Homeless Prevention
Dedicated to preventing homelessness on Long Island, one house hold at a time, we provide support and resources to individuals and families in need. Through advocacy and community partnerships, we strive to create a brighter future for those facing housing insecurity.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
We receive many calls from people at the last minute—just before or right after they’ve been evicted. Others reach out after making a "cash for keys" deal with the bank that repossessed their home, or with a landlord who paid them to leave immediately. Unfortunately, these calls often come the night before or the morning of their hotel checkout, when their money has run out—or worse, when they’re already on the streets. This page is here to help you take action weeks or even months before that point. Our goal is to give you a buffer of security, hope, and a plan—whether that means staying where you are or helping you get safely housed and stable.
The Resource! The Link on this page that you skipped over just may be what your looking for. Take your time if you have any questions call us.
You Have Rights
The only person who can legally remove you from your home is the sheriff—and only after a judge has signed a judgment authorizing it.
A landlord cannot evict you on their own. If a landlord threatens to remove you or tries to force you out, call the police immediately.
To learn the eviction process: click here
Care Coordinator's
If you are having difficulty navigating the information on this page it is recommended that you engage the help of a Care Coordinator or Social Worker. Part of a Care Coordinators job is to help you to search for housing if you are becoming unhoused and your health will be in a vulnerable state. A network of organizations and local resources across Long Island provides comprehensive support for individuals and families facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use issues. **Family Service League**, **New Horizons**, **Options for Community Living**, and **WellLife Network** offer a range of services including housing assistance, case management, mental health counseling, and recovery support across multiple locations. **Victory Recovery Partners** specializes in addiction treatment and wellness services, including medication-assisted treatment and behavioral health care. The **Long Island Coalition for the Homeless** coordinates advocacy, outreach, and emergency support for those experiencing homelessness. In addition, many **local libraries in Suffolk and Nassau counties** now have social workers or interns available to connect visitors with vital social services, housing resources, and community support. Together, these providers create a strong safety net dedicated to stabilizing lives and empowering individuals toward long-term recovery and housing stability.
List of Care Cooriginators
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Family Service League: Multiply locations: Website
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Long Island Coalition for the Homeless: Phone: 631-464-4314 Website
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New Horizons: Ten locations click on link for information Website
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Options For Community Living: Three locations: Website
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Well Life: Multiply locations: Website
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Many Local Libraries have Social Workers or Social Work Interns. Suffolk Library directory, Nassau county libraries
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Victory Recovery Partners: Five locations click on link for information Website
Income Stability
Achieving Income Stability
One of the most effective ways to prevent homelessness is by securing income stability. Researching employment resources, job training programs, financial education, and benefits such as disability, SNAP, or unemployment assistance can greatly help. By stabilizing your income, you reduce the risk of eviction, housing insecurity, and the cycle of poverty. Our goal is to empower individuals with the tools and support needed to achieve consistent income and long-term housing stability. Another important step is to save money, which is easier than you might think. We recommend the audiobook The Richest Man in Babylon. It’s an excellent starting point, regardless of your income level, and will teach you effective strategies for saving money.
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There are several approaches to help individuals at risk of homelessness find work and achieve long-term stability: Click here
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Hiring Now: Opportunities in the Food Industry: Click here
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Are you on SSI learn how to keep more than $2,000 in the bank. If you have a significant disability occurring before age 26 Click here
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SSI/SSDI: All you need to know: Click here
The Richest Man In Babylon
Are you tired of the financial struggle? This book is a good start to help you get financially stable.
The Richest Man in Babylon! Unlock the Secrets to Financial Freedom—Told Through Ancient Wisdom That Still Works Today The Richest Man in Babylon isn’t just a book—it’s a life-changing guide disguised as a timeless story. Set in the ancient city of Babylon, it shares simple but powerful financial principles through parables that are easy to understand and impossible to forget. You’ll meet characters like Arkad—the richest man in Babylon—who went from humble beginnings to enormous wealth by following a few key rules: pay yourself first, live below your means, invest wisely, and never stop learning. This book breaks down what schools rarely teach: how to master money without being a genius or earning a fortune. Whether you're drowning in debt, trying to save, or dreaming of financial freedom, these lessons will stick with you and push you into action. Reading or listening to this book takes just a few hours—but what you learn can change your entire future. If you're tired of struggling financially or just want to build better habits with money, The Richest Man in Babylon is your blueprint. It’s short, powerful, and could be the smartest investment of time you ever make. You can also find the paper back on Amazon, or for free in PDF by doing a google search
Housing and Other Helpful Resources
Family Development Centers through EOC
Nassau: Services Include "Housing Search" : EOC of Nassau County, Inc Family Development Centers Website 516-546-6121
Suffolk: Family Development Programs Long Island, Family Development Services Housing Search Website 631-289-2124
New Ground
New Ground provides services in many key areas including finances, education, employment, housing searches, and more to help you secure permanent, stable housing. Website
CAIR Centers: (Suffolk)
CAIR offers free walk-in or phone support to those facing problems such as food shortage, utility shutoff or potential loss of housing. Professionally trained staff and volunteers connect you to the appropriate program, government agency or other community resource. (Multiple Locations).
