HOUSE THAT: New housing lottery with homes as low as $454 opens up applications – but you must agree to two requirements

According to The Sun, Affordable housing opportunities have emerged for some Americans, featuring monthly rents as low as $454. These units are particularly beneficial for low-income renters, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness.

In Brooklyn, New York, a newly completed development in Crown Heights offers brand-new apartments designed to be affordable for city residents, according to Brownstoner. The eight-story building, named Weeksville Place, is located at 1559 Prospect Place.

Constructed on a previously vacant lot, Weeksville Place includes a total of 45 units and has launched a lottery for 36 of these apartments, all with rent stabilization and income restrictions. The available apartments consist of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options.

Qualifications & Application Process

To be eligible for the lottery, applicants must meet two criteria. Firstly, they should be New York families or single occupants. Secondly, their earnings must fall between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For instance, the income limits range from $18,480 for a one-person household to $134,160 for a five-person household, according to listings on the NYC Housing Connect government website.

• Studios: 15 of the 36 units start at $454 per month and can go up to $654.
• One-Bedroom Units: Seven units begin at $577 per month and can reach a maximum of $1,676.
• Two-Bedroom Units: 14 units start at $1,364 per month and go as high as $1,999.

The remaining nine apartments are reserved as supportive spaces for families referred through New York City agencies, with a preference for seniors among those seeking the most affordable units.

Also read: Disability benefits update: SSI and SSDI payments of about $698 & $1,539 coming in November

The lottery for Weeksville Place is currently open, and interested individuals can apply through the NYC Housing Connect website. Applications will close on October 28.

Amenities Available

Weeksville Place offers various amenities for residents, including a lobby, a rear yard with a grilling area, a children’s playground, and a community center. Additional features include bike storage, energy-efficient appliances, air conditioning, and an on-site manager. The residential hallways are designed with wood paneling, enhancing the building’s aesthetic appeal.

While heat and hot water are included in the rent, tenants will be responsible for electricity costs. The lot where Weeksville Place stands had been vacant since the 1980s and was owned by the city. In 2022, the city transferred the lot to affordable housing developer Settlement Housing Fund and The Beechwood Organization, a construction company, for just $3. Settlement Housing Fund has several affordable housing developments in Crown Heights, contributing to the community’s housing needs.