Facing Homelessness

toodarkmark · February 2007

My building was recently bought up, on Skillman and Willoughy, and I was informed they would be tearing it down to build new buildings. So I was upset somewhat, but I just figured I could find a new place.

So a month later I have found nothing. Open houses with 20 people, landlords not getting back to me, brokers wanting 1700$ fee for doing nothing, its pure misery. I have a week to find a home now? A home? Really? On top of all the misery in my life otherwise (of no interest to anyone else) I am having a hard ass time.

Does anyone have any tips on finding apartments? Other than village voice, craigslist, brownstoner.

anonymous · February 2007

There is an open studio my building for 950. It's on the second floor, great light, huge closet (I'd move if I could figure out how to haul my elliptical machine up the stairs) and decent sized all around. At St. James and Lafayette. I can give you the landlords number if you like. I didn't pay a fee in June, but I think there is a broker fee now. Sucks.
Nikki
718.924.9700

toodarkmark · February 2007

Thank you Nikki! I called you and hope to get the landlords number when I can. Im so desperate. If I get the place I shall buy you a bottle of wine or food or whatever.

bohuma · July 2012

My experience in NY is that anywhere decent is expensive and in desirable neighbourhoods rent stabilised apartments are as rare as hen's teeth. A broker should be able to assist, but you have to pay. Another option is to call management companies direct, their numbers are usually posted on the outside of buildings.

bkchickie · July 2012

Wonder whatever happened with TooDarkMark.

armchair_warrior · July 2012

not that anyone would ever listen, go to the uncool areas like bensonhurst, gravesend etc... it is cheap and you won't have that much competition. some but not many as the cool areas.

whynot_31 · July 2012

Jamaica, Queens is also very cheap.

...and some parts of it have good Indian food.

cremate · July 2012

Well if we're talking queens, forest hills is real nice and affordable.

whynot_31 · July 2012

Forest Hills is also the home of Spiderman; he is arguably superior to good Indian food.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Hills,_Queens

drano · July 2012

Zombie thread!

prodigalson · September 2012

When I faced the problem I moved to public housing. Been living in this type of housing for 20 years and it's no different than anywhere else. Well, there might be a little less privacy but at least the apartment units are warm in winter.

whynot_31 · September 2012

Times have changed.

For families, the waiting list for NYC public housing (NYCHA) is approximately 7 years.

...don't even consider applying if you are a single.

The Section 8 voucher system is better, but they are also presently exhausted for those not in special classes, or presently in the shelter system.

As a non-disabled single, your best bet today would often be to get into one of the low income units of supportive housing.

whynot_31 · September 2012

An article on the city's shelter crisis:

http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2012/09/city-council-members-and-adminstration-clash-over-approach-to-reducing-homelessness/

stacey · September 2012

whynot_31 said:

Times have changed.
For families, the waiting list for NYC public housing (NYCHA) is approximately 7 years.
...don't even consider applying if you are a single.
The Section 8 voucher system is better, but they are also presently exhausted for those not in special classes, or presently in the shelter system.
As a non-disabled single, your best bet today would often be to get into one of the low income units of supportive housing.

I feel the reason there are so many homeless is because if you are homeless and live in a shelter you move up the list for any type of housing/supportive housing programs out there. Many people who choose to live with a family member (as the City requires you try to do before entering the shelter system) while waiting for any of those apartments are moved to the very bottom of the list.

[Mod Note: unfortunately we do not have the ability to split topics at this time, until then we ask that general discussions on homelessness be started in its own post under the Politics or Brooklyn and Beyond board. Thank you]

Facing Homelessness

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