Legal Services for Housing Stability Program

The Legal Services for Housing Stability Program (LSHSP) is a grant opportunity administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Designed to bolster housing stability across all areas of New York State outside of New York City, the LSHSP aims to support individuals and families at risk of eviction or homelessness by providing free, high-quality legal services. OTDA expects to award approximately $35 million annually through this RFP, with contracts to begin on or about October 1, 2026, and extend over a five-year period through annual renewals, contingent on continued funding and satisfactory performance. The core mission of the LSHSP is to prevent evictions and maintain housing by offering tenants a comprehensive suite of legal services, including advice, counsel, mediation, advocacy, and direct representation in court. Services must be made available to renters regardless of immigration status. Contractors are encouraged to partner with community-based organizations to deliver wraparound support services—such as case management, benefit navigation, and housing counseling—in conjunction with legal assistance. Up to 15% of an awarded contractor’s budget may be allocated to rental arrears payments tied to active court proceedings. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations with a primary focus on legal services and the capacity to represent clients in court. Applicants must be prequalified in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and are expected to apply through the SFS online platform. Only one application may be submitted per agency, and those currently funded by OTDA under this program must reapply to continue receiving support. Proposals must include detailed budgets, a comprehensive description of legal and support services, and documentation demonstrating the organization’s experience with housing-related legal defense. Applicants must also describe their presence in all counties within the proposed service region and their capacity to engage underserved populations. The grant strictly outlines both eligible and ineligible costs. Eligible uses include salaries and fringe for legal staff, court fees, mediation programs, advocacy, educational outreach, and associated administrative expenses (capped at 15%). Ineligible costs include litigation unrelated to housing instability, services to already homeless individuals, mortgage assistance, and ongoing rental subsidies. Each application will be competitively scored based on experience, coverage, service accessibility, program design, and fiscal responsibility. Applicants must also meet minimum criteria, such as having three years of relevant service experience and the ability to demonstrate regional access to services. OTDA outlines a clear timeline for the funding opportunity. The RFP was released on January 12, 2026, with a deadline for questions by February 4, 2026, and responses expected by February 11, 2026. Final proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on March 5, 2026, with award announcements anticipated by April 30, 2026. Contracts will commence October 1, 2026, and conclude September 30, 2031. All proposals must be submitted electronically through SFS, and late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The designated contact for this grant is Geoffroy Green, Program Manager at OTDA, reachable via email at [email protected] or by phone at (518) 486-3546. All inquiries must be submitted in writing by the stated deadline. As this is a recurring funding opportunity, future application cycles are anticipated annually through 2031, subject to budget availability and OTDA’s discretion.

Demonstrate regional legal capacity, court experience, measurable housing outcomes, and community linkages; ensure completeness of required documents.