Bedford Union Armory
BROOKLYN
EBONY
Ebony has resided in her apartment in Brooklyn for over a year and a half, and it’s become a space where she feels truly at home. After years of applying for Housing Connect lotteries, Ebony’s dream of living independently came true when she was selected for a one-bedroom in the borough she’s always called home. Ebony works in Human Resources for a non-profit organization and is a self-proclaimed habitual hobby starter—from reading to DIY projects in her new home.
“It’s yours and you deserve the world if you desire!”
“It’s yours and you deserve the world if you desire”
“It’s yours and you deserve the world if you desire”
How has your life changed since moving in (big or small)?
“Yes for sure. I like to say I manifested having this apartment because I always talked about living by myself and then it randomly happened when I got the emails from Housing Connect for this place. So, my manifestations have come true. I have since started a new job and have been trying to make time to love myself more.”
What do you want others to know about Housing Connect or living in a Housing Connect building?
“Keep trying! I have been applying since I was in college. I was very discouraged with the process and started to believe that it wasn’t truly meant for low-income New Yorkers. After finally getting picked I can say that there is an opportunity, just be patient. Make sure you’re constantly looking and applying to buildings that fit in your income range. Also, don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t deserve this! It’s yours and you deserve the world if you desire!”
What is your favorite part about living here?
“My favorite part is the neighborhood and the view. I'm closer to the train and shopping areas than my last apartment. Also, I have a pretty nice view of Brooklyn which is nice since I have lived in the borough my entire life, so now I get to see it from another angle everyday.”
Tree of Life
QUEENS
CERONNE
After applying for countless lotteries, Ceronne finally found her ideal apartment in Jamaica, Queens, where she and her beloved pup, Lacey, have created a warm, inviting abode. As a NYC native and content creator, Ceronne snagged this affordable gem almost a year ago, and it’s been a dream come true. She loves the easy access to transit, local shops, and restaurants, plus the comfort and space to entertain friends and work from home. Her decor, a blend of eclectic finds from resale sites and stoop treasures, perfectly reflects her style and personality.
“You CAN win and you CAN get into a building”
“You CAN win and you CAN get into a building”
“You CAN win and you CAN get into a building”
What do you want others to know about Housing Connect or living in a Housing Connect building?
“Everyone thinks you apply and you’re going to get it next day. There's a need to level set expectations. If there’s a brand-new lottery, click it, and apply, as long as it’s in your range. It’s something you should be doing on the daily. I apply to everything that I qualify for. I’ve been applying since probably 2016, off and on for around 10 years. I heard in June and I was in by the end of August. I’m glad New Yorkers are winning. This is one of those gems that is really for us.”
“You CAN win and you CAN get into a building with amenities you don't need to pay extra for! Keep applying, literally.”
How has your life changed since moving in (big or small)?
“Life is definitely more freeing, and I’m a whole lot more independent than I used to be. I enjoy having dominion over my own space; aside from Lacey, I legit have no one else to consider but myself and that is a huge relief at the end of most days. I’ve also had to become more disciplined with a routine to keep the house clean on a daily, weekly and monthly basis in a way that works with my schedule since I'm the only one doing it.”
Greenpoint Landing
BROOKLYN
ROBERT
Robert’s journey to Greenpoint Landing is more than just a change in location—it’s a profound transformation. After six years living in a shelter, Robert and his wife, navigating city life with disabilities, found not just a new apartment but a community of support and care. With on-site services provided by Breaking Ground and an apartment filled with natural light, Robert and his wife finally have everything they need in their dream home on the waterfront.
“I get a lot of sunlight and that is a beauty”
“I get a lot of sunlight and that is a beauty”
“I get a lot of sunlight and that is a beauty”
What is your favorite part about living here?
“The bedroom and the living room, they all face the courtyard. It’s very sunny there, I get a lot of sunlight and that is a beauty. I sit out in the living room, the sun comes in and I sit there and read. I enjoy every aspect and every room in the apartment, it’s a God bless.”
1921 Atlantic Apartments
BROOKLYN
GABBY
Gabby, a retail content manager, has transformed her Housing Connect apartment in Brooklyn into a personal oasis. With a passion for painting, photography, and caring for her impressive collection of plants, her space is a vibrant reflection of her creativity and green thumb. Living alone for the first time has been life-changing, giving her the freedom to create a peaceful, private home filled with natural light and calming energy. Gabby encourages others to apply to Housing Connect, reminding them that while the process takes time, the reward is a truly fulfilling living space.
“It takes time but it’s so worth the wait”
“It takes time but it's so worth the wait”
“It takes time but it's so worth the wait”
How has your life changed since moving in (big or small)?
“Definitely big, in the most wonderful way. This is the first apartment I’ve lived in just by myself and it's been truly life-changing. You learn how to manage things that you didn’t really have to do before and figure out life without the noise from outside of your own wishes.”
What do you want others to know about Housing Connect or living in a Housing Connect building?
“To apply to everything they qualify for and to be patient. It takes time but it’s so worth the wait. I’ve created a home thanks to Housing Connect... and I also have friends that live in a Housing Connect building so it is very much possible.”
Resident Voices
Ebony
Ceronne
Robert
Gabby