Community Advocacy, Information & Referral (CAIR) - Family Service 631-427-3700 website
CTC Center: By The INN / Hempstead (Nassau): - Housing Search & Housing Issue Assistance: 516-486-6243 / Website
Provides listings of available rentals on Long Island, information on tenant's rights, free legal consultations, and financial assistance resources for tenants. This program is available in English and Spanish, in person, by phone or videoconferencing. phone 631-754-0373 or email
Help with housing they also have many types of Peer Support along with a Great Room Lunch - Snacks - Showers and Massage Chairs. For Employment Assistance ask for Samantha Grimaldi
Legal Aid & Eviction Prevention
Legal Services of Long Island
LSLI are highly experienced in poverty law and, from the beginning, have focused on cases dealing with the survival needs of people with low incomes, involving shelter, food, healthcare, eviction defense family issues, and so much more. LSLI have three locations Click Here for contact information
Nassau & Suffolk County Bar Associations
Lawyers have to do a certain amount of pro bono work as part of there continued education, you can call them and ask them to refer you to a lawyer pro bono, Suffolk Bar Association Click Here Nassau Click here
Legal Hand of Long Island
At Legal Hand, we provide free legal information, assistance and referrals to help you resolve issues that affect your life in areas like housing, family, consumer debt, immigration, domestic violence, public benefits, employment and many more. Terri Tupper, our Crisis Housing Specialist, is available to help—please ask for her by name."
Nassau - Awaiting Eviction or needing to prevent eviction:
In Nassau the first place to call is the "HPO" or Homeless Prevention Office: Nassau County residents with 14 day eviction notice are directed to call, ESG 516-571-0090. All other inquiries, please call the ESG Homeless Prevention line at 516-572-2330. Emergency grants: Click here
Nassau County DSS offers assistance with rental arrears and must always be the first place you apply for rental arrears. ESG requires a denial from DSS as do the non-profits that distribute the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) monies, which also can assist with rental arrears.
Reasonable Accommodations Section
Are you experiencing mental or physical challenges and need shelter or housing? Under the Fair Housing Act, Article § 3604(3)(B) – Reasonable Accommodation Act, you have the right to request your own room and bathroom if your condition prevents you from safely sharing communal spaces in a shared setting. To exercise this right, you’ll need a letter from your doctor stating your disability and the specific accommodations necessary for your health. Click the link below to learn more about the letter requirements. Do you have a life partner or an adult child and wish to live together, but DSS policies are preventing it? You may need a reasonable accommodation letter from your doctor. Click the link below to learn more about the letter requirements.
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Epic sample List of Reasonable Accommodation Letters for Housing. Sample Letters for a Person with Pets. Person with Mental Conditions. Person with Physical Conditions. Non married couple, or adult children who need to live with parents: Click Here
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The Department of Social Services Americans with Disabilities Act Reasonable Accommodations Suffolk County Click Here Nassau County Click here
Contact: 631-388-7471
Oscar Pardo
Bilingual Licensed Mental health Counselor. Who can Help you with your Reasonable Accommodation letter.
My name is Oscar Pardo and I am a bilingual Licensed Mental health Counselor. I strive to provide professional, empathetic, and high-quality psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and children. With a strong foundation in cognitive, behavioral, family, and social dynamics, I work collaboratively with my clients to foster personal growth and meaningful change. Whether you're facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or stress management, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and goals. Including Fair Housing Act 3604 (3) (B) Reasonable Accommodation act letters, to those who qualify. I am currently taking most insurance and work with non- insurance clients as well. Let's work together and face your challenges in a healthy manner.
