As part of Westchester County’s “One Community Campaign,” we are providing links to Web sites rich with information for the public to access. There are links to organizations and agencies that provide assistance to advance affordable housing and diversity in Westchester, and articles and studies on the positive effects of affordable housing on property values, schools and communities.
Interested in learning about affordable housing available in Westchester County? Be sure to register with Westchester County's HomeSeeker to receive e-mail updates on currently available affordable housing.
Westchester’s Organizations and Agencies
Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO)
A Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved Housing Counseling Agency, a licensed real estate broker and a United Way agency, WRO provides free housing services for consumers. WRO champions the expansion of non-discriminatory housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households, minorities, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Westchester Housing Action Council (HAC)
HAC's mission is to increase and improve housing opportunities for low- and moderate- income households and special needs populations - such as the elderly and disabled individuals. HAC offers home buying tips on their Web site and through enrollment in their "First Home Club" a prospective first time home buyer can participate in a 10-24 month saving plan, attend educational classes and then apply for a mortgage and receive up to $7,500 in down payment or closing cost assistance.
Human Development Services of Westchester (HDSW)
A HUD certified housing counseling agency, HDSW offers free bilingual and bicultural housing-related services to Port Chester and Sound Shore residents. HDSW assists homeowners to access weatherization grants, debt consolidation and mortgage restructuring. Tenants receive assistance with rental arrears, tenant/landlord mediation, housing court assistance and the creation of tenant associations.
Land Use Leadership Alliance Training Program (LULA)
The LULA training program addresses general land use matters in the suburban and rural communities of New York State. Each four-day program focuses on foundational and cutting-edge information related to land use issues.
Westchester County Human Rights Commission (HRC)
Westchester County's HRC Web site, in English and Spanish, offers "know your rights" fact sheets on discrimination in gender, racial, religious, sexual orientation, employment and housing. The site answers questions about when, why and how to file a discrimination complaint and lists links to other human rights groups.
Community Housing Innovations (CHI)
CHI provides grants for first-time homebuyers, offers homebuyer education courses and lists affordable home ownership opportunities and housing rentals in Westchester County.
National and State Organizations and Agencies
National Fair Housing Alliance (NHFA)
NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunity for all people through education and outreach, public policy initiatives, advocacy and enforcement. Their Web site offers information on the federal Fair Housing Act - legislation which protects the right of individuals to rent an apartment, buy a home, obtain a mortgage, or purchase homeowners insurance free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender or disability.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. Their Web site offers information for homebuyers, homeowners and renters and links to public housing agencies. Topics on the site include: Avoiding Foreclosure, Fair Lending, Buying a Home, Information for Disabled Persons and Senior Citizens and the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The site links to an extensive list of resources such as HUD approved housing counseling agencies and condominium projects.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HRC)
HRC organizes major NYS housing and community renewal agencies such as the Affordable Housing Corporation, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the Housing Finance Agency into a single management structure and into four program groups - Finance and Development, Housing Preservation, Community Renewal and Professional Services. Their Web site provides extensive information on Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and for Home Buyers and Home Owners.
Other Resources, Articles and Studies
The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
The Web site of the NAR, a trade organization for commercial and residential real estate agents, offers free information and reports on a list of topics such as the: Impacts of Low-Income Housing on Neighboring Properties and Opposition to Public Housing, and provides a list of E-Books and Other Resources and Field Guides. There are also links to other helpful Web sites.
Center for Housing Policy (Affiliate of the National Housing Conference)
The abundant free resources found on the Center for Housing Policy's Web site cover a range of topics concerning identifying and meeting the challenges of affordable housing. A few examples of the titles of their publications are: Housing Affordability; Housing and Economic Development; Don't Put It Here! Does Affordable Housing Cause Property Values to Decline?; Affordable, Compact and Well-Located Housing is Critical to Achieving the Nation's Transportation Policy Objectives; and Framing the Issues—the Positive Impacts of Affordable Housing on Education.
HousingPolicy.org
HousingPolicy.org, a free online guide to state and local housing policy, provides examples of proven solutions for increasing the availability of homes for working families. The site includes easily accessible information, offers a broad range of state and local policy tools and provides guidance on how to form a comprehensive and effective housing strategy.
Clicking on the "Toolbox" tab reveals topics such as: Increase the Availability of Affordable Homes and Prevent Foreclosures and Stabilize Neighborhoods. Some questions addressed under the "Getting Started" tab and "Why Not?" drop down menu are: Will affordable housing decrease nearby property values? and Won't more housing just overburden our public facilities?
Shelterforce
Shelterforce is an online magazine that provides a forum for advocates of affordable-housing and neighborhood revitalization. There is an archive of back issues of the magazine with articles including: Fear of Affordable Housing: Perception vs. Reality and a link to research done by the NIA on topics such as Homeownership Today and Tomorrow: Building Assets While Preserving Affordability.
Give Housing a Voice, Ulster County Housing Consortium
The homepage of this Web site lists and discusses common concerns associated with affordable housing.
Higher-Density Development - Myth and Fact
This Urban Land Institute report examines widespread misconceptions related to higher-density development and seeks to dispel them with relevant facts and information. The advantages and drawbacks of higher-density development are compared with the alternative of low-density development. It addresses the myths and facts of higher-density development on public schools and services, and infrastructure systems.
Note: These resources and links are being provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the County of Westchester of the information or opinions expressed therein. The County of Westchester bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external sites or for that of subsequent links.