How to request donations from Charities to help cover your back rent

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If you owe money to your landlord, and need financial assistance to help cover the back rent, this article is for you.

Did you know that some non-profit organizations, also called “Charities” have available funds to give away to New Yorkers facing eviction? Well, if you didn’t know, NOW you do! Continue reading for more information on how to apply.

Going to Charities would NOT help cover a year's worth of rent, but you may be approved for a month or two, which is still valuable. The best part about it, is that it is a donation, therefore no need to repay it! If you happen to owe a bigger chunk of money to your landlord, you should check out the following articles: Am I eligible for NY rental assistance? Insights on One Shot Deals, FHEPS, CityFHEPS, and 4 Practical ways to help resolve a Nonpayment proceeding.

What is Housing Court Answers and how to apply to Charities?

Housing Court Answers is a cool website. It is a great tool to familiarize yourself with eviction proceedings, and gives useful and practical tips and information to navigate the Housing Court system.

The most valuable tool from this organization in my opinion, is the Charities hotline. This organization keeps track of the donation money available across New York City, which means that they know what Charities currently have funds to give away to low-income tenants currently facing eviction. If you are being sued by your landlord for nonpayment of rent, you should call the Housing Court Answers hotline at (212) 962-4795 for a screening. If you qualify they will provide the names of the Charities that currently have funds, their requirements and how to contact them.

There is, obviously, no guarantee that you will be approved for donations, but it is worth a try. You literally have nothing to lose in trying, just some time…

I should mention that you will need lots of patience, because Charities are known not to be the best at answering the phones, and/or following up on requests. So please, expect the hurdles, call, follow up, email, follow up again, breathe, call again... It may be frustrating but getting donation money is still worth the time and effort you put into it.

I hope it helps, don’t give up on yourself. You have rights, claim them!