Housing Help Inc. COVID-19 Response

Our goal is to help those most at risk of being severely impacted by COVID-19, the black and brown communities in the areas identified as "very high-risk", with housing instability due to low incomes, racial disparity, illegal evictions, immigration issues and language barriers. Cost-burdened residents (spend 30% or more income on housing) spend less on food, medical care and education, leading to higher-risk situations like homelessness, crime, drug use and death. COVID has tripled the unemployment rate in Suffolk County to over 16%, affecting housing affordability.

HHI has helped families by providing housing and eviction information, educating the community on tenant rights, referrals to pro-bono legal services, free legal clinics with volunteer attorneys and addressing food insecurities.

From April to October, we held 3 free drive-thru prepared meals and bagged groceries distribution per week. We assisted 1,000 plus people in-person each week. HHI secured and distributed 8,000 face coverings donated by SC Executive’s office.

HHI staff and volunteers consisting of 3 fulltime employees, three College student interns, 8 high school students and 45 adult volunteers were and continue to be on the front lines working day in and day out helping the community. I encourage you to watch the videos below of the work we are doing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jqebifCCbs&t=3s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77g0QPhzWzc&feature=youtu.be

We initiated a bilingual Tenants’ Rights campaign through social media, flyer distribution as well as in-person broadcasting (with respect to “Social Distancing”) at our weekly food distributions.  Since April 3rd we have been working with low-income tenants being harassed by landlords.

Although our office is physically closed to the public, we are digitally open by phone, videoconferencing, and email. We offer a weekly in person Legal Clinic open to all.