Housing and Legal Assistance

1. Comprehensive Immigrants Rights Document compiled by City Council Member Alexa Aviles:

1. NYCHA self service portal

     2. Free legal assistance from LHNY (Law Help NY) 

    3. The NYC Bar Association’s City Bar Justice Center offers legal resources to help New Yorkers:  

• Their CBJC Legal Hotline at (212) 626-7383 is staffed by attorneys who offer free advice to low-income callers on a range of civil– not criminal– legal issues in English and Spanish (other languages available by using interpreter services).

  Hours:Monday through Thursday from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

  Closed 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily

• The NYC Bar Association’s Legal Referral Service is open: (212) 626-7373 for English, (212) 626-7374 for Spanish.  If you are referred, the initial virtual or phone consultation will be $35 or free, depending on the type of case, and will last for up to 30 minutes.

  4. NMIC Legal Services prioritizes residents in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx — to receive assistance on a variety of issues:

  • Accessing benefits

  • Education and Career Services 

  • Housing 

  • Immigration 

    5. JustFix.nyc  has a tool,Emergency HP Action that impowers  tenants against landlords who are neglecting essential repairs or harassing tenants. Emergency HP Action allows tenants to sue landlords from any device that connects to the internet– saving a trip to Housing Court. Learn more here

    6. When home isn’t safe, domestic violence survivors can find services 24/7 at nyc.gov/NYCHOPE, 1-800-621-HOPE(4673) or 911 for emergencies. NYS has a texting program and confidential service to help New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence.  We want you to know: You are not alone and you do not have to stay in a dangerous situation. We will help you. Text 844-997-2121 or visit www.opdv.ny.gov to confidentially chat with a professional at any time of day or night.

    7. The New York State Bar Association offers free assistance with unemployment claims filing and appeals

    8. The Goddard Riverside Law Project  provides free legal services and tenant-organizing support to low-income residents on the west side of Manhattan in order to preserve affordable housing and improve living conditions.

    9. Legal Services NYC legal assistance hotline 917-661-4500 Monday-Friday 9:30 am -4 pm. The staff can take calls in any language. 

    10. For help with applying to affordable housing, please check out HPD’s resource guide, “Ready, Set, Apply!” (Click here for English (PDF)– or here for other languages.) The HPD (Housing, Preservation and Development) site is here

    Those needing assistance with housing subjects can call the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants by asking for them at 311. 

    11. Cooling Assistance

    • The NYC Human Resources Administration offers a “Cooling Assistance” benefit, which helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. Learn more and apply here.
    • The City is also providing free air conditioners to lower-income seniors who pre-qualify based on their enrollment in City benefits programs. You must be 60 years or older, and not currently have an AC. City case managers are reaching out to eligible seniors directly. Call 311 with questions. NYCHA residents can also call (718) 707-7771. (NYCHA residents of any age who have a mobility impairment, and/or that are on life sustaining equipment may also be eligible.)
    • HEAP The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes