behind on payments. They can mediate problems with your landlord before relationships completely break down.
Early help means better outcomes and faster solutions.
Do not wait until it is too late. Contact Guide2Care today at guide2care and let our team create a personalized plan for your housing needs.
How Housing Stability Programs Work in New York
New York has built a strong network of housing support services. Different programs help in different ways. Some provide direct financial help. Others offer counseling and planning. Many connect you with legal services or mediation.
Here is how the process typically works. First, you reach out to a program in your area. You can call 311 and ask for help with housing. You can visit a Homebase office in your borough. There are 23 locations across all five boroughs serving different zip codes.
A trained counselor will sit down with you to understand your situation. They will ask about your income. Your expenses. Your family size. What problems you are facing.
This is not about judging you. It is about figuring out the best way to help. Homebase can schedule initial appointments within five business days, or even the same day if you have an emergency.
Based on your needs, they create a personalized plan. This might include applying for rental assistance programs like CityFHEPS. It might mean connecting you with free legal help if you are facing eviction. It could involve mediation services to work things out with your landlord.
Throughout the process, you have a case manager who stays with you. They make sure you get to appointments. They help with paperwork. They check in to see how things are going.
Housing stability programs also teach you skills for the long term. You learn how to budget better. How to communicate with landlords. How to know your rights as a tenant.
At Guide2Care, we also help mediate landlord-tenant relationships to ensure stability and peace of mind. Our team works directly with landlords and tenants to find solutions that keep families housed. Discover our services today.
Types of Housing Stability Services Available in 2026
New York offers many different programs to meet different needs. Understanding what is available helps you find the right fit for your situation.
Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance
CityFHEPS is New York City’s main rental assistance program that helps both people leaving shelters and people at risk of becoming homeless. As of January 2026, the program serves over 52,000 active households across New York City.
The program caps your rent contribution at 30 percent of your household income, with the subsidy making up the difference. CityFHEPS can now be used anywhere in New York State, not just in the five boroughs.
However, the program faces challenges in 2026. The fiscal year 2026 budget allocated only $519 million for CityFHEPS, which is about half of what was spent in 2025. This creates uncertainty for families seeking new vouchers.
Despite budget pressures, CityFHEPS remains a vital lifeline. The vouchers can be renewed annually as long as you meet program requirements. Research shows that 90 percent of voucher holders successfully renew each year.
One Shot Deals provide emergency money when you have an unexpected crisis. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe someone in your family got sick. Maybe your car broke down and you needed that rent money to fix it.
This program can help with one time expenses including back rent and utility bills. The city pays 46 percent of one shot deal costs, with state and federal government covering the rest.
Homebase Services
Homebase offers neighborhood based services across all five boroughs. With 23 locations throughout New York City, these offices become your home base for getting help.
They develop plans tailored to your specific needs. They connect you with rental assistance, free legal services, job training, and more. Each year, Homebase serves over 25,000 households experiencing housing crises.
Services include eviction prevention, help getting public benefits, emergency rental assistance, education and job placement assistance, financial counseling and money management, help moving, and short term financial assistance.
All offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, and accept walk ins from 9am to 4pm.
Free Legal Services Through Right to Counsel
Under New York City’s Right to Counsel law passed in 2017, you can get a free lawyer if you face eviction in Housing Court. This service is available to all tenants regardless of immigration status, available in every zip code across the five boroughs.
In fiscal year 2024, data shows 89 percent of households represented by an attorney remained stably housed. These attorneys know the law. They fight for you. They make sure landlords follow proper procedures.
The success is clear: since Right to Counsel started, eviction filings decreased by about 30 percent in New York City. Evictions have fallen by 40 percent overall because landlords are not suing as much now that they know tenants will stand up for their rights with lawyers.
The Office of Civil Justice administers this program through nonprofit legal services organizations.
Guide2Care connects you with legal resources and helps you navigate the system. We ensure you understand your rights and have the support you need. Get help now.
Landlord Tenant Mediation
Landlord tenant mediation brings you and your landlord together with a trained mediator. Instead of going to court, you talk through problems and find solutions that work for everyone.
Maybe you can agree on a payment plan for back rent. Maybe the landlord agrees to make repairs if you catch up on rent.
