Finding affordable housing In New York is not possible. Everybody knows that right? But for Bella Zaltzman, the Case Manager and Housing Specialist at  UJC, “not possible” is not an option. She helps to find affordable housing for seniors. And many times, she helps them stay in their current housing. One of the biggest challenges is clients on the verge of eviction. Whether they’re facing rent increases or a sudden reduction in their already limited income, Bella, and her team at UJC help seniors navigate the right resources to keep clients at home. 

Supporting safe and affordable housing for clients often overlaps other areas. UJC covers all of them simultaneously. “Clients call us in crisis. They may be disabled, mentally ill, unemployed or all of the above. And if they don’t have relatives to help them, it’s difficult. I uncover all that’s going on, so I can prioritize where to start. It takes time to navigate the right services. That’s overwhelming to those who are desperate. I help them like they’re my own family member.”

And the Housing Specialists at UJC help their clients in multiple languages. Bella speaks Russian, another Housing Specialist speaks Spanish, and another speaks five dialects in Chinese, so language is rarely a barrier to their work.

Affordable Housing for Seniors on a Limited Income

Bella and her colleagues often have to speak to the landlord or management company to mediate problems. They also contact other agencies such as the Social Security office, utility companies or those offering legal assistance to ensure their clients are utilizing resources they may not even be aware of. If clients do end up in court, someone from UJC is available to go with them.

UJC Housing Specialists can help with issues such as:

• Evictions Prevention

• Tenant Assistance/Rental Counseling

• Home Heating and Utilities 

• Grant Financial Assistance

• Subsidy Assistance (lotteries, NYCHA, and Section 8 apartments)

• Relocation Assistance/Mobility Counseling

• Homeless Assistance (referrals to shelters)

In addition to all the above, UJC manages a 21 bed Supported Housing SRO for mentally ill and homeless individuals in Manhattan. And due to UJC’s relationships with the City and neighborhood  social service agencies, they receive updates whenever new affordable housing opportunities open up.

If you or someone you know is a senior who is having trouble staying in their home, please have them contact our offices for assistance. UJC has a team of Housing Specialists who can make the process of staying and aging in place more doable than you may know.

More resources:

• NY Legal Assistance Serives  (NYLAG)

• NY Volunteers for Legal Services