The following resources are Rochester and New York based programs to help low-income individuals and families find and maintain housing. Many programs offer assistance specifically for people with disabilities, individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and veterans.
*If you are experiencing homelessness or are worried about becoming homeless, please reach out to one of the following services:
*211 Life Line
LifeLine.org
Dial 2-1-1 or call (877) 356-9211
For immediate assistance, call 211 Life Line. They can help individuals find housing, food resources, and crisis services.
*Library Resource Outreach Center (LROC)
libraryresourceoutreachcenter@gmail.com
(585) 428-8110
LROC Hours:
Tuesdays 1 – 3 pm
Thursdays 1 – 3 pm
Fridays 1 – 3 pm
Located on the 3rd floor of the Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, LROC can help individuals access resources such as housing, food, clothing, income, care management, and medical care.
Bureau of Housing and Support Services (BHSS)
www.otda.ny.gov/programs/housing
(518) 473-1090
The BHSS is part of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The BHSS offers services for individuals who are homeless and low-income households that are at risk. The programs are designed to prevent homelessness, provide shelter for the homeless, construct supportive housing for the homeless and offer essential services to stabilize housing situations and increase levels of self-sufficiency. Visit www.otda.ny.gov/programs/housing/providers to find agencies that provide BHSS services in the Greater Rochester Area.
Employer Assisted Housing Initiative
www.cityofrochester.gov/employerassisted.aspx
homebuyer@cityofrochester.gov
(585) 428-6888
The Employer Assisted Housing Initiative Program provides an incentive for private employers to encourage their employees to purchase homes in the City of Rochester. Employers provide a minimum $1,000 benefit to employees who are purchasing a home in the City of Rochester. The City of Rochester will match the employer benefit dollar-for-dollar up to $3,000. Applications and a list of participating employers can be found on the City of Rochester website.
Flower City Habitat for Humanity
www.rochesterhabitat.org
(585) 546-1470
The Habitat Homebuyer Program consists of sweat equity, educational classes, and community service – all designed to prepare people for homeownership. Eligibility is based on ability to pay, demonstration of need, and willingness to partner with Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Income-based repair services are also available. Upcoming housing projects and applications can be found on the organization’s website.
Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
www.cityofrochester.gov/HOMEBUYER
homebuyer@cityofrochester.gov
(585) 428-6888
The City of Rochester’s Home Purchase Assistance Program Grant (HPAP) provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time buyers who meet program requirements. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for closing cost assistance to first-time buyers who are income eligible. Applications are available on the City of Rochester website.
HOME Rochester
www.homerochester.org
(585) 423-6320
HOME Rochester provides low and moderate-income first-time homebuyers an opportunity to own a home by rehabilitating vacant properties in the City of Rochester. Homebuyers must be able to qualify for a conventional, fixed rate mortgage and contribute a minimum of $1,500 of their own money toward the purchase of the home. This program can be combined with the City of Rochester’s Home Purchase Assistance Program. Visit the HOME Rochester website to apply or to browse houses currently available for purchase.
Housing Council at PathStone
www.thehousingcouncil.org
(585) 546-3700
The Housing Council is one of New York State’s largest HUD-approved comprehensive housing counseling agencies and provides landlord education, foreclosure prevention, pre-purchase counseling, emergency housing services, and fair housing education.
*Due to the covid-19 pandemic, all services are being offered remotely
Monroe Housing Collaborative
www.monroehousingcollaborative.org
The Monroe Housing Collaborative is an online-only resource that provides a searchable list of accessible housing in Monroe County for people with disabilities and special needs.
NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
hcr.ny.gov
Office of Rent Administration: (833) 499-0343
HCR develops, preserves, and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. They work with many private, public, and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers. Services include the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund, and the Office of Rent Administration.
NYS Office For People With Developmental Disabilities Housing Services
opwdd.ny.gov/types-services/housing
(866) 946-9733
Dial 7-1-1 to reach New York Relay for people who are hard of hearing or who have a speech disability
OPWDD provides support for people with disabilities to live at home or in a home in the community so they can be as independent as possible. The office has different programs to help people find housing depending on their needs, from independent living with assistance to group homes.
Person Centered Housing Options
https://pcho.org/
(585) 736-4663
An innovative not-for-profit organization whose mission is to address, prevent, and alleviate chronic homelessness within Monroe County New York and surrounding communities using the housing first model.
Providence Housing Programs
providencehousing.org/programs
(585) 529-9555
Providence Housing offers many housing programs for people with different needs. Providence offers permanent supportive housing and temporary emergency housing programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including programs specifically for veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors.
Regional Center For Independent Living Homeownership Program
www.rcil.org/page/services/homeownership
(585) 442-6470
RCIL offers a first-time homebuyers program which helps individuals with diverse disabilities towards the goal of home ownership. Their plan helps people throughout the entire process, from grant applications to closing proceedings. To qualify for a mortgage and grants participants must have a base household income of $1,600 per month with no large debts.
Rochester Housing Authority Services
www.rochesterhousing.org
Section 8 / Leasing Operations: (585) 697-6105
Public Housing Application Inquiries: (585) 697-7180
General Inquiries: (585) 235-0447
The services provided by the Rochester Housing Authority include public housing, rental assistance programs, resident services, and home ownership programs. These programs are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Programs are available for Section 8 participants and low-income individuals who meet eligibility requirements.
Veterans Outreach Center (VOC)
veteransoutreachcenter.org
(866) 906-VETS (8387)
The VOC offers a comprehensive portfolio of supportive services designed to meet the needs of veterans and their families. In addition to employment assistance, legal counseling, and supportive services, the VOC has a residential community, which includes emergency shelter, transitional, supportive, and independent living. Veterans and their families can apply for housing and request other services on the VOC website.
