Homebase NYC: Free Eviction Prevention Help and How to Get It
You’re behind on rent in New York City. The landlord’s letters are getting angrier, and you’re scared your family will end up in shelter. Someone at the clinic says, “Go to Homebase.” You don’t know what it is or if it costs money.
Homebase NYC is a free city program that helps low-income New Yorkers stay housed and out of shelter. It’s run through HRA with local nonprofit providers. It can help with eviction prevention, emergency rent help, public benefits, and moving. It’s also where many people not in shelter apply for CityFHEPS and get help with FHEPS. There are about 25 offices across the five boroughs.
This guide explains who it serves, what it can do, and how to get an appointment fast.
What is Homebase NYC?
Homebase is an HRA homelessness prevention program for New Yorkers at risk of losing their housing. Local nonprofits run the offices. Services include eviction prevention, help getting benefits, emergency rental assistance, short-term financial help, and job support. It also gives aftercare to people leaving DHS shelter for permanent housing. Services are free.
| Service | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Eviction prevention | Help responding to an eviction threat |
| Public benefits | Help applying for programs like SNAP and Cash Assistance |
| Emergency rental assistance | Help with rent you owe |
| Short-term financial help | One-time support in a crisis |
| Money management | Budgeting and financial counseling |
| Jobs and education | Job placement and training help |
| Relocation | Help moving if staying isn’t possible |
Source: NYC HRA Homebase page.
Takeaway: this is the city’s front door for staying housed, not a shelter.
Who qualifies for Homebase?
HRA lists three things. You’re at imminent risk of entering the NYC shelter system. You’re low-income. And you want to stay housed in your community. You don’t have to be in court yet. People leaving DHS shelter for permanent housing can also get aftercare. Staff look at your whole situation.
| You might qualify if… | Example |
|---|---|
| You’re at imminent risk of shelter | Eviction notice, court case, or a rent demand letter |
| You’re low-income | Income too low to catch up on rent alone |
| You want to stay in your community | You’d rather keep your home or move nearby than enter shelter |
| You recently left DHS shelter | Aftercare to keep your new apartment |
Staff decide eligibility after talking with you. Bring proof of your situation to make it faster.
Takeaway: if shelter feels close, you’re the person this program is for.
How do I find my Homebase office?
Each office serves certain ZIP codes. Use HRA’s online locator or the map at maps.nyc.gov/homebase, or call 311. Then call the office to set an appointment, because services are by phone or in person. HRA’s list shows 25 locations, including 9 in the Bronx and 10 in Brooklyn.
| Borough | Locations | Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Bronx | 9 | BronxWorks, Catholic Charities, Help USA |
| Brooklyn | 10 | CAMBA, Catholic Charities, RiseBoro |
| Manhattan | 2 | SUS (Urgent Housing Programs) |
| Queens | 2 | Catholic Charities |
| Staten Island | 2 | CAMBA |
Source: NYC HRA Homebase Locations page.
In the Bronx and Brooklyn, find your ZIP code under each office’s “Serving ZIP Codes.” In Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, offices serve the whole borough.
Takeaway: call 311 if the locator confuses you, and ask for the office that serves your ZIP code.
Can Homebase help me get CityFHEPS or FHEPS?
Yes. The city’s CityFHEPS FAQ says people not in shelter should go to a Homebase office to apply. HRA’s FHEPS fact sheet also points families at risk of eviction there. Staff collect your information and send it to the city. They can’t approve it themselves. The city makes the final decision.
| Program | The office’s role |
|---|---|
| CityFHEPS (community applicants) | Main place to apply if you’re not in shelter |
| FHEPS | HRA refers families at risk of eviction to Homebase |
| Emergency rental assistance | Offered directly |
| Benefits like SNAP | Help with the applications |
Our CityFHEPS guide and FHEPS vs CityFHEPS comparison explain which program fits you.
Takeaway: if you’re not in shelter, this is usually your path to a city rent voucher.
