Community Services

Fifth Avenue Committee’s Community Services program helps build a more equitable New York City by connecting low- and moderate-income New Yorkers to the benefits and support they need to thrive. 

Whether you’re looking for help with food, housing, finances, or taxes, our experienced Community Services team is here to guide you and help you access resources.

We provide services in English and Spanish, and we offer telephonic interpretation in over 100 languages, so it’s easy to get the help you need. Call us to make an appointment to meet in person or virtually at 718-237-2017 x165. 

What We Offer

Benefits Access 

Worried about paying for groceries, health care, or getting around the city? You might qualify for public programs that can help—and we’re here to guide you through it. 

We screen for and help with enrollment in programs such as: 

  • Health Insurance – Medicaid or other low- to no-cost health insurance. 
  • SNAP (food stamps) – monthly support to help pay for groceries. 
  • Cash Assistance – direct financial support for basic needs. 
  • Fair Fares – half-priced MetroCards.
  • And more! 

There are two easy ways to reach us. Walk in for a free benefits screening on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 621 Degraw Street in Brooklyn or call us to make an appointment at 718-237-2017 x165

Financial Counseling 

Want to feel more confident about your finances? 

Our financial coaching program is here to help you take control of your finances, whether you’re just getting started or working toward a big goal. We offer one-on-one coaching and group workshops where you can: 

  • Build a budget that works for your life. 
  • Grow your savings. 
  • Tackle debt. 
  • Boost your credit score. 

All of our services are free and tailored to your unique needs and goals. 

Make an Appointment

Tenant Counseling 

We help tenants resolve issues with landlords and stay safely housed.

Contact us for help with filing complaints and connecting with community resources. We provide:

  • One-on-one tenant counseling and advocacy. 
  • Help securing essential home repairs. 
  • Assistance with rent overcharges and disputes. 
  • Support for cases of landlord harassment.
  • Guidance on applying for rental subsidies.

To schedule an appointment call (718) 237-2017, x165

 

Free Tax Preparation 

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful.

Through our partnership with Grow Brooklyn, we offer free IRS-certified tax preparation services to help low-income New Yorkers file accurately and on time, and get the maximum refund they’re eligible for. Trained preparers will guide you through the process, making sure everything is done right — so you can feel confident and keep more of what you’ve earned.

We offer these services from January to April.

To schedule an appointment, call 718-237-2017 x165

FAC and our affiliate organizations welcome people of all backgrounds and identities to apply to and participate in our programs and services.

FAQs

We serve residents of all five New York City boroughs.
Yes!
HPD Housing Ambassadors don't assist with apartment searches. However, we can help you create a Housing Connect profile and navigate open housing lotteries. We can also help you get placement on the New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA) housing waitlist. FAC's Affordable Housing Lottery team also provides information about applying for housing.
We don't provide these services, but FAC's affiliate Brooklyn Workforce Innovations can help you with job training, and we can provide information about other resources.