Organizations like New York Peace Institute and other Community Dispute Resolution Centers throughout the city offer this free service. It saves time, money, and stress compared to court battles.
Guide2Care specializes in mediation with landlords. Our experienced team helps facilitate productive conversations that lead to lasting solutions. We have helped countless families avoid court and maintain their housing through effective mediation. Learn how we can help.
Shelter and Long Term Housing Referrals
If you lose your home, emergency shelters provide immediate safety while you work toward permanent housing. Families with children under 21 and pregnant women can apply for shelter at the Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing Office in the Bronx.
Single adults can access Drop in Centers that provide hot meals, clothing, counseling, medical care, showers, laundry facilities, and help finding safe places to sleep.
But the goal is not to keep you in shelter forever. Case workers actively help you find permanent housing through various Housing Stability Programs. They connect you with supportive housing that includes services like counseling, job training, and health care along with your apartment.
Guide2Care provides shelter and long term housing referrals. We connect clients to emergency shelter when needed and work tirelessly to help you transition into permanent, stable housing. Our team knows the system and can guide you every step of the way. Contact us for referrals.
Essential Tools and Resources for Housing Stability
Knowing where to turn makes all the difference when you need help fast. New York provides many ways to access housing assistance.
Call 311 anytime, day or night. Tell them you need help with housing. Ask specifically for the Tenant Helpline if you are facing eviction or harassment. The operator connects you with the right services.
Visit your nearest Homebase office for in person help. These centers exist throughout New York City serving specific zip codes. Staff speak multiple languages. They help with applications. They explain your options.
Contact Housing Court Answers at their hotline for immediate advice about eviction and housing court procedures. They answer questions Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm at 212-962-4795.
The Coalition for the Homeless operates a crisis hotline at 212-776-2177 for individuals in immediate need of shelter or other critical needs. If you or anyone you know needs immediate assistance, call 311 and ask for street outreach.
New York Peace Institute and other Community Dispute Resolution Centers provide free mediation services for landlord tenant disputes. These services help you solve problems without going to court.
For seniors over 60, special programs exist through the Department for the Aging. Call 311 and ask for senior services. The SCRIE program freezes rent for eligible seniors 62 and older. The DRIE program does the same for tenants with disabilities.
Guide2Care serves as your central resource for all housing needs. Instead of navigating multiple agencies alone, our team coordinates services, makes referrals, and ensures you get comprehensive support. Start with Guide2Care and let us connect you with everything you need.
Common Risks and Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make mistakes that hurt their chances of getting help or keeping their homes. Knowing what to avoid protects you.
The biggest mistake is waiting too long. Some people ignore notices from landlords hoping problems will go away. They do not. That eviction notice is serious. That letter from Housing Court demands a response.
The sooner you get help, the more options you have. Programs can prevent eviction if you reach out early. Once you are already evicted, options become much more limited.
Another common error is not showing up to Housing Court. If you receive court papers, you must appear. If you do not show up, the judge rules against you automatically. Your landlord wins by default.
Even if you think you have no defense, go to court. Free lawyers are available there to help you through Right to Counsel. They might see options you do not know exist. With 89 percent of represented tenants staying in their homes, having a lawyer makes all the difference.
People sometimes believe they cannot get help because they make too much money or do not make enough. Programs have different income requirements. What disqualifies you from one program might make you perfect for another.
Always apply. Let the program decide if you qualify. Do not reject yourself. Right to Counsel legal services are available to everyone facing eviction regardless of income.
Failing to gather proper documentation causes delays. When applying for rental assistance, you need proof of income, proof of your housing situation, identification, and other papers.
For Homebase appointments, bring recent pay stubs dated within 30 days, any cash assistance budget letters, SSI or disability award letters, birth certificates for children, lease or rental agreement, eviction notices, utility bills, and proof of address.
Some people feel ashamed to ask for help. They think needing assistance means they failed. This thinking is wrong and dangerous. Everyone needs help sometimes. Life throws unexpected problems at all of us.
Using available resources shows strength and intelligence, not weakness. Over 25,000 households use Homebase services every year because they were smart enough to ask for help.
Guide2Care eliminates the shame and confusion. Our compassionate team treats every client with respect and dignity. We help you gather documents, understand your options, and move forward with confidence. Reach out today without judgment or shame.
