Housing Security Emergency Fund

The Housing Security Emergency Fund seeks to prevent evictions and foreclosures by providing direct rent and mortgage assistance to low-to-moderate income (LMI) community members impacted by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 economic crisis.

Geographic Scope: New York City (service areas include Jackson Heights and Richmond Hill, Queens)

Focus Areas:

• Eviction prevention
• Foreclosure prevention
• Rent assistance
• Mortgage assistance
• COVID-19 economic crisis recovery

Eligibility:

• Tenants who are at risk of homelessness
• Experienced financial hardships during COVID-19
• Low-to-moderate income requirement applies

Target Population: South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in New York City

Contact Information

• Main Office: 37-43 77th St, 2nd Floor, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
• Phone: 718.478.3848
• Email: info@chhayacdc.org
• Richmond Hill Center: 121-18 Liberty Avenue, 2nd Floor, Richmond Hill, NY 11419
• Phone: 718.374.3371

Note

The application period referenced in the website content (May 9-13, 2022) has already passed. Current application status and deadlines should be verified by contacting Chhaya CDC directly.

Application Process

Application Period: Historically opened May 9, 2022 (note: this date has passed; contact organization for current application status)

How to Apply:

1. Complete the application form (available online or in paper form)
2. Gather required documents
3. Submit application during open application period

Paper Applications:
Available at both office locations:

• 121-18 Liberty Ave, 2nd floor, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419 (Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm during application period)
• 37-43 77th street, 2nd floor, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 (Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm during application period)

Required Documents:

Identification

• Government Issued ID (State ID, ID NYC, Benefits Card, etc.)

Proof of Financial Impact from COVID-19

• Proof of unemployment benefits
• Proof of decrease in work hours or income (paystubs, tax returns, etc.)
• Proof of payment from Excluded Workers Fund
• Proof of COVID-19 related expenses (medical bills, care bills, etc.)

Proof of Risk of Homelessness

• Letter from landlord demanding rent money
• Rent Demand Notice from landlord
• Queens Civil Court Eviction Notice

Proof of Income

• Pay stubs from 2019 & 2020
• 2019 & 2020 tax returns
• Letter from employer detailing wages for 2019 & 2020

Application Notes:

• Applicants are asked to bring documents to complete the application
• Status can be checked by calling 718-478-3848

Submission Format: Paper application (in-person or mailed)