As a long-time (40 years) community-based organization committed to preserving affordable housing and bringing resources to our community, UNHP has seen the effects of ever-rising rents on Bronx residents, and their continued need to find affordable, decent housing. While the Bronx has some of the lowest rents in the city, apartments remain unaffordable for its residents. Most Bronx tenants are rent-burdened paying more than 30% of their incomes towards rents. Renting rooms and doubling up is common in the Bronx as families and individuals seek to remain housed. New affordable housing is needed as well as the preservation and improvement of existing rental units.
Housing Connect
Housing Connect, New York City’s online affordable housing lottery, is meant to give equal access to individuals among the five boroughs seeking affordable, quality rental apartments constructed in part with public funds. UNHP has recently made changes to the Housing Connect services that we offer housing seekers. UNHP is no longer able to provide a personal level of ongoing assistance with Housing Connect applications and is no longer a NYC Housing Ambassador. We encourage housing seekers to learn to use the site by looking at the videos found on this page and to enlist the help of a friend or family member if you need help with your applications due to technology issues.
Though UNHP no longer has the capacity to work with housing seekers in the first stages of the Housing Connect application process, don't fear—you and your family may continue to utilize other UNHP services and resources throughout the application process and your search for housing.
Throughout all of these steps, make sure you have the necessary financial documents at hand in case you are selected for an interview; often applicants only have 10-15 days to gather PDFs of the required documents. Your best chance to win a unit involves regularly updating income information and checking for new lotteries often. For more detailed information about what to expect from the Housing Connect application process, read this blog post written by UNHP staff in July 2021.
Tips for Housing Stability
We must emphasize that Housing Connect is NOT a quick solution to your housing problems. The process is lengthy, and there is no guarantee that your applications will be successful. Many people are seeking more affordable, clean, and safe apartments by applying for Housing Connect, but there are many other useful resources available.. The following are our tips and suggestions for tenants who are looking to increase their housing stability:
Additionally, if you are interested in working with your community to influence housing policy and demand improvements to Housing Connect services, we invite you to join Bronx AHORA - a group of frustrated housing seekers who are sharing their experiences with local policymakers in order to create change. If interested, email Cathy at clarke@unhp.org.
Housing Connect
Housing Connect, la lotería de viviendas asequibles de la ciudad de Nueva York, tiene el objetivo de brindar acceso igual a personas que buscan apartamentos asequibles de buena calidad construidos en parte con fondos públicos. Recientemente, UNHP hizo cambios en los servicios de Housing Connect que ofrecemos a las personas que buscan vivienda. UNHP ya no puede brindar el mismo nivel personal de asistencia con Housing Connect y ya no es un Embajador de Vivienda. Le recomendamos que aprenda a utilizar el sitio con los vídeos que se encuentran en esta página y que solicite la ayuda de un amigo o familiar si necesita ayuda con sus solicitudes debido a problemas tecnológicos.
Aunque UNHP ya no tiene la capacidad de trabajar con solicitantes de vivienda en los primeros pasos del proceso de solicitud de Housing Connect, no se preocupe. Usted y su familia pueden continuar utilizando otros servicios y recursos de UNHP durante todo el proceso de solicitud y su búsqueda de vivienda:
A lo largo de todos estos pasos, asegúrese de tener a mano los documentos financieros necesarios en caso de que sea seleccionado para una entrevista. A menudo, los solicitantes sólo tienen entre 10 y 15 días para recopilar los documentos requeridos. Su mejor oportunidad de ganar una unidad consiste en actualizar periódicamente la información de ingresos y comprobar con frecuencia las nuevas loterías.
Para Estabilizar Su Vivienda
Debemos enfatizar que Housing Connect NO es una solución rápida a sus problemas de vivienda. El proceso es largo y no hay garantía de que sus solicitudes tengan éxito. Muchas personas buscan apartamentos más asequibles, limpios y seguros con Housing Connect, pero hay muchos otros recursos útiles disponibles. Las siguientes son nuestras recomendaciones para los inquilinos que buscan condiciones de vivienda más seguras:
Además, si está interesado en trabajar con su comunidad para influir en la política de vivienda y exigir mejoras en los servicios de Housing Connect, lo invitamos a unirse a Bronx AHORA, un grupo de inquilinos frustrados que comparten sus experiencias con los políticos locales para generar cambios. Si está interesado, envíe un correo electrónico a Jumelia a jumelia@unhp.org.
Housing Resources • Recursos de Vivienda
“I’ve wondered many times, how are they making so many buildings everywhere, and why can’t you find housing? My God, what is going on? You see the construction and the empty buildings and still you struggle to find a place to live.”
— Milady, Bronx AHORA member