Who is eligible for the program?

Shelter clients who:

• have been in shelter 90 days and
• work at least 20 hours per week with income below 150% of the Federal Poverty level are eligible.

Families with children, adult families, and single adults may qualify.  DHS will send out certification letters to all eligible clients indicating their approved rental assistance amount.

The client receives a one-year rental subsidy with the possibility of a second year extension if they meet the eligibility criteria including:

• Demonstrated employment 
• Continued financial need 
• Timely $50 monthly rent payments to landlords 
• Demonstrated monthly savings

Following is a chart outlining the rental supplement amounts, including the client contribution:

Amount of Rental Supplement
(Not to Exceed Legal Rent)

Program Features

The Savings Helper chart below shows how much clients can save and receive based on a monthly savings of $100, $200 or $250.  As part of the Work Advantage program, clients are required to save up to an average of $250 per month in an account at a credit union or bank. This is a great opportunity to help build assets - if clients follow the program rules for work and rent payments, the City will double their money by matching these savings and the $50 monthly rent payments that clients make directly to their landlords.

To receive the Advantage Savers match at the end of the Work Advantage program, clients must complete at least six hours of financial education or counseling. These classes are available in shelter, in the community and through Homebase. The nearest Homebase office can provide information about available workshops, classes and counseling. Contact Homebase to find out more.  Call the DHS Prevention hotline at 212-607-6200.

Savings Helper

Monthly Savings Match
Monthly Savings	$100	$200	$250
One Year Savings	$1,200	$2,400	$3,000
Advantage Savers Award	$1,200	$2,400	$3,000
Year 1 Rent Reward  ($50 x 11)	$550	$550	$550
Year 2 Rent Reward ($50 x 12)	$600	$600	$600
Total at End of Year One	$2,950	$5,350	$6,550
Total at End of Year Two	$5,950	$10,750	$13,150

Clients will have access to DHS' aftercare services in the community including help with upgrading jobs, household budgeting, tenancy and legal services.

Other services, such as training, job search and job retention are available through the Human Resources Administration (HRA).  Financial education and access to bank accounts, tax credits and help with saving for the future are accessible through the Department of Consumer Affairs' Office of Financial Empowerment.

ONCE A CLIENT RECEIVES A LETTER FOR THE ADVANTAGE NY PROGRAM

Once a client receives a letter stating he/she qualifies for the Advantage NY program, a Participant Statement of Understanding should be signed and returned to the Office of Re-Housing. The statement should be mailed to:

Department of Homeless Services
Office of Re-Housing
33 Beaver Street, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10004

LEASE SIGNING

Anticipate having less than 24-hours notice of lease-signing appointments. The Office of Re-Housing is scheduling leases as quickly as possible and therefore may contact housing specialists and landlords/brokers on very short notice.

Clients should be informed that side-deals are prohibited and under no circumstances will they be required to pay any additional amount above that stipulated on the lease. Additionally, clients should receive keys at lease signing for no additional fee.

Time Saving Tips
DHS has two locations available for signing Advantage NY program leases: 890 Prospect Avenue in the Bronx, or 78 Catherine Street in Manhattan. Clients are encouraged to:

• Make pre-arrangements for childcare to avoid bringing children to lease signing if possible, as the space is small.
• Allow extra time for public transportation and walking as the location is a 10-15 minute walk from the closest subway. Public buses also are available.
• Arrive at your scheduled lease-signing time. (Lease signing schedule is based in the order that the tenant signs the Lease Signing Log)

Directions:

890 Prospect Avenue, Bronx
Subway: Take the #2 or the #5 train to the Prospect Ave. stop. Exit at East 160 Street.

OR take the #6 train to the Longwood Ave. stop. Exit near the intersection of Southern Blvd. and Longwood Ave. Walk west (toward Fox St.) on Longwood Ave. for six blocks. Turn right onto Prospect Ave.

Bus: Take BX-4 or BX-6 or BX-17 or BX-19 or BX-35 to Prospect Ave.

78 Catherine Street, Manhattan
Subway: Take the #4 or the #5 or the #6 train to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop. Exit near the intersection of Frankfort St. and Nassau St.  Walk east on Frankfort St. Turn left onto Rose St. Turn right onto Madison St. Turn right onto Catherine St.

OR take the J or M or Z train to the Chambers St. stop. Exit near the intersection of Duane St. and Lafayette St. Walk east on Duane St. toward Centre St. Turn left on Centre St. Turn right on Hamill Pl. Turn right on Worth St. Turn right on St. James Pl. Turn right on Oliver St. Turn left on Madison St. Turn right on Catherine St.

OR take the F train to the East Broadway stop. Exit near the intersection of Rutgers St. and Madison St. Start out going west on Madison St. toward Pike St. Turn left onto Catherine St.

MOVING

Advantage NY program clients will be provided moving services by DHS' Intensive Casework Unit (AKA the Lend-A-Hand Unit). Clients should fill out a Move Authorization Form completely and accurately to bring to the lease signing.

AFTERCARE SERVICES

Tenants and landlords will have access to Homebase, DHS' nationally-recognized homelessness prevention program, for aftercare services including:

• Tenant conflict resolution
• Tenant recertification assistance
• Good neighbor education
• Payment resolution

For all questions concerning Homebase aftercare services in your area, call 311 or the DHS Prevention Hotline at 212-607-6200.