Your Decision Framework: Choosing the Right Housing Program
With so many programs available, how do you pick the right one? Follow this framework to make good decisions.
Start with urgency. If you face immediate eviction, prioritize programs that stop that process. Call 311 right away and ask for the Tenant Helpline. Visit your nearest Homebase for emergency planning.
Emergency appointments at Homebase can happen immediately or the next business day. Contact Right to Counsel for a free lawyer at Housing Court.
Match programs to your situation. Are you currently in shelter or at risk of entering shelter? CityFHEPS specifically serves you and can provide ongoing rental subsidies.
Are you a senior? SCRIE might freeze your rent. Do you have a disability? DRIE and certain supportive housing programs cater to your needs. Are you facing eviction in court? Right to Counsel gives you a free lawyer.
Do you just need help negotiating with your landlord? Mediation services might solve everything without court.
Consider both immediate and long term needs. Some programs give you money now but do not teach you skills for later. Others provide less cash but offer counseling, job training, and ongoing support.
The best choice often combines both. Homebase programs, for example, give rental help while also teaching budgeting, providing job placement assistance, and offering financial counseling.
Think about what happens after. Does this program help you once and disappear? Or does it provide ongoing support?
CityFHEPS provides renewable subsidies that 90 percent of holders renew each year, creating lasting stability. Homebase offers aftercare services for recently relocated households. One time deals help now but leave you on your own later.
Ask questions before committing. What exactly does this program provide? What do they require from you? Do you need to meet with case workers? Attend classes? Provide regular updates?
How long does help last? Can you reapply if you need help again? What happens if your situation changes? Good programs answer these questions clearly.
Guide2Care simplifies this decision. Our team assesses your unique situation and recommends the best combination of programs and services. We handle the complexity so you can focus on stability. Let us guide you through every option available.
Housing Stability Across New York: Local Differences That Matter
New York is a big state with diverse neighborhoods. Housing Stability Programs work slightly differently depending on where you live.
Manhattan has higher rents than other boroughs but also concentrated resources in smaller areas. Organizations like New York Peace Institute offer extensive mediation services. Many legal clinics exist near Housing Courts.
The challenge in Manhattan is often finding affordable apartments, not accessing services. CityFHEPS vouchers now use Fair Market Rent standards that help cover Manhattan’s higher costs.
The Bronx faces high eviction rates but has strong community organizations like BronxWorks that operate Homebase programs. Bronx Housing Court is busy, making free legal services through Right to Counsel essential.
Spanish language services are widely available given the borough’s large Latino population.
Brooklyn combines wealthy areas with neighborhoods facing housing instability. RiseBoro Community Partnership provides comprehensive help through four Homebase sites. CAMBA operates Homebase locations throughout Brooklyn.
The borough’s diversity means services in many languages including Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. Both new immigrants and longtime residents need housing help.
Queens is New York’s most diverse borough. Queens Community House and similar organizations offer culturally specific services. Finding apartments is sometimes easier in Queens than Manhattan, but transportation to jobs can be harder.
Asian language services are particularly strong in Queens given large immigrant communities. Homebase locations throughout Queens serve different neighborhoods.
Staten Island is less dense with fewer programs but still offers help through CAMBA‘s Homebase offices that serve all Staten Island Community Districts. Getting to services might require more travel compared to other boroughs.
However, rents are generally lower, and tight knit communities often provide informal support networks.
No matter which borough you live in, Guide2Care is here to help. We understand the unique challenges in each area and connect you with local resources that work. Contact us to get borough specific assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Stability Programs
How much does it cost to use housing stability services?
Most programs in New York City are completely free. Right to Counsel provides free lawyers regardless of immigration status. Homebase offers free counseling and services at all 23 locations across the five boroughs.
Mediation services through Community Dispute Resolution Centers cost nothing. Never let cost stop you from reaching out for help.
Guide2Care services are designed to be accessible. We help you navigate free programs and ensure you never pay for services that should be free. Learn about our no cost support.
What if I am undocumented? Can I still get help?
Yes. Many housing programs serve people regardless of immigration status. Right to Counsel legal services are available to everyone facing eviction in Housing Court.
Homebase helps anyone experiencing housing crisis. Some programs require legal status, but many do not. Always ask. The worst answer you get is no, but you might discover you qualify for more than you thought.
