Syracuse organizations that help with rent payments

Syracuse tenants who are delinquent on rent might suddenly find themselves at risk of eviction if it were not for the efforts of local aid agencies. These organizations are able to intervene on behalf of dozens of clients each month who find themselves at risk of homelessness.

Aid agencies receive funding to provide case management and often direct cash funding to at-risk tenants. Many of these clients would face life on the streets if it were not for the assistance provided by these community partners. These are the most active agencies that help clients with rent payments in the Greater Syracuse area.

CNY Services

Syracuse residents who have had any history of mental illness, physical disability or substance abuse may qualify for supportive housing through CNY Services. This nonprofit organization receives funding to provide residential alternatives for lower income households where one or more adults has been in an impaired capacity.

There are multiple tiers of support provided. Some residential options are restricted only to those needing the highest level of care. These include patients discharged from NY state psychiatric hospitals. The rest though are appropriate for those living in the community that have had much more mild symptoms, including those recently recovered from substance abuse or those who have a disability.

Residential choices range from adult care centers to private apartments. More information is available by calling CNY Services at 315-565-4199.

Veteran Housing Support

Veterans may be referred to temporary housing through the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Case managers can provide the necessary referral to the Grant Per Diem Program or Housing First Approach.

Each applicant must provide proof of need and qualifications. A copy of Form DD-214 and pay stubs will be necessary to confirm eligibility for these placements. Some housing is in a group setting while other units are separate.

There are also Supportive Services to Veteran Families (SSVF) grants that can be used to catch up on late rent payments. Those who are already homeless may get help with a security deposit to move into a new apartment. Call 315-425-4400 and request extension 54428.

Public Housing and Section 8 Vouchers

Everyone who works or volunteers in local rental assistance organizations understands how important it is to help financially distressed tenants remain in their homes. The alternatives simply are not very good. Compare these Section 8 figures:

  • The Syracuse Housing Authority claims that 10% of the city’s residents are on the waiting list for Section 8 subsidized rent. Only about 300-400 new applicants are selected from the waiting list each year.
  • Christopher Community states that demand is equally desperate for its Section 8 vouchers.

With wait times running up to 10 years for housing choice vouchers, most applicants simply will be unable to count on receiving long-term rent subsidies. Those that give up on housing choice vouchers and apply for residency in a public housing project don’t fare much better. They still have to wait for a couple thousand applicants on those waiting lists also.

DSS

The Onondaga County Department of Social Services can provide emergency financial aid in some limited situations. Each client must provide full documentation of household income and family size.

A social worker will review a budget and make a decision on possible aid based on the merits of the situation. Recent temporary hardship situations could increase the amount of funding approved. To schedule an appointment for financial aid, call 315-435-2726 or visit the office on Montgomery Street.

New York State Dept of Housing & Community Renewal

DHCR operates one apartment community for Seniors at McCarthy Manor in Syracuse. Call 315-475-6390 for information.

There are three locations reserved for families in Syracuse. These special housing units can provide cheaper rent than what many tenants are currently paying. It can be a great alternative to unaffordable rent.

  • Loguen Homes on Maple Street. Call 315-234-4436.
  • Parkside Commons on E. Fayette Street. Call 315-475-5027.
  • Seneca Garden Apartments on Riverdale Avenue. Call 315-469-3013.

Also in Onondaga County are the Bayshore Apartments on Chalkstone Course in Brewerton. Families may call 315-668-9696. Greenway Apartments are also reserved for families. They are located on Oberon Drive in Baldwinsville. Call 315-337-1400.

Low Cost Rental Loans

While the consumer finance companies may market loans to tenants who need quick cash, these types of loans are generally unaffordable for a family who is struggling to pay rent. Often it can further mire the family in hardship for a longer period of time and interfere with other financial needs, such as food and utilities.

These credit unions could be a better option for an applicant who is employed and has reasonable credit:

  • SECNY Federal Credit Union has an open membership policy for Onondaga County residents. They truly do Serve Everyone in Central New York. We found rates ranging from 8.5-10.5% (at press time), making these loans half the cost of credit cards. Call 315-469-5599.
  • AmeriCU Credit Union also approves membership to local residents. Call 800-388-2000 to find out how to join.
  • Empower Federal Credit Union has low rates on unsecured personal loans that can be used for short-term rental assistance needs. Call 315-477-2200 for details.

Other credit unions are located in Syracuse and can offer low rates on loans. Community banks also have competing products, although loan rates may be slightly higher. Personal loans can be a better alternative to eviction and homelessness.