What Is HASA? HIV/AIDS Housing Help in NYC
How New York City's HIV/AIDS Services Administration helps clients get and keep housing.
What HASA is, who qualifies, the rental assistance it offers, and how to get started.
HASA — the HIV/AIDS Services Administration — is a program of New York City's Human Resources Administration (HRA/DSS) that helps New Yorkers living with HIV or AIDS get and keep stable housing, along with other support.
Who HASA serves
You may be eligible if you are a New York City resident diagnosed with HIV or AIDS as defined by the CDC — you do not need to have symptoms — and you meet HASA's financial rules. HASA's rental assistance is aimed at people who are homeless or at serious risk of losing their housing, generally with income below 200% of the federal poverty level.
What HASA provides
HASA assigns each client a case manager and can provide rental assistance so you pay only a limited share of your income toward rent — typically around 30%. Rental help can include start-up costs (first month's rent, a security deposit, and a broker fee, each usually capped at one month's rent), plus short-term and long-term ongoing assistance. HASA can also connect you to cash assistance, food, transportation, and medical and mental-health care.
Your rights
HASA rental assistance is protected the same way vouchers are: under the NYC Human Rights Law, most landlords cannot refuse you simply because you would pay with a HASA subsidy.
How to get started
Call HASA at 718-557-1399 or visit an HRA HASA center. A caseworker will confirm your eligibility and explain your options.
Get help
Free HIV/AIDS housing advocates and legal-aid organizations can help you apply and understand your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for HASA?
- New York City residents diagnosed with HIV or AIDS (as defined by the CDC, with or without symptoms) who meet HASA's financial rules. Rental assistance targets those who are homeless or at risk, generally under 200% of the federal poverty level.
- How much rent will I pay with HASA?
- HASA clients typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with HASA covering the rest up to a cap.
- How do I apply for HASA?
- Call HASA at 718-557-1399 or visit an HRA HASA center, where a caseworker will confirm eligibility and explain your options.