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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 kick you out. If a landlord threatens to remove you or tries to force you out, call the police immediately. 

To learn the eviction process: click  here

Are You Homeless? Or About To Go Homeless?
  • Are you suicidal? Or do you just need to talk? Call Suicide Hotline. Call now
  • Are you about to be evicted? 
  1. Long Island Coalition for the homeless: Click here
  2. How to do an OSC (order to show cause) to stay the eviction.​ Click here
  3. Every App and website  to help you find that dream home. Click here
  4. Are you about to go homeless? Click here
  5. Shared rooms in central Suffolk county for rent. Click here
  6. DSS Emergency housing: Click here Save the 14 day notice from the sheriff, you will need it to show proof of homelessness.​
  • Is your house in foreclosure? Click here​
  • Are you a senior? Are you mentally or physically challenged? Click here
  • It doesn't matter how much income you have! click here to learn how to save.​

If you're at risk it's time to start planning for possible homelessness.

If You're Reading This, It's Time to Act. If you're reading this, you may feel like you're out of options and out of time — but you are not alone. If you're starting to feel financially unstable or at risk of losing your housing, it’s critical to take action now. Begin gathering your identification, income records, and other important documents. If you do not have a vehicle, prepare a “bug-out bag” with essentials you can carry. If you do have a car, begin packing it — but only bring the most important items. You want to be mobile and prepared, not weighed down. We recommend only what fits in your trunk or a single backpack. Contact local resources immediately: your nearest Department of Social Services (DSS) office, Family Service League, or the SOS Department at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless at 631-464-4314 ext. 170. You can also call Homeless Long Island at 631-260-1363 for immediate guidance and support. Know Long Island Resources Before You Need Them

Packing essentials

Click on this link to learn what to pack, and if you need a storage unit, click here

Help with Rent, and Storage Unit Fees

Need Help Paying Bills

Suffolk County will help with rent, and back rent. Help pay storage fee, along with utility bills.​

Website

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

If you are in a shelter for more then one year you qualify for this program.

 

Website

One Shot Deals Nassau & Suffolk

Suffolk and Nassau NY Social Services One Shot Deal Information A One Shot Deal is a one-time emergency assistance program available in New York State, including Suffolk and Nassau counties. This program helps individuals and families facing financial crises, such as eviction, utility shutoffs, or other urgent needs. Key Information: Eligibility: Open to residents experiencing temporary financial hardship. Must demonstrate the ability to sustain future expenses once the immediate crisis is resolved. Uses of the One Shot Deal: Rent arrears to prevent eviction. Utility bill payments to prevent shutoffs. Moving expenses or security deposits. Emergency assistance for individuals leaving domestic violence situations. How to Apply: Applications are submitted through local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices. Supporting documentation (income proof, lease agreement, utility bills, etc.) is required. Suffolk DSS: Visit Suffolk County DSS. Nassau DSS: Visit Nassau County DSS. Repayment: Some grants are repayable depending on your financial situation. Contact Information: Suffolk County DSS: Phone: 631-854-9935 Multiple addresses: google Department of social services near you Nassau County DSS: Phone: 516-227-8519 Address: 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553

Salvation Army

There are multiple locations in Suffolk County and Nassau County. They help the poor, low-income renters, homeless and others. Emergency financial help for utilities, rent, free hotel vouchers and more are offered. Riverhead Salvation Army serves as a Community Resources and Rental Assistance non-profit agency in Suffolk County New York. The address is 130 Osborn Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901. Call 631-727-3338 East Northport Salvation Army, phone 631-368-1170, is a great place to call for emergency assistance with rent. Centers that are part of the Salvation Army operate across the Long Island community, and this is a local branch. They offer everything from free food, to housing counseling, and emergency funds to pay rent. The address is 319 Clay Pitts Rd, East Northport, NY 11731. East Patchogue Center has crisis rent relief and emergency assistance. It ranges from a homeless shelter to transitional housing. Furniture, moving help and one time, emergency security deposit or rent help may also be provided in Suffolk County. The address is: 414 E Main St, East Patchogue, NY 11772. Call (631) 654-9380

Rapid Re-Housing 

They have paid rent for up to one year, for clients in the past and has helped get sec 8. To qualify for this program you will need to be in a DSS shelter for at least 12 months, this program is for families.

