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“When our family did finally find stable housing, it was transformative. Our apartment finally became a home—a foundation for our lives to flourish.”
Adi Talwar
Packing my stuffed animals and clothes into a suitcase as a child became routine. My mother and I moved frequently, living in illegal basement apartments across four boroughs, constantly uprooted by housing instability. Each eviction brought a fresh wave of stress—losing friends, memorizing new addresses, and adjusting to unfamiliar neighborhoods—an experience all-to-familiar in our city where 1 in 8 public school students experienced homelessness last school year.
Only later did I understand the deeper toll our housing insecurity had on my family: the strain on our health, education, and overall well-being. National research suggests adults who perceive a risk of eviction are 18 percentage points more likely to suffer from depression, and newly homeless New Yorkers have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and depression.
In one study, nearly 70 percent of formerly homeless youth said that homelessness had a significant impact on their education, making it hard to stay and do well. Homeless individuals have a 1.5- to 11.5-times greater risk of dying relative to the general population, depending on age, gender, shelter status, and morbidity.
When our family did finally find stable housing, it was transformative. Our apartment finally became a home—a foundation for our lives to flourish.
Today, as Outreach Manager for the Home Support Unit (HSU) at the New York City Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU), I’m determined to give other families that same chance at stability. Housing insecurity is a reality for so many in our city. With a vacancy rate of just 1.4 percent and nearly 500,000 households severely rent-burdened, families are being pushed to their limits.
But solutions exist. The Home Support Unit connects property owners with housing voucher holders in shelter, bridging gaps and helping families achieve the stability that changes lives. Since 2016, our team has helped house more than 30,000 New Yorkers. We have done this while building deep relationships with landlords—nearly 60 percent of landlords who have offered apartments through us this year have worked with us in a previous year.
For landlords, this partnership is not just an act of generosity—it’s smart business. Voucher holders contribute 30 percnt of their income toward rent, with the rest guaranteed through government funding. HSU specialists offer personalized, one-on-one support for landlords, helping with everything from lease agreements to resolving payment concerns.
Financial incentives include a 15 percent broker’s fee, security vouchers, and even damage coverage up to $3,000 for those receiving a City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) voucher. These resources make renting to voucher holders not only seamless, but also secure.
As someone who experienced the uncertainty of housing insecurity firsthand, I understand the stigma voucher holders often face. Misconceptions about program participants or bureaucratic hurdles can deter landlords from opening their doors. But I’ve seen time and again how voucher holders, when given the chance and proper support, are excellent tenants. Our team at HSU works to dispel these myths, building trust and fostering positive, long-term partnerships between landlords and tenants.
The impact of housing stability ripples outward. It’s not just about giving a family a roof over their heads—it’s about creating opportunities. Stable housing allows children to focus on school, parents to advance their careers, and communities to thrive. These programs are a win-win for everyone involved: landlords secure reliable income, families achieve stability, and the city reduces strain on shelters and emergency services.
Under Mayor Eric Adams, New York City has secured over $2 billion in federal funding to expand housing initiatives and address urgent needs. Programs like HSU show the power of local solutions backed by proactive city leadership. Regardless of changes in federal policies, the city remains committed to advocating for housing access and holistic solutions that make New York livable for all residents.
On the heels of National Housing Day on Nov. 22, we’re reminded of the importance of home—not just as a physical space but as a source of stability, security, and hope. For many, this day is also a call to action. I urge property owners to consider the profound impact of opening their doors to families in need. By working with HSU, landlords can transform vacant units into life-changing opportunities.
If you’re a landlord or broker seeking to make a difference, visit nyc.gov/hsu to learn how you can join this effort. Together, we can ensure that every New Yorker has a chance to experience the safety and dignity of a home.
Stable housing isn’t just a solution for today’s crisis—it’s an investment in a stronger, more equitable city for generations to come.
Zyneisha Green is an outreach manager for the NYC Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit.
