New York, NY, May 16, 2025 — HousingPlus will honor its founder and executive director of more than 20 years — housing advocate and changemaker Rita Zimmer — at the annual Good Person Awards Celebration. In 2002, Rita Zimmer founded HousingPlus, which focuses on creating permanent and transitional supportive housing for women and families. In 2025, […]
Author: Michelle Bova
HousingPlus Welcomes Karen Ford as New CEO
We are excited to open a new chapter in empowering women and families across New York City. HousingPlus is thrilled to announce and welcome the appointment of Karen Ford as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement ushering in a new era for women and families across New York City was made by Board Chair […]
Understanding common terms in the New York City low-income housing landscape
Between the multiple programs, acronyms, and changing options, it can be easy to be confused about affordable housing options in New York City. As a large metropolis, New York City has more specialized programs and, therefore, many acronyms and terms that you may hear in the dialogue around housing for low-income families or families that have or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
This post will help our readers better understand the most common programs and specialized terms in the housing landscape in NYC. We’ll also attempt to give the quickest plain-language explanation of who is eligible for different programs and link to additional resources.
News & Highlights from HousingPlus: Spring 2025
Learn how a mother and daughter found new ways to express themselves through cooking, art, and music in a home of their own.
Centering the Person
We work with women where they are, recognizing the importance of a home as a stabilizing force even if someone struggles with other barriers. Person-first and person-centered language is important as we work to emphasize the dignity and humanity of our clients continually.
Housing First: Experience, Data, Results
In this blog post, learn more about Housing First, the approach we use to move people from homelessness to housing. Housing First works from the premise that for additional support and interventions to be successful, a person first needs the stability of a home.
PIX11 Showcases HousingPlus in the Bronx
Recently, journalist Vanessa Freeman visited one of our HousingPlus locations providing transitional supportive housing for previously incarcerated individuals (or those with other justice-involvement). We invite you to check out this great story featuring two of our residents in our facility in the Bronx, who are using the opportunity of stable housing to work on their future goals and build a better life after jail or prison.
Mary’s reflections on her apartment
Mary loves having a kitchen in her apartment, though it took her some time to get used to.
Shadequa shares her story
Shadequa is a HousingPlus tenant and Veteran. Today, she serves on our Board of Directors. After her time serving in Afghanistan, Shadequa experienced serious mental health complications as a result of post-traumatic stress syndrome and related issues of depression and anxiety. When she came to HousingPlus, she found what she describes as the “best apartment” she’s ever lived in. Shadequa’s story is a wonderful example of how housing can be the first step to a brighter future.