Help! Love, MOM

Did you know that New York is the most densely populated city in the U.S. and has been SINCE 1790! I’m thinking that housing may have been an issue even back then.

We are a city made up of 5 large areas called boroughs (BUH- rows). The borough names are: Staten Island, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. I was born in and lived in Manhattan.

Brooklyn is also the most populous borough in NYC. In fact Brooklyn, in terms of number of residents, would be the 3rd largest city in America. That is wild!

In addition to having lots of people, Brooklyn also has its own vibe and ethos. The cool factor is off the charts, but so are property prices.

However, through NYC Housing Connect, you can apply to beautiful, affordable properties to potentially qualify for affordable rent.

Beyond NYC Housing Connect

NYC Housing Connect is the portal that brings apartment seekers and affordable housing together in New York City.

And.

Let me hear you say, “AND.”

(So, I just came home from church, and there are some flavors of Black Protestant Christianity which strongly encourage the congregation to “talk back to the preacher.”)

AND, now you can also use this HPD link (Housing Preservation and Development) to find additional housing not listed on the Housing Connect site.

New York City Housing Development Corporation or NYC HDC is also a site where you can find affordable housing not listed on NYC Housing Connect.

According to the NYC Housing Connect website, after you have created a profile your account by creating a username and password you will need to:

Complete your profile

Remember to update your profile each time your income or household information changes. Then you will,

Apply to lotteries

Check often for new developments that fit your household. It may take several months for applications to be processed. You may apply to multiple lotteries at once.

Selection and Eligibility Confirmation

1. Wait for selection: Applications can take several months to process. You can expect to hear about your application status within two to ten months after the deadline;
2. Confirm eligibility: If selected, you’ll need to confirm your eligibility and provide documents to show you qualify for the apartment.

Sign a lease or complete a purchase

If you are matched to a specific unit, at this point you may sign a lease or complete a purchase.

PLEASE NOTE – This is not a complete list of available apartments. To apply to any apartment shown for which you believe you qualify you must create an account and then log into the NYC Housing Connect portal to submit an application.

• Address: 482 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Units: 75
• Household Sizes: 1-5 people
• Income Levels Served: $68,812 – $140,000
• Application Deadline: July 28, 2025

Built on Williamsburg’s East River waterfront you will likely have stunning views along with a quick commute into the City (native New Yorker reference to NYC) as Manhattan is nearby.

Please be advised that the tenant is responsible for electricity, electric heat and cooling. Rent to include cooking gas and hot water.

• Pet-friendly – 1 pet under 30 lbs
• Dog park
• Garages
• Covered parking
• Bike storage lockers
• Electric car charging stations
• Shared laundry room
• Among other amenities

• Address: 570 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
• Units: 49
• Household Sizes: 1-5 people
• Income Levels Served: $68,949 – $227,500
• Application Deadline: July 24, 2025

570 Fulton is a luxury Brooklyn based building with easy access to parks, restaurants, and exciting entertainment venues. According to Housing Connect, many of the apartments “boast spectacular panoramic views of the Brooklyn skyline.”

Tenant is responsible for electricity including stove and heat.

• Pet-friendly
• Bike storage lockers
• Shared laundry room
• Air-conditioning
• Gymnasium
• Recreation room
• Package lockers
• Among other amenities

Please be advised that the tenant is responsible for electricity, electric heat and cooling. Rent to include cooking gas and hot water.

Brooklyn needs just one more person to be even cooler – YOU.

AMEN.

xoxoKimberly