What should I bring to my Homebase appointment?
HRA doesn’t publish a fixed list, so call your office first. Bring proof of who you are, who lives with you, your income, and your housing problem. Useful papers include your lease, rent ledger, court papers, eviction notices, pay stubs, and benefit letters. Missing papers can slow your case.
Helpful documents:
- ID for adults in your household.
- Lease and any rent demand letter or ledger.
- Court papers if you have an eviction case.
- Proof of income such as pay stubs or benefit award letters.
- Utility bills if they’re part of the problem.
- Section 8 or other rent help letters, if you have them.
Takeaway: a folder of papers on day one can save you a second appointment.
What if Homebase can’t stop my eviction?
The program can’t stop a court case on its own. If you have an eviction case, get legal help too. NYC’s Right to Counsel program offers free lawyers to many tenants in housing court. You can also ask HRA about emergency rent help through ACCESS HRA. Keep going to every court date.
Other places to turn:
- Housing court help. Call 311 and ask about free legal help for tenants.
- ACCESS HRA. Apply online for emergency help with rent you owe.
- Your housing authority, if you have Section 8. Tell your caseworker about the case.
- Your Section 8 rights. Read our Section 8 eviction rules guide.
Takeaway: use the program and a lawyer together, not one instead of the other.
Homebase NYC myths vs facts
Reddit and Facebook posts about Homebase NYC show a lot of confusion. Some say it’s a shelter. Others say it costs money or only helps families. We checked these claims against HRA’s Homebase pages and city fact sheets. Use this table before you decide whether to call your local office.
| What people say online | What HRA says |
|---|---|
| “Homebase is a shelter.” | It’s a prevention program that helps you stay out of shelter. |
| “It charges a fee.” | It’s a free city program run with nonprofits. |
| “Only families can use it.” | Low-income New Yorkers at imminent risk of shelter can qualify. |
| “Homebase approves CityFHEPS.” | Staff help you apply; the city decides. |
| “Any Homebase office will see you.” | Bronx and Brooklyn offices serve specific ZIP codes. |
| “It’s only for before shelter.” | It also offers aftercare to people leaving DHS shelter. |
Takeaway: the program is free, local, and built for people close to losing their home.
Frequently asked questions
What does Homebase do in NYC?
It helps low-income New Yorkers stay housed. Services include eviction prevention, emergency rental help, benefits applications, job help, and relocation support. It also helps many people apply for CityFHEPS.
How do I contact Homebase?
Call 311 or use HRA’s Homebase locator to find the office for your ZIP code. Then call that office to set up an appointment. The FHEPS fact sheet also lists 718-557-1399 for finding a Homebase office.
Is Homebase free?
Yes. It’s a city program run through HRA with local nonprofit providers. You don’t pay for its services.
Can Homebase pay my back rent?
It may help. Emergency rental assistance and short-term financial help are among its services. Whether you get money depends on your situation and program rules. Staff can also connect you to FHEPS arrears help if your family qualifies.
Do I need an eviction notice to go to Homebase?
Not always. HRA says you may qualify if you’re at imminent risk of entering shelter. A rent demand letter or court papers make your risk clear, so bring them if you have them.
Can I apply for CityFHEPS at Homebase?
Yes, if you’re not in shelter. The city’s CityFHEPS FAQ sends community applicants to Homebase. Shelter residents apply through their shelter case manager.
Your next step
Call 311 today and ask for the Homebase office for your ZIP code. Then gather your lease, notices, and income papers before your appointment. Start with our Section 8 in NYC guide, or browse more NYC voucher guides or all our guides.
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Program details can change. Confirm with HRA or your Homebase office. Read how we check our facts, or report an error. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: NYC HRA: Homebase | NYC HRA: Homebase Locations | NY State Comptroller: CityFHEPS Program for Homebase Clients (January 2026) | Also cited: HRA FHEPS Fact Sheet (HRA-146r); DSS CityFHEPS FAQ (DSS-7n).