​Website

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
Income Stability 

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

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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

Center for Transformative Change – The INN
Housing Help Inc. Center for Transformative Change – The INN

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 

HALI – Hands Across Long Island

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

Website / (631) 234-1925

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.

  • There are several approaches to help individuals at risk of homelessness find work and achieve long-term stability: Click here

  • Hiring Now: Opportunities in the Food Industry: Click here

  • 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

  • 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

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Struggling to Make Rent? Start by Auditing Your Expenses

​On Long Island, high rent and rising costs make it tough for low-income individuals and families to stay afloat. That’s why it’s critical to stretch your budget and cut unnecessary expenses. From reviewing streaming subscriptions and utilities to negotiating rent or switching to cheaper phone plans, small adjustments can free up money for what matters most—keeping your home. Our guide offers practical, real-life tips to help you take control of your finances, reduce stress, and avoid eviction.

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New York State Unclaimed Funds

$19 BILLION in Lost Money Every day New York State returns $1.5 million to those who file claims here. Is any yours?We have directed the homeless and financially distressed, to this website and combined they have retrieved Thousands of dollars. Check to see if you have any unclaimed funds in New York State by

NYS Unclaimed Funds Website Click here​​

Learn how to submit a claim in NYS unclaimed funds.

Click Here

Can't show proof of an old address? 

Click Here

Sample affidavit if you can't show proof of an old address.

Click here

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." 

Website  

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.  

Blog's of Legal issues

Blogs covering many aspects of legal issues you may have: Click here

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.

  • 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

  • The Department of Social Services Americans with Disabilities Act Reasonable Accommodations Suffolk County  Click Here Nassau County Click here

oscar pardo.

Contact: 631-388-7471

sowingroots3@gmail.com​

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.

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

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.

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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. 

Section 8 Waiting Lists, and tricks to transfer immediately 

Get on as many waiting lists as you can.​

  • Did you know there are hundreds of waiting lists open for applications across the USA? Once approved, you can apply anywhere and transfer before the one-year restriction. Smaller counties with lower populations often have faster approval processes.👉 Click Here

Here is the plan!

  • Transfer Your Section 8 Housing Before the One-Year Restriction: Letter Templates and Reasons to Help Get Your Transfer Approved. Click Here​

More than Section 8!

  • There are more assistance options than just Section 8. View our lists of affordable housing waiting lists. 👉 Click Here

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)

Click Here

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:

https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/

​Affordable Housing Search Tools

  • 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

  • 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

Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter Click here

Report the Homeless — Help Us Help Them

If you see someone who appears homeless, sleeping outside, in a car, or in unsafe conditions—let us know. Your report could be the first step in connecting them with shelter, food, medical care, and long-term housing solutions.

🌐 Online Report Form: Click Here
📍 All reports are confidential and used only to offer help.

Every person matters. Your alert could save a life.

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Are you looking to hear from God?

​You can hear from Him anytime by simply opening His Word — the Bible.

​

If you need a Bible, we’re happy to provide one for free. We deliver anywhere in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

To read the bible on line click here or watch bible based Christian movies.

Contact us

Main Number Bilingual:

631-260-1363 

We have a Bi-lingual virtual assistant, who has the capacity to answer any and all question's from the content on our website. Her name is Catherine Mack.

Please note you can always by pass her by talking over her and leave a message.

 

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homelesslongisland@gmail.com

Since November 2023

©2022 by Homeless Long Island. Proudly created with Wix.com

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