Help! Love, MOM

Happy Martin Luther King Junior Day!

You have likely heard of 6 Degrees of Separation- yes?

According to research, every one on the planet is connected to everyone else through just 6 acquaintances. Someone you don’t know you know is just a few handshakes away.

On the other hand, there is “6 Degrees of Segregation.“

Coined and developed by Dr. Yohuru Williams of The University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, 6 Degrees of Segregation refers to the main areas in which systemic racism hides and in which systemic race and wealth-related discrimination defy individuals’ attempts to advance.

According to Dr. Williams those areas are:

• housing;
• education;
• public accommodations;
• justice;
• voting rights; and,
• unfair labor practices.

I believe that Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement of that day would agree with Dr. Williams’ list.

The International Center on Non-Violent Conflict, points out that “[While] there was an enormous array of tactics utilized in the [Civil Rights] movement,” the Center continues “in subsequent years, King and the SCLC began placing a greater emphasis on economic justice, particularly ending segregated housing.”

To be denied access to one’s housing of choice obstructs the ability to care about the other 5 areas of accommodation, so consumed one is with the effort, the desperate necessity of locating and keep a roof overhead.

While housing discrimination still exists, be encouraged in your search for an affordable home.

Today is also Inauguration Day in America. The peaceful transfer of power not only means that we get to celebrate a new president we also get to watch the peaceful switch of homes!

• The Bidens and the Harris’s are going back to their homes.
• The Trumps have moved in to their new (old?) home.

Finally,

If you are Black, White, gay, straight, newly arrived or you were born in the city: keep looking for a new apartment. KEEP APPLYING.

And, start buying boxes. You’re going to be moving in. Just like the Trumps, you’re gonna be moving in!

This blog highlights offerings on the NYC Housing Connect site that have

~ application deadlines in February and March 2025; and, which are

~ located in the boroughs of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.

FIRST,

Go to the NYC Housing Connect website. There you will create your account by choosing a username and password. Then,

Complete Your Profile

Remember to update your profile each time your income or household information changes. Next,

Apply to Lotteries

THE ONLY WAY TO BE SELECTED FOR LOTTERIES IS TO APPLY In the vein of the other NY lottery, “You gotta be in it to win it.” Different prize, same principle, friends.

Selection and Eligibility Confirmation

Wait for selection: The application process is likely to take several months to process.

Expect to be informed about your application status within two to ten months after the lottery deadline.

Confirm eligibility: If selected, you’ll need to confirm your eligibility and provide documents to show you qualify for the apartment.

Housing Connect

Sign a Lease

When you are matched to a specific unit, you may sign a lease.

PLEASE NOTE – MANY MORE units are available on the NYC Housing Connect website.

To reiterate – Remember to create an account and then log into the NYC Housing Connect portal to submit an application.

Shepherd Glenmore in East New York, Brooklyn Deadline to apply February 24, 2025

365 Shepherd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208

40 Units Available  

Eligible Income: $21,566 – $100,620

Household Size: 1 – 5

According to NYC Housing Connect, amenities for renters in this building will include among others:

~ 2 community rooms,

~ a fitness center,

~complimentary Wi-Fi high-speed internet, and

~ a shared laundry room.

PLEASE NOTE – TENANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ELECTRICITY INCLUDING THE STOVE. ALSO PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED EXCEPT FOR SERVICE ANIMALS.

120 E. 144th Street Apts in Mott Haven, The Bronx Deadline to apply February 25, 2025

86 Units Available  

Eligible Income: $67,852 – $134,160

Household Size: 1 – 5

Located in the thriving neighborhood of Mott Haven, tenants will take advantage of smooth connections to the rest of the city by means of abundant public transportation as well as highways and bridges for drivers.

PLEASE NOTE:
The 144th Street Apartments
waive amenity fees for the first year. Pets ARE allowed, however, there’s a 40lb. weight limit per pet & some restrictions apply.
Tenants are responsible for electricity including stove and heat. Hot water is included in the rent and there’s a no smoking policy.

NYC Housing Connect

In particular, residents of this building will have access to many amenities including;

~ yoga/dance studio,

~ a business center,

~ dishwasher in unit,

~ party room, and a

~ rooftop terrace.

2123 Glebe Avenue Apartments, The Bronx Deadline to apply March 10, 2025

50 Units Available  

Eligible Income: $112, 698 – $209, 625

Household Size: 1 – 5

Located in the Westchester Square neighborhood of the Bronx, Glebe Avenue residents will enjoy a;

~ shared laundry room equipped with card-operated machines,

~ security cameras,

~ pet policy which permits one pet per tenant, with a weight limit of 20 lbs.; some breed restrictions apply,

~ PLEASE NOTE: Tenant is responsible for electricity including stove and heat. Rent includes hot water.

Douglas Street Apartments – Deadline to apply March 17, 2025

164 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

48 Units Available  

Eligible Income: $33,875 – $218,010

The Douglas Street Apartments are in Gowanus, Brooklyn, NY

Amenities include a/an:

~ “amenities package” of $100 per month which includes access to a,

~ music room and a gym;

~ rooftop terrace, and a lounge;

~ tenants are responsible for electricity including for cooking; however, heat and hot water are included in the rent;

~ pet-friendly building: 2 pets per household, 45 lbs per pet,

~ PLEASE NOTE a “pet refundable deposit of $300 that can be paid incrementally.”

One day – soon – you’ll be living in your dream of renting a new home without being separated or segregated from those you love.

Blessings!

xoxoKimberly