Federal Government Shutdown

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the lack of federal funding, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed until further notice. The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance — including Public Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards