Finding affordable housing in New York City can be a tedious and sometimes frustrating process. In large part it is difficult because many people don't know what organizations to reach out to or what websites to visit. To make things a bit easier below is a list of sites that provide information on renting and buying a home as well as programs to assist in becoming a home owner. Income eligibility is usually listed and most of the programs are for lower to moderate income New Yorkers.
NYC Housing Connect
This site was created to make the process of applying for lotteries in new buildings more efficient. It allows you to make an account and apply online. For those not so tech-savvy they also provide information to make a request by mail for the application.
Urban Homesteading Assistance Board
This organization rehabs buildings that are usually rentals and turns them into cooperatives. This gives former renters the opportunity to become homeowners at an affordable price. Preference is given to those who reside within the buildings community board.
New York City Housing Development Corporation
This is another organization run by the city that build affordable low and moderate income housing. They also work with other organizations to promote affordable apartments in various buildings throughout the city. There is some overlap with the NYC Housing Connect listings.
Mitchell-Lama Housing
Started in 1955, buildings under this program provide affordable rental and limited-equity cooperative housing for moderate and middle income New Yorkers. To get an apartment in one of the developments participating in this program you must apply and go on a waiting list. Some have such large lists that they have closed them and sometimes it can take years to get called. There are some buildings that have short waits or even immediate occupancy and that can be found through the link above.
HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program
Sponsored by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, this program provides assistance of up to $15,000 toward the down payment or closing costs on a 1-4 family home, condominium or cooperative in one of the five boroughs of New York City. There are very strict guidelines for an individual or family to be eligible and this information is provided in the link above.
Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City
NHS serves the metro area of New York and provides assistance to New Yorkers by giving classes in home ownership and finances. They also offer assistance with various loan programs to help buy a home and/or repair one. The classes they give also help individuals to become eligible for programs that will assist with owning a home such as the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance program.
State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA)
This program offers five different mortgage programs to assist first-time home buyers with the purchase of a home in New York State.
See also: Resources for Affordable Housing in NYC