June 2021
CHI Assists With NYS Emergency Rental
Assistance Program Applications
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced assistance for renters experiencing financial hardship because of the COVID-19. Online Applications Accepted Starting June 1, 2021.
 
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The rental assistance program makes up to $2.7 billion in emergency rental assistance available for struggling New Yorkers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for eligible renters who are behind on their rent and have suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19.
The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will provide:
·      up to 12 months of past-due rent,
·      3 months of prospective rental assistance and
·      12 months of utility arrears payments
 
Eligible households include those who are behind on their rent and that have experienced financial hardship, that are at risk of homelessness or housing instability and that earn at or below 80 percent of area median income, regardless of immigration status.
 For the application and additional information go to: otda.ny.gov/erap.
 
Community Housing Innovations can assist Westchester residents interested in applying for the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
CHI is able to help Westchester residents. Under an agreement with Westchester County, CHI is available to answer questions, help with the application process and review all required documentation. Email or Call now!
call Greg at 914-995-0992
For more information, applicants and landlords should visit otda.ny.gov/erap.
CHI offers up to 4 months of rent and utility
assistance for Westchester families
Families in Westchester County who are having difficulty paying their rent or utilities because of COVID-19-related income loss may be eligible for financial help! CHI is offering cash payments for back rent and utilities through its Westchester Eviction Prevention Program, funded by Westchester County.

Even though the eviction moratorium has been extended nationwide, landlords will still seek payment for back rent once the moratorium is lifted, so those who are eligible should apply now! The program will also help renters who have been unable to pay their utility bills (electricity, heat, water) due to COVID.

Eligible applicants must meet household income limitations, and live in specific communities within Westchester County. Payments will be made directly to landlords, management companies, and utility providers.
 
For full details, please visit: 
or call Greg at (914) 595-0992.
Homeless to Hero
Daniel Mahoney
Daniel Mahoney went from the New York State prison system to a CHI shelter to his own home – and played a lot of chess along the way! Click on the image to find out more about Daniel's incredible journey.
In the News
“Ours to call home” – Newsday recently reported on the Samuel family of Middle Island, who used a CHI Grant for First-Time Homebuyers to help fund the down payment and repairs on their first home. Read the full story here, or find out more about how you can receive a CHI grant of up to $35,000 here
Meet the Leaders:
Steve Gifford
CHI Board Chairman Steve Gifford has been involved in housing for most of his adult life, and he sees the need for affordable housing in our region as a critical issue. “Housing is so expensive, if you’re making $40-50,000 a year you can barely afford to rent an apartment. It’s even more difficult to buy.”

Steve was born and raised in the North Bronx, but has lived in Westchester for 45 years. His interest in real estate began after he earned a degree in physical education from Lehman College (The Bronx). After graduation, he began to buy and sell properties, and found that he enjoyed the work.

Today, Steve owns Mohegan Park Contractors, Inc. (New Rochelle), which buys and manages apartment buildings throughout lower Westchester. The properties range in size from 18 units to 37 units. In addition, Gifford’s firm is involved in construction on the government side – primarily schools and housing.

Several years ago, CHI hired Steve as a consultant. In 2018, he became a member of the CHI Board of Directors, and took on the role of Board Chair in 2019. He also volunteers his time and talent with other organizations in the community.
“It’s critical to so many people that there’s an organization such as CHI that can help,” said Steve. CHI is committed “to continue to open doors wherever there’s a lack of affordable housing opportunities.”

We are grateful for the thoughtful leadership of Steve Gifford.
CHI celebrates staff promotions
Wading River is happy to formally welcome our new Program Manager, Shulanda Trent, to the team. Shulanda had previously worked as a case manager at Wading River, and worked tirelessly to create a supportive environment for clients and staff alike.

She has background, knowledge and experience with the children and families we serve, as well as experience in the medical field. Shulanda has been a great asset to our case management team, and we look forward to seeing everything she’ll accomplish in this role!
Kerboom Kidz
CHI’s Commack (Moreland) location partnered with KerboomKidz to bring fun-filled after-school programs to our site. The programs combine hip-hop dance fitness with leadership exercises, healthy habits, and mindfulness activities, and has been a big hit with kids of all ages! Special thanks to The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation for making this possible.
Thank you to our donors


Elks Lodge #1565 (Huntington) recently donated cleaning supplies, office supplies, toiletries, and other nonperishable items for our Long Island programs. Thank you to Lynne and Jack Stein (shown with CHI’s Janice Davidson) and all the Huntington Elks for their generosity!
June and July Homeownership Orientation Schedule
$25,000 in Down Payment Assistance Available to Buy Your First Home

CHI offers grant assistance to first-time home buyers toward the down payment and rehabilitation costs associated with purchasing a home. To find out if you qualify, please register and attend an upcoming orientation webinar.

Long Island (en español): jueves, 8 de julio, 6-7:30 p.m.(sponsored by Citibank)
Westchester: Thursday, July 15, 6-7:30 p.m. (sponsor TBD)
Long Island: Thursday, June 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
(sponsored by Suffolk Federal Credit Union)
You must attend an orientation to apply for a grant.
Find out more and sign up for orientations on our homepage.

Home is hope.
Your donation helps us continue to provide housing and human services for neighbors across Long Island, in Westchester, and throughout the Hudson Valley.
90% of CHI's budget is spent on program activities, serving 1,000 clients a day.
Donating real estate to CHI may be easier and more convenient than you think, and is a great way to help your community and enjoy tax benefits. Find out more!