Free Services
Free local services are sorted by category below:
Family, Housing, Financial, Immigration, Legal & Small Business Services.
Please visit CB14’s NONPROFIT SERVICES MAP to see locations, program
& contact information for many organizations offering assistance in our district. NYC residents are also encouraged to call 3-1-1 for referrals for any city services.
FAMILY SERVICES
Department of Education Offers Free Classes for Adults: In support of the Chancellor’s Parent Engagement pillar, the NYC Department of Education is offering tuition-free day, evening and Saturday classes to adults over age 21 at schools in and around Community Board 14. Click Here to for the most recent schedule for the free adult education classes being held in our area. For more information about the types classes each location is offering, please contact the Brooklyn’s Office of Adult and Continuing Education (OACE) at 718-638-2635. Click Here to see program flyer.
Free English Classes 2020 – Learn English for free at the YMCA! Classes run for 10 weeks for 12 hours per week. Morning (10 AM – 1 PM) and evening (6 PM – 9 PM) are available. Sessions are held in the spring, summer, fall and winter. The free classes are held at the Flatbush YMCA located at 1401 Flatbush Avenue. For more information, call Victoria or Beatrice at 718-469-8100 x. 4316. Click here to view program flyer.
Free GED Classes – Free GED (HES/High School Equivalency) classes are being offered at two Brooklyn locations by COJO Flatbush in partnership with the Office of Councilmember Mathieu Eugene. Classes are held at the Councilman’s District Office located at 900 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn 11226 and also at the COJO office at 1523 Avenue M, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn 11230. A High School Equivalency Diploma will enable you to acquire new skills to succeed in the workplace, have access to better employment opportunities or help your children with their homework. Click here to see program flyer for 900 Rogers Ave classes or call 718-287-8762 or email CMEugeneEvents@gmail.com. Click here to see program flyer for 1523 Ave M classes or contact Jacob Hecht, Director of Adult education @ 718-377-2900 EXT 7637 or email JHecht@JewishCouncil.org.
Free English Classes for Adults: Learn & improve your English through ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) classes focussed on speaking & listening skills. Day & evening classes are offered at multiple Brooklyn sites for adults 18 and older. For more information, click here to see flyer or call Peter Fradman at 718-377-2900 x.7617 or email pfradman@jewishcouncil.org.
Health Bucks (DOHMH program) – Community members who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are entitled to the benefits of a new program! Health Bucks are coupons redeemable for $2 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables at all NYC farmers’ markets. Customers will receive a $2 Health Bucks coupon for every $5 they spend using SNAP benefits at NYC farmers’ markets. This 40% boost in purchasing power better enables SNAP recipients to acquire nutritious foods for themselves and their families while also supporting the regional economy. Starting this year, Health Bucks will be available year-round for SNAP recipients shopping at farmers’ markets! For more information or to receive Health Bucks promotional materials, including the farmers’ market maps and post cards attached, please visit DOHMH’s Health Bucks website or contact Kristine Momanyi at farmersmarkets@health.nyc.gov.
Cooling Grants Available in NYC! Do you need help paying your air-conditioning bill this summer? You may qualify for an NYC Cooling Grant. For income requirements and other qualifications, please click this link.
HRA/DSS: The New York City Human Resources Administration/ Department of Social Services (HRA/DSS) provides temporary help to individuals and families with social service and economic needs to assist them in reaching self-sufficiency. HRA serves more than 3 million New Yorkers through essential and diverse programs and services that include: temporary cash assistance, public health insurance, food stamps, home care for seniors and the disabled, child care, adult protective services, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS support services and child support enforcement. Download HRA’s Organization Chart (in PDF) Please go to 311 Online or call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399 for more information about available free services. If you need to visit one of our Job Centers or Medicaid offices, they are located throughout the five boroughs. You can access them by clicking the following links (Job Centers or Medicaid Offices.) Certified Application Counselors (CACs) are available at many HRA offices to assist in the process of applying for health insurance (nystateofhealth.gov). In addition to the offices referenced in our borough listings, CACs are also available at our Brooklyn headquarters, at 785 Atlantic Avenue, 4th Floor.
NYSTART– The NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) & the NYSTART program offers crisis prevention and response services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring complex behavioral health needs. The goal of the NYSTART program is to build relationships and supports across service systems to help people remain in their homes and communities, and enhance the ability of the community to support them. For more information, visit the OPWDD website at http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/ny-start/home; call 347-835-9808 or email scyrus-savary@sus.org.
Family Permanency Center Support for Adoptive & Guardianship Families – The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) provides post adoption and post guardianship services to families that have legally adopted or obtained guardianship (not custody) for the children that they are parenting. In addition, OCFS works with disconnected youth. For questions about the Family Permanency Center please call 646-352-9091. There is currently no waiting list. Please click links to view program brochure and for family referral form.
HOUSING SERVICES
Home Improvement Grants up to $10G: Neighborhood Housing Services of Brooklyn and the Affordable Housing Corporation are proud to present the AHC Home Repair grant for houses, condos and co-ops in Brooklyn. Brooklyn residents can get up to a $20,000 grant (not a loan, no return payment required) to repair their homes. Income limits apply. Applications are selected in a lottery process. Click here to view application. Click here to view the program flyer. Contact the NHS Brooklyn, located at 2806 Church Avenue, Brooklyn 11226, at 718-469-4679 or visit the website at http://www.nhsbrooklyn.org/.
Home Improvement Loans & Financial Assistance Programs (for Homeowners & Landlords): Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Brooklyn offers a variety of assistance & support programs for homeowners and landlords. Click the following links to find out more about services available including: Loans for Emergency Home Repairs for individual homeowners and landlords, a First-Time Homebuyer Program offering financial counseling and assistance, a Foreclosure Intervention program designed to keep homeowners in their homes, Loans for Home Improvement Projects, and a Mortgage Refinance Assistance program. Contact NHS Brooklyn, located at 2806 Church Avenue, Brooklyn 11226, at 718-469-4679 or visit the website at www.nhsbrooklyn.org.
Landlord/Tenant Problems? The following organizations offer assistance resolving conflicts between tenants and landlords, in addition to offering financial counseling, mortgage assistance, foreclosure prevention services and more.
1. Erasmus Neighborhood Federation: 718-462-7700
2. FDC (Flatbush Development Corporation): 718-859-3800
3. MDC (Midwood Development Corporation): 718-376-0999
4. South Brooklyn Legal Services: 718-237-5500
5. Brooklyn Housing & Family Services: 718-435-7585
6. Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS): 718-469-4679 or 718-469-7700
Housing Connect: HPD offers a wide variety of programs that create newly constructed or renovated affordable rental housing throughout the five boroughs. HPD and its partners use city subsidies and other financing tools to make these apartments affordable to low-, moderate-, and middle-income individuals and families. Through Housing Connect, you can view housing lotteries that are currently accepting applications, create and update your account profile, and submit applications to lotteries for which you may qualify. Click Map to View Current Rental Lotteries.
Section 8 Housing – The waiting list for Section 8 apartments will reopen on July 1, 2015. Applicants may submit applications to be considered for a Section 8 apartment between July 1 – September 1, 2015. To find out if your family qualifies for Section 8 housing and for more information about the program or the federal guidelines, please click here to visit the NYC.gov Section 8 website. To request an application, contact Michelle Torres, managing agent for Brooklyn/Bronx Section 8 Buildings by calling 516-466-6520 x. 24 between 10 AM – 3 PM, Monday – Friday. Section 8 buildings in Brooklyn include: 80 Greene Avenue, Boerum/Humbolt Street, St. Felix St/Ashland Pl, and Utica/Atlantic Avenue.
Homeowners & Residents Night: Every Tuesday, 4-7 PM
Department of Buildings (DOB) Brooklyn Borough Office (210 Joralemon Street, 8th Floor)
During the weekly Homeowners and Residents Night, New Yorkers can meet with Buildings Dept experts to obtain:
- Advice on home construction plans, including the permitting process;
- Information on how to check a contractor’s license status;
- Guidance on reducing energy costs by weatherizing residences; Instructions on how to resolve Department-issued violations;
- Recommendations on steps to take before purchasing a home or signing a lease;
- Direction on how to secure or amend a property’s Certificate of Occupancy;
- Permit guidelines for common home improvements, such as kitchen renovations and backyard shed installation; and
- Guidance on using the Buildings Information System (BIS) to search property history and permit information.
There is no need to make an advance appointment, simply visit your local borough office. For more information, visit this website or contact DOB Customer Service at (718) 802-3675.
Home Remodeling for Disability and Special Needs: What You Need to Know
Do you need to remodel your home to make it more accessible? Are you wondering where to start? Click here to view a helpful guide which offers helpful information including funding resources, legal provisions, planning & product tips and more.
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
The following organizations provide Counseling and Advocacy, plus Referrals to Relevant Health Services, Social Services, Education Services and Employment Related Services.
IMMIGRATION COUNSELING: City Council Member Jumaane Williams’ office offers free immigration counseling services in partnership with CUNY Citizenship NOW. An attorney is available to provide free legal counseling and is available to discuss President Obama’s new immigration reforms on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m by appointment only. Those interested should know that our waiting list is normally 4-6 weeks. For more information, call 718-629-2900.
CAMBA NYS Refugee Resettlement Assistance Program: 718-287-2600
CAMBA Refugee Social Services Program (RHTP, RSSP, TAG): 718-282-2500
www.camba.org; 884 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Brooklyn Resource Center (RSSP/TAG): 718-336-2836
www.fegs.org; 938 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Council of People’s Organization (COPO): 718-434-3266
www.copousa.org; 1081 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Goodwill Industries: 718-339-0937
goodwillnynj.org; Address: 1416 Avenue M, Floor 6, Brooklyn, NY, 11230
Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees: 718-462-0791
haitianwomen.wordpress.com; Address: 208 Parkside Avenue, 2nd Fl., Brooklyn, NY 11226
Refugee Health Screening (RHS)
718-339-6300 ( 1655 East 13th Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11229)
718-434-2100 (1100 Coney Island Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11230)
otda.ny.gov/programs/bria
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS): (718) 254-0700
CUNY Citizenship Now! Medgar Evers College: (718) 270-6292
LEGAL SERVICES
The following legal assistance organizations can provide free advice, consultation and counseling for legal matters or refer you to free or low-cost legal support.
1. Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT): 212-343-1122
2. Brooklyn Volunteer Lawyer’s Project: 718-624-3894
3. Haitian Centers Council: 718-940-2200
4. Housing Court Answers: 212-962-4795
5. South Brooklyn Legal Services: 718-237-5500 / 718-237-5559
6. Legal Aid: 718-722-3100
7. CUNY School of Law’s Community Legal Resource Network (in partnership with NY City Council Member Chaim Deutsch’s Office): 718-368-9176
8. Safe Horizons Domestic Violence Help: 855-234-1042
9. CAMBA Legal Services: (718) 287-0010 ext.40240
10. COJO of Flatbush Legal Services: 718-377-2900 x. 7622
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Emergency Food Stamps Hotline (Human Resource Administration): 877 -472-8411
Do you qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps)? Visit foodhelp.nyc to find out if you qualify, what you are entitled to and how to get started.
National Grid On Track Program – Are you struggling financially? Are you behind on your National Grid Bill? You may qualify to save up to $400 off the amount you owe! To find out more about this program and for an application for the On Track program, Click This Link or call 718-403-2216 (9AM-5PM M-F.)
Financial Coaching Corps Workshops – Get Free Financial Workshops for Your Clients! The Financial Coaching Corps of the Community Service Society of New York would like to offer you free workshops at your organization. Topics include Budgeting, Credit, Debt Collections, Credit Reports, and more! Please contact Courtney Davis at cdavis@cssny.org or 212-614-5413 for details.
Free Financial Counseling & Support (Call 718-469-4679)
During this free, five-week course called “Getting Ahead,” you can work with a professional financial advisor from Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Brooklyn in partnership with the Neighborhood Trust Financial Partner (NTFP) to obtain the right tools and support to take control of your financial future. Each week you will work with your financial advisor to put together your goals and employ the right plan for your success. For information about the “Getting Ahead” program, contact NHS by calling 718-469-4679 or visit the NHS office at 2806 Church Street, Brooklyn, NY 11226. Visit the website at www.nhsbrooklyn.org
Home to Work Center for Displaced Homemakers: The “Home to Work Center” at LaGuardia Community College offers free classes & counseling on personal development & economic self-sufficiency, designed specifically for displaced homemakers (those who have worked in the home providing unpaid services for family members) who are unemployed. Additional services include computer & vocational training, job readiness workshops, career counseling, job search & placement assistance. Classes are ongoing. For more information, please click here to view the program flyer or call 718-482-5171 or email vjarvis@lagcc.cuny.edu.
Upsolve Bankruptcy Protection – Upsolve is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that helps low-income New Yorkers file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy for free. This legal process erases all medical, civil and credit card debt. Bankruptcy does not erase debt from student loans, alimony, child support or back taxes. If your wages are being garnished because you owe a creditor, bankruptcy could stop the garnishments. If you have over $10,000 in debt that you don’t think you’ll ever be able to pay back and your credit score is less than 600, you’re probably a good candidate for bankruptcy. Since your credit score is already low, bankruptcy is unlikely to have a significant effect on your ability to access credit and may even improve your ability to access credit. Bankruptcy provides a fresh start and you won’t have to worry about paying your creditors. It will also eliminate any harassing phone calls you receive to pay your creditors. If you have the type of debt that can be erased, filing for bankruptcy will mean that money you earn will now go to your pocket rather than paying creditors. For more information, click here to learn how to file bankruptcy for free with Upsolve.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
Green Worker Cooperative Support: Green Worker Cooperatives is a Bronx-based organization dedicated to incubating worker-owned green businesses in order to build a strong local economy rooted in democracy and environmental justice. We train and develop worker cooperatives that have a positive environmental impact and enable the transformation of their members and community. Visit the website at www.greenworker.coop or call (718) 617 – 7807 for more information.
Free Compliance Consultations for Small Businesses – Small Business Services (SBS) is excited to introduce no cost compliance consultations to help new and operating businesses learn how to avoid common violations before fines are issued. Compliance consultations will not result in agency enforcement. SBS will visit the business with information about City rules and requirements from agencies such as the Dept. of Health, Dept. of Sanitation, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, and Dept. of Environmental Protection, avoid fines and violations & coordinate reviews and inspections from City agencies. Click here for more information.
Manage Forward: NYCEDC has announced that a new opportunity for Brooklyn-based Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE), Manage Forward, is now accepting applications. The application is due October 14, 2016. NYCEDC is launching the Manage Forward program to give small business owners the tools, training, and networks to turn growth plans into action. NYCEDC will provide free customized training for business owners who have been in business for at least three years, bring in an annual revenue of at least $250,000, and have at least one employee besides the owner. This is a seven-month program helps participants emerge with successful, growth-oriented business strategies. NYCEDC has partnered with Interise, Santander Bank, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President to help launch this major initiative. Applications are due by October 14th, 2016. Click Here for more information or to apply today!
Free Financial Coaching For Your Organization: The Community Service Society’s Financial Coaching Corps (FCC) wants to partner with your organization! FCC places free financial coaches in NYC non-profit organizations. Coaches can help your clients repair their credit, budget, save, and address specific financial dilemmas. Hosting an FCC coach will increase your capacity to help your clients succeed! For more information please contact Reyes Irizarry, at 212-614-5419 or ririzarry@cssny.org. We also provide free coaching at our site. Call Courtney Davis, at 212-614-5413 or cdavis@cssny.org for details.
NYC Small Business Solutions offers FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ for Established Neighborhood Businesses – a 30-hour program that provides long-standing NYC business owners the tools to maintain a sustainable business legacy in their neighborhood. This no-cost program, designed specifically for long-standing NYC business owners competing in changing neighborhoods, provides tools and resources to help them adapt and grow. The course curriculum covers the following topics: Driving sales, Building the right team, Reexamining the market, Commercial lease education and negotiation, Creating an actionable plan for strategic growth and more. Free classes run throughout June & July, 6 – 9 p.m. and are held at the New York Institute of Technology’s Manhattan Campus, located at 26 West 61st Street, New York, NY 10023. For more information, click here to visit the website or call 347.296.8021.
NYC Business Solutions is a set of FREE services offered by the NYC Department of Small Business Services to help businesses start, operate, and expand in New York City. Whether you need financing assistance, legal advice, ways to score new business opportunities with the City, recruiting advice, or help with permits or licenses, NYC Business Solutions can work for you – for FREE. Whether you are launching a business, growing your business, or running your business, we have free services for you.
NYC Business Solutions offers businesses in New York City nine free services to help them succeed:
- Business Courses – learn business skills
- Legal Assistance – receive legal advice
- Financing Assistance – access a loan
- Incentives – access tax credits & other incentives
- Navigating Government – cut through red tape
- Recruitment – save money when hiring
- Training – boost staff skills
- Selling to Government – reach new customers
- Certification – become M/WBE certified
To serve the unique needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs, we have established seven NYC Business Solutions Centers throughout the five boroughs. For more details see NYC-BSC’s Locations & Hours page.
NYC Small Business Services (SBS) – NYC Business Solutions’ webinars and online courses make it easy for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs to learn from the comfort of your own chair— for free. Click Here to visit the web page to see what FREE webinars & courses are coming up!
DSNY Small Business Trash & Recycling Collection Programs & Information: Read details of two programs below or click here to view all the DSNY programs & initiatives. As of August 1, 2016 DSNY requires all businesses to recycle. For more information about business recycling program requirements and DSNY enforcement, please click here.
Adopt-A-Basket – The Department of Sanitation invites business owners to help keep their neighborhood clean! New Yorkers in busy areas sometimes fill litter baskets fast. It’s better for our neighborhoods – and businesses – to help keep garbage from spilling onto sidewalks. Volunteers in our Adopt-a-Basket Program help protect our health and quality of life by keeping many of the City’s 25,000 litter baskets from overflowing. Click Here to See Program Flyer & Details.
Avoid-A-Summons – Make sure you know all the rules & regulations for waste disposal for your business. Businesses in New York City, must hire private carting companies for collection and disposal service, properly package and place material out for collection and keep their area clean. Sanitation’s Enforcement Division monitors compliance with the laws governing clean streets. Business owners and managers can avoid the most common fines by following the guidelines listed in this flyer. For additional information, please read this flyer.
National Grid also offers several money-saving programs for Business Owners: Read the details below or click here to view all of National Grid’s programs & intitiatives.
Economic Development Gas Rate Incentive (EDGAR) program. Learn how your small business can save money on your natural gas bill. Click Here to see a flyer about this program.
For more information about operating a small business in New York City, please contact any of the resources listed below:
NYC Dept of Small Business Services
Phone: Call 3-1-1
Website: www.nyc.gov/sbs
Address: 110 William Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10038
Brooklyn Small Business Development Center
Phone: 718-368-6782
Website: www.nyssbdc.org/centers/centers.aspx?centid=28
Address: Kingsborough Community College, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11235
CAMBA Small Business Services
Phone: 718-287-2600
Website: www.camba.org
Address: 1720 Church Avenue, 2nd floor Brooklyn, NY 11226
Church Avenue BID & Flatbush Ave BID
Phone: 718-282-2500
Website: www.churchavenue.org & www.flatbushavebid.com
Address: 2211 Church Avenue, Rm 201, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Flatbush Development Corp.
Phone: 718- 859-3800
Website: fdconline.org
Address: 1616 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID
Phone: 718-951-5000
Website: www.flatbushjunctionbid.com
Addresss: Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Avenue, 1407 Boylan Hall, Brooklyn, NY 11210
Midwood Development Corp.
Phone: 718-376-0999
Website: middev.org
Address: 1416 Avenue M, # 201, Brooklyn, NY 11230
NYC SUPPORT HOTLINES:
HIV/AIDS Service Line: 212-971-0626
Welfare Fraud NYC (to Report Fraud): 212-274-5030
Child Support Helpline: 888-208-4485
Domestic Violence & Emergency Intervention Hotline: 800-621-4673
Hunger Hotline: 866-888-8777
Adult Protective Services Hotline: 212-630-1853
Brooklyn Mental Health Treatment & Support: 888-315-5649
www.mentalhelp.net/care/substance-abuse/ny/brooklyn/ (Phone numbers of individual local care providers listed on website.)
*For a listing of many other NYC Hotlines for assistance with many other issues, please visit the following link: http://www.lawhelpny.org/hotlines
Please click on the Links below for:
1. Jobs & Career Training Resources
2. Youth Program, Job & Education Information
3. Senior Services
4. Food Pantries
5. Libraries
6. The CB14 Nonprofit Organization Map