How long does it take to get rental assistance?
Timelines vary by program. Homebase can schedule initial appointments within five business days, or immediately for emergencies. One Shot Deal emergency assistance can sometimes provide help within days or weeks.
CityFHEPS applications take longer to process, typically several weeks to months. During that processing time, having a pending application often protects you from eviction.
As of January 2026, budget constraints may cause longer wait times for new CityFHEPS vouchers, but existing voucher holders continue receiving support.
What happens if my landlord refuses to participate in programs?
New York City law prohibits source of income discrimination, meaning landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because you have a CityFHEPS voucher or other subsidy.
If your landlord discriminates against your voucher, report it to the City Commission on Human Rights at 718-722-3131 or to the Source of Income discrimination team at 929-221-6576.
Guide2Care advocates for you with landlords. Our mediation services have successfully convinced reluctant landlords to work with tenants. We know how to communicate effectively and protect your rights. Get our help with difficult landlords.
Can I get help if I already owe several months of rent?
Absolutely. Homebase and other programs specifically help people who have fallen behind on rent. CityFHEPS can help pay rental arrears that have built up over time, though these arrear payments are loans you must repay.
Programs understand that people fall behind for legitimate reasons. The key is showing you can maintain payments going forward, perhaps with assistance. Deep arrears do not automatically disqualify you.
Do I have to pay back the rental assistance money?
It depends on the program and type of assistance. CityFHEPS rental subsidies that help pay your ongoing monthly rent are grants you do not repay.
However, if CityFHEPS or Homebase pays your back rent or rental arrears, those arrear payments are loans you must pay back. Most rental assistance for ongoing monthly rent is truly free and goes directly to your landlord.
One-Shot Deal emergency assistance typically does not need to be repaid. Read program terms carefully and ask your case worker to explain what is a grant versus a loan.
What if I have bad credit or past evictions?
These make housing harder but not impossible. Some housing programs help people with difficult backgrounds. Supportive housing serves people with complex histories.
Working with a Homebase case manager shows landlords you are serious about stability. Some programs guarantee rent or offer landlord incentives. Your past does not have to control your future.
The fact that 52,000 households successfully maintain CityFHEPS vouchers shows that many people overcome past challenges.
Guide2Care works with clients who have challenging histories. We help rebuild your housing profile and connect you with landlords willing to give you a second chance. Start fresh with us.
Can these programs help me find a new apartment?
Some can. Homebase helps people search for apartments and works with landlords. When you qualify for CityFHEPS, you receive a Shopping Letter that serves as a helpful tool when speaking with potential landlords or working with a broker.
Rental assistance programs make you more attractive to landlords because rent is guaranteed. Some organizations maintain lists of landlords who accept vouchers.
CityFHEPS can now be used anywhere in New York State, not just the five boroughs, giving you more housing options.
Taking the Next Step: Getting Started Today
You have learned about housing stability programs throughout this guide. Now it is time to take action. Waiting does not make problems smaller. Reaching out today protects your tomorrow.
Your first step is simple: contact Guide2Care. Visit www.guide2care.org or go to our contact page to connect with our experienced team.
We provide crucial support to individuals and families facing housing challenges. Our team works to prevent evictions, offers rental assistance, and connects clients to shelters or long term housing options.
We also help mediate landlord tenant relationships to ensure stability and peace of mind.
You can also call 311 and tell them you need housing assistance. They will ask basic questions about your situation. Then they connect you with the right program.
Visit the nearest Homebase office if you prefer in person help. With 23 locations across all five boroughs open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, walk ins are accepted from 9 am to 4 pm.
Bring identification, recent pay stubs dated within 30 days, any cash assistance documents, lease or rental agreement, eviction notices if you have them, utility bills, and proof of address. Even if you do not have everything, go anyway.
If eviction is immediate, go directly to Housing Court. Under Right to Counsel, you have the legal right to a free lawyer. Do not go to court alone. Attorneys are available there to help you on the spot.
Call Housing Court Answers at 212-962-4795 Tuesday through Thursday 9am to 5pm for immediate advice. With 89 percent of represented tenants staying in their homes, having a lawyer makes all the difference.
Document everything from now forward. Keep copies of all notices from your landlord. Save emails and text messages about your housing situation. Take photos of apartment problems if relevant.
Write down dates and names when you call agencies or meet with counselors. Good records protect you if disputes arise and help programs understand your situation clearly.
Be honest about your situation with everyone trying to help. If you lost your job, say so. If addiction or mental health affected your ability to pay rent, explain. If domestic violence forced you to leave quickly, tell your story.
Programs exist for all kinds of situations. Hiding the truth only limits options. The more counselors know, the better they can help.
Guide2Care provides a judgment-free environment where you can share your whole story. Our team has seen it all and knows how to help in every situation. We treat every client with dignity and respect. Share your story with us today.
Your Housing Stability Starts Now
Every family deserves a safe, stable place to live. You do not have to face housing challenges alone. New York has built a strong network of support specifically for moments like this.
Whether you face eviction, struggle to pay rent, or need a new home, help exists right now.
The programs described in this guide have helped hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers keep their homes. Since Right to Counsel launched in 2017, eviction filings dropped 30 percent and evictions fell 40 percent.
The 52,000 households with active CityFHEPS vouchers represent real families who found stability through assistance. The 25,000 households served by Homebase each year are people just like you who took that first brave step.
Your situation might feel hopeless right now. The pressure might seem overwhelming. But things can get better. With the right help and support, you can achieve housing stability.
You can sleep peacefully knowing your family is safe. You can plan for the future instead of just surviving each day.
The time to act is now. Do not wait for things to get worse. Do not hope problems will solve themselves. Take that first step today. Make that phone call. Visit that office. Start your application.
Remember: housing stability is not just about having an address. It is about peace of mind. It is about security. It is about giving your family the foundation they need to thrive.
When you have stable housing, everything else becomes possible. Children do better in school. Adults can focus on work. Health improves. Relationships strengthen. Communities grow.
Get the Support You Deserve Today with Guide2Care
Your next step is just a phone call away. Guide2Care understands the challenges New York families face with housing stability. Our experienced team helps individuals and families navigate the complex world of rental assistance, eviction prevention, and housing programs.
We provide crucial support including:
Eviction prevention and rental aid We help you access emergency assistance, connect you with CityFHEPS and other voucher programs, and work to stop eviction proceedings before they start.
Shelter and long term housing referrals. When you need immediate safety, we connect you with emergency shelters. When you are ready for permanent housing, we help you find and secure long term options, including supportive housing programs.
Mediation with landlords. Our skilled mediators facilitate productive conversations between you and your landlord. We help negotiate payment plans, resolve maintenance issues, and create agreements that keep you housed while protecting your rights.
Our team speaks multiple languages. We understand the cultural challenges many families face. We treat every client with respect and compassion. We believe everyone deserves help regardless of their background or circumstances.
You do not have to figure this out alone. We stay with you throughout your journey to stable housing. We help with applications. We connect you with legal resources. We advocate for your rights. We ensure you get the comprehensive support you need.
Take action today and start your path to housing stability:
Visit our website at www.guide2care.org to learn more about our services and how we can help your specific situation.
Explore our comprehensive housing stability programs page at Housing Stability Programs to understand exactly what we offer and how each service works.
Contact us directly through our contact page to speak with a team member who can assess your situation and create a personalized action plan.
Do not wait another day. Every moment counts when you face a housing crisis. The sooner you reach out, the more options we have to help you.
Over 25,000 families make that choice every year through Homebase. More than 52,000 households maintain stability through CityFHEPS. Eighty nine percent of tenants with Right to Counsel lawyers stay in their homes.
You can be part of these success stories. But first, you must take that crucial first step.
Your home is worth fighting for. With Guide2Care by your side, you have experienced advocates who know the system, understand your challenges, and will fight alongside you every step of the way.
We have helped countless families just like yours prevent eviction, secure rental assistance, find emergency shelter, negotiate with difficult landlords, and ultimately achieve lasting housing stability.
Your family deserves stability. Your children deserve consistency. You deserve peace of mind.
Housing hope becomes housing reality when you reach out for help. Your journey to housing stability starts now. Do not wait. Do not hesitate.
Contact Guide2Care today for Housing Stability Programs. Access support now. Together, we can achieve the housing stability and peace of mind your family deserves.
