I’m interested in a grant for rent in Brooklyn, NY

(Request from Jessie in Brooklyn, New York) Interested in a grant for rent.

Dear Jessie,

Congratulations on realizing that rental assistance grants are preferred to rental loans. They don’t have to be repaid, so there is no worry about monthly payments or interest. That being said, understand that Brooklyn rental assistance programs only provide grants to lower income households who are facing eviction. There are a few qualifications that must be met by each program, with some programs being more strict than others.

Coalition for the Homeless

You may want to consider whether you may need serious rental assistance intervention. This is the type that is necessary to prevent an immediate eviction.

Coalition for the Homeless is an emergency housing partnership that works to keep hundreds of people from becoming homeless. Direct cash grants are not a common feature of this program, as it focuses more on emergency shelter.

However, you will find that the Coalition for the Homeless does provide a substantial referral network to the smaller charities and faith-based organizations that do provide rental assistance grants. A referral could help you get matched up with an organization that can offer a grant for rent in Brooklyn or surrounding areas.

The first step is to contact Coalition for the Homeless and inquire about the possibilities. You will want to schedule an appointment to meet with a case manager who can then help steer you into a referral to a qualifying program that can help with cash assistance.

Family Eviction Prevention Supplement

If you are facing an eviction and need a grant for rent in Brooklyn to avoid the eviction, then you may potentially qualify for the Family Eviction Prevention Supplement. This benefit is paid to applicants who are receiving public assistance.

Households that include minor children who are still in high school may qualify if an eviction is being pursued by the landlord. Evictions must be based on back rent owed, not other violations of the lease (noise, damage, etc.). Your local social services agencies (known as Human Resources Administration/HRA Centers) can help you apply.

Housing Choice Vouchers

The most common form of rental assistance grants are subsidies that are paid on an extended basis. Rather than getting a one-time cash infusion, you may actually qualify for permanent rent checks that are paid to your landlord. You would be responsible for only a portion.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is paid for by federal housing grants which are distributed by HRA Centers in Brooklyn. Simply contact your local HRA Center to speak with an intake counselor about gaining access to the program.

Brooklyn HRA Centers

Contact your local office to find out about rental assistance. Job search assistance is generally mandated in order to receive help with rent.

  • Bayridge Center, 6740 Fourth Ave. Call 718-921-2084.
  • Bushwick Center, 30 Thornton St. Call 718-963-5120.
  • Clinton Hill Center, 495 Clermont Ave. Call 929-221-0922.
  • Coney Island Center, 3050 West 21st St. Call 718-333-3100
  • Dekalb Center, 500 Dekalb Ave. Call 718-636-2495.
  • Family Services Call Center, 275 Bergen St. Call 718-694-8647.
  • Michael J Handy Veterans’ Service Center, 25 Chapel St. 6th Flr. 718-473-8313.
  • Refugee Center, 88 3rd Ave. 1st Flr. Call 718-250-4443.

Metropolitan Council on Housing

You may get help with rental assistance grants by obtaining a referral from the Metropolitan Council on Housing. The organization operates a tenant’s rights hotline on certain weekday afternoons. No cash is provided by the agency, but it can refer you to agencies that do provide grants for rent in Brooklyn, Queens and other areas of New York City.

Call the hotline at 212-979-0611 for more information about the programs that you may qualify for. Be prepared to answer simple screening questions which are designed to gauge your need for rental assistance grants and other emergency rental aid programs.