HLI Blog! A library of information about the homeless
We have over 350 blogs about homelessness, to find the topic you are looking for, enter your question in the search icon, or simply scroll or see our different catagories.

Filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy on your own can feel overwhelming, especially when facing a foreclosure sale. Knowing exactly what forms to file and how to handle deferred payments can make a critical difference. This guide breaks down the minimal forms you need to file pro se Chapter 13 bankruptcy and explains how to stop a foreclosure sale effectively.

Starting a business while receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a smart way to increase your income and gain independence. But many people worry about how forming an LLC or an S Corporation might affect their SSI benefits. The truth is, there are hidden traps in these business structures that could unintentionally reduce or even eliminate your benefits if you’re not careful. This post will help you understand those risks and how to protect your SSI while pursuin

Finding stable housing and reliable food sources after re-entry can be a major challenge for many individuals on Long Island. The Department of Social Services (DSS) offers critical support to help people transition smoothly during this difficult period. This guide explains how to navigate DSS services for emergency housing and food assistance, providing practical steps and resources to make the process clearer and more manageable.

Finding stable employment after incarceration remains one of the biggest challenges for many returning citizens. On Long Island, several companies and organizations are stepping up to offer fair chance employment opportunities. These efforts help reduce recidivism, support community reintegration, and provide a fresh start for individuals eager to rebuild their lives. This post explores the landscape of fair chance hiring on Long Island, highlights companies that actively rec

Access to technology remains a challenge for many residents on Long Island, New York. While smartphones and computers have become essential tools for communication, education, and employment, not everyone can afford them or knows how to use them effectively. To address this issue, several programs on Long Island offer free cell phones and computer literacy labs, helping bridge the digital divide and open new opportunities for underserved communities.

Reentering society after incarceration presents many challenges, especially when it comes to mental health and substance use recovery. On Long Island, individuals face unique obstacles but also have access to a variety of support services designed to help them rebuild their lives. Understanding these resources and how to access them can make a significant difference in successful reintegration. Community health center providing recovery services on Long Island Understanding t

Regaining your footing after release can feel overwhelming, especially when you lack essential identification and documents. Without these, accessing housing, employment, healthcare, and social services becomes a major challenge. This guide walks you through the steps to secure your ID and vital documents quickly and efficiently on Long Island, New York, helping you rebuild your life with confidence.

Restoring rights after a legal setback can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves essential parts of daily life like voting, banking, and clearing your legal record. In New York, understanding how to regain these rights can open doors to full participation in society. This guide breaks down the key steps and options available to help you reclaim your rights and move forward with confidence.

Trade programs and tuition-free vocational training offer practical pathways to rewarding careers without the burden of student debt. On Long Island, these options have grown in availability and variety, providing residents with accessible routes to skilled trades and technical professions. This post explores the opportunities available, how to access them, and what benefits they bring to individuals and the community.

The New York State Capitol building in Albany stands as a symbol of government, history, and justice. Beyond its striking architecture, it serves as the place where important legal processes take place, including the restoration of legal rights for many New Yorkers. Understanding this building and the rights restoration process can help residents navigate their path toward regaining full citizenship privileges.

New York State’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) strictly enforces the "no release to the streets" rule, meaning a parole officer or counselor must formally approve a residential address before he can walk out. If family or friends cannot provide a temporary address, the state must coordinate an emergency or transitional placement. Here is exactly what you need to do right now, and what you should tell him. Upstate to Long Island: Reentry Housing

This blog, addresses of the inmate that becomes born again and it released from jail.

Reentering society after incarceration presents many challenges. Finding meaningful ways to contribute and rebuild life is crucial for recently released inmates. Volunteer organizations on Long Island offer valuable opportunities for these individuals to engage with their communities, develop skills, and regain confidence. This post explores several volunteer programs that welcome recently released inmates, highlighting how these initiatives support positive change and succes

Reentering society after incarceration presents a complex set of challenges that many released inmates face daily. The transition from prison walls back into the community is often fraught with barriers that can hinder success and increase the risk of recidivism. Understanding these obstacles and adopting effective strategies can make a significant difference in helping individuals rebuild their lives, regain independence, and contribute positively to society. Community cente

inmates in New York state prisons can request facility transfers (which may involve cell changes), but cell-specific changes within the same jail are handled via appeals for housing status like protective custody or segregation. Procedures vary by security level and require good disciplinary records

Securus Technologies dominates NY state prisons (DOCCS) with free calls since Aug 2025 (1.5¢/min state-paid) via tablets/phones, plus video visits and tablets for messaging/education. Access Corrections (GTL/ViaPath) serves many county jails with paid calls (e.g., $2.25-$9.95/15min) and tablets; NYC jails use free calls, but legacy systems differ. Usage: Create a Securus account online/app; fund Access accounts via kiosks/website.

Short Summary: Use NY State DOCCS lookup for prisons (DIN/NYSID/name); NYC DOC lookup for city jails; county sheriff sites or SCOC locators for other counties; VINE for notifications; WebCrims for court/criminal records (not direct inmate locator). Central hub: scoc.ny.gov links all systems. Create accounts for release alerts

This guide provides crucial tips for individuals facing incarceration in Riverhead or Yaphank jail. Learn how to navigate relationships with

Summary: The cycle of homelessness to incarceration is a complex issue faced by many in Long Island, New York. Addressing this revolving door requires a multifaceted approach, including access to mental health resources, social services, legal aid, and community support systems. This blog outlines key strategies and resources to help break this cycle.