Housing Assistance & Subsidies For People with Disabilities or Elderly:
Family Service League
SILO (Suffolk)
LICIL (Nassau)
RISEWELL - formerly Federation of Organizations
Suffolk County Help Hotline
Family Service League (FSL) Helps seniors seeking companionship and purpose and the homeless senior seeking shelter. along with many other services. 1-631-647-3100
SILO (Suffolk) - 631-880-7929 (Ask about eligibility OLMSTEAD, RTHP, NHTD and TBI Waiver Programs which can come with Housing Subsidies)
Long Island Center for Independent Living. Ask about OLMSTEAD, RTHP, NHTD and TBI Waiver Programs which can come with Housing Subsidies - Nassau Residents will be redirected to "SILO" in Suffolk for information about these programs: 516-796-0144
POWER Program (Based in Suffolk County): - Serves people with Mental Illness: (631) 669-5355 Homeless Services Website
Crisis Hotline Available 24/7 Phone 631-751-7500
A Place For Mom (Seniors)
A Place for Mom, we simplify the search for senior care by connecting you with a local, personal Senior Living Advisor who can help you understand your options. Providing a personalized list of communities in your area that meet your budget and needs Supplying information and resources to inform your planning and decision making Setting up community tours and streamlining move-in Offering our services completely free for families* If you’re still looking for the perfect place for you or your loved one to call home, we’re standing by to help. A Place for
Mom — Your Senior Living Experts. Click Here
Talk to an expert advisor Call (888) 900-2410
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX
CONNECT with a LIBRARY SOCIAL WORKER
Most Long Island Libraries have Social Workers who can assist you with navigating the resources we provide for you. If you cannot find a Library near you with a Social Worker or Intern, then you can Contact the Patchogue - Medford Library who can help anyone in NYS. You can make an appointment to go to the Library and meet the Social Worker.
Patchogue - Medford Library: (Helps anyone in NYS) Bi-Lingual
Social Workers and Help – Patchogue-Medford Library
Email: Email the Social Workers – Patchogue-Medford Library (pmlib.org)
Help with paying for Motels:
St. Vincent De Paul: sometimes they will help pay for a night or 2 in a motel when funds are available
www.svdpli.org/conferences :
Live Your Cor Foundation:
https://www.liveyourcor.com/store/c1/Live_Your_Cor.html
Also try Local Fraternal Organizations & Church Outreaches
Camp Grounds
The State, Nassau & Suffolk County Campgrounds: Click Here
Always Be on the Lookout for Rentals
Wherever you go—whether you're walking, driving, or browsing online—look for rental signs, community boards, and local listings. Places to look to name a few, grocery stores, laundromats, libraries.
Word of mouth, ask around if anyone knows of a rental.
Need to find an Apartment
Any and all rental apps and websites to help find that dream home: Click here
Help with Resume
If you need help writing a resume, there are several great resources available. Local career centers, workforce development offices, and public libraries often offer free resume-writing assistance, including one-on-one support from career counselors or job coaches. Community organizations and nonprofits that support employment and housing—such as Family Service League or Options for Community Living—may also have staff or volunteers who can help. Additionally, many colleges and adult education programs offer workshops or resume review services, even if you’re not currently a student. You can also use free online tools like Canva, Zety, or Indeed Resume , youtube has tutorials, and also Artificial intelligences (AI) websites or apps to create a clean, professional resume. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—having a strong resume can open doors to better opportunities.
Dress For Success
Dressing for success is key when it comes to job interviews—it’s your first chance to make a strong impression. The way you present yourself shows that you’re serious, respectful, and ready to represent the company professionally. Even if the job has a casual dress code, showing up neat, clean, and well-groomed can set you apart and show that you take the opportunity seriously. Your appearance speaks before you do—make sure it says you’re confident and prepared.
Need Professional Clothing free for a Job Interview?
You can receive a suit or professional dress attire through the June Kirby Suits Career Couture Program, located at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788.
For more information, call 631-853-6769.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Section 8, and finding affordable housing.
Here’s where you can find ideas, tips, secrets, and special policies for living in affordable housing.
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/hud-section-8-low.../
Having trouble finding a landlord who will accept your housing voucher?
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/section-8-hud-housing.../
Housing Choice Voucher Program Guidebook
https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/housing-choice-vouchers-guidebook
How is My Rent Calculated? (HUD, Section 8 & Low Income Housing)
Does a Landlord have to accept my voucher?
https://affordablehousingonline.com/source-of-income...
How do payment standards and utility allowances work?
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/payment-standards-in.../
Porting (moving to another housing authority)
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/porting-and-moving-with.../
Twelve Reasons NOT to Port Your Housing Voucher
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/porting-section-8.../
My Housing Worker Says I Can’t Port Because It Costs Too Much $
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/my-housing-worker-says.../
Guide to Porting New Housing Vouchers Without Waiting 12 Months
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/guide-to-porting-new.../
Alder’s Letter for Exception to Porting Policies
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/alders-request-to-port.../
How to request a reasonable accommodation
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/extra-special-benefits.../
How to show your request is disability related or describe it
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/how-to-make-sure-your.../
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/how-do-i-describe-my.../
Getting reinstated on a waiting list
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/shemeka-gets-her-spot.../
How to get longer search time or your voucher back
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/four-common-reasons-for.../
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/sample-letter-for.../
Medical expense deductions
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/who-gets-medical.../
What Counts as a Medical Expense for Housing?
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/what-counts-as-a.../
Sample Letter for Medical Expense Deduction for Assistance Animal
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/sample-letter-for.../
Disability Assistance Expense Paid
(Daycare expenses for older disabled child to allow you to work)
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/disability-assistance.../
Overnight Guests
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/seven-tips-for-staying.../
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/how-to-request-a.../
Earned income disregard
https://www.tenmast.com/earned-income-disallowance-eid.../
http://www.hireabilitieshawaii.org/understanding-the-hud.../
Center on Community Living and Careers
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/cclc/community/housing.html
Buying a house with Sec 8
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/24/982.317
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx...
Moving to work housing authorities (exception to many rules)
https://www.hud.gov/.../public.../programs/ph/mtw/mtwsites
Rights for Domestic Violence victims
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/how-to-show-a.../
Violence Against Women Act VAWA
https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/17-08PIHN.PDF
How to get help or file a complaint
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/get-help-or-file.../
Where to look for places to rent
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/section-8-hud-housing.../
www.gosection8.com www.socialserve.com www.trulia.com www.zillow.com www.craigslist.com www.hotpads.com
Don't have section 8?
How to use the HUD map (some accept section
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/.../how-to-search-and.../
How to find housing for people with disabilities
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/how-to-find-yourself-a.../
Subsidized Housing. How to find housing that charges 30% of your income
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/.../how-to-find.../
How to get affordable housing without a voucher
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/.../how-to-find-super.../
More ideas to try to find affordable housing
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/a-long-long-long-list.../
How to find open section 8 waiting lists
https://affordablehousingonline.com/open-section-8...
How to find open public housing and project based voucher waiting lists
https://affordablehousingonline.com/public-housing...
For everyone:
Check Facebook marketplace, ask your housing authority for a list of apartments/ landlords (check their website), check newspapers, drive/walk around if possible, check grocery stores, laundromats, libraries and other places for ads, contact real estate agents
How to be poor in America
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/.../how-to-be-poor-in.../
How to Have a Great Life even with Disabling Conditions:
Affordable Housing Search Tools
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HUD Affordable Housing Search
Search for HUD-subsidized housing by location. (You may need to enable location services on your device.) 👉 Visit HUD Housing Search -
211 Long Island Browse local services by category.➤ Go to “Directory of Services” → “Basic Needs” → “Housing/Shelter” 👉 Visit 211 Long Island
📍 Suffolk County Housing Resources
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Federally Subsidized Housing in Suffolk County
A comprehensive list of federally subsidized housing complexes. 👉 View the List -
Real Estate Agencies & Brokers
A list of licensed agents and brokers who can assist with housing in Suffolk County.
👉 View Real Estate Contacts
Affordable Housing
Find Affordable Rental Housing | USAGov
AffordableHousing.com - Affordable Houses & Apartments For Rent
How to Find Nice Affordable Housing Quickly By Applying Elsewhere – How to Get On (wordpress.com)
How I Got Affordable Housing When the Wait Lists Were Closed – How to Get On (wordpress.com)
How Can I Get Emergency or Immediate Housing?
How Can I Get Emergency or Immediate Housing? – How to Get On (wordpress.com)
How to use HUD MAPS to find affordable housing:
How to Use the HUD Map to Find Affordable Housing – How to Get On (wordpress.com)
Federally Assisted Housing Complexes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/164KMIKMyxA9-8cWluB0c6sEcVj7dTXljKTtlr-qhBik/edit?usp=sharing