Town of Brookhaven residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive financial assistance to move into permanent housing or financial assistance with rental arrears.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they can continue to maintain their housing independently after receiving financial assistance.

The funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Emergency Solutions Grants program, which assists those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless because of job loss, wage reduction, illness, or other hardships associated with COVID-19. Applicants’ household income must not exceed 50 percent of the HUD area median income, which is $63,300 for a family of four.

To find out if you are eligible, contact Jose Veliz, Director of Family Development, at 631-842-6100, ext. 1 or jveliz@eoc-suffolk.com.

The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. is truly saddened by recent events and the continued racial violence in our country. We are appalled by what happened to George Floyd and to so many others in the past, and we feel outrage at the injustice of these deaths. As a minority community-based organization, we stand with the entire community in support of the individuals, families, and colleagues who are hurt and angry. And, as part of the national Community Action Network, we also recognize that our country has been challenged in recent times to fully realize the ideals of equality and justice for all within our community.

Our mission is to promote a goal of self-sufficiency by broadening the minds of children, revitalizing communities, and assisting families and children in need… no matter their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, military status, marital status, etc. As service providers, we strive to embody and instill the values of kindness, fairness, and respect for the humanity of all people. Our struggle to foster a society free of racism, sexism, and prejudice of all kinds is a continuous one. We have to first examine our own feelings with honesty and humility, and then bring our urgency, creativity, and persistence to the very difficult task of teaching acceptance.

As community leaders, we are committed to acting on behalf of the wellbeing of our community. EOC of Suffolk is committed to providing services for all members of our community that prioritizes civil rights and civic responsibilities, and that promotes equality and respect for all. We pledge to do everything we can to ensure all of our clients live without fear and with the respect and dignity to which all human beings are entitled.

With solidarity and love for our community,

The Executive Team at EOC of Suffolk, Inc.

Please see this important message from The New York Mortgage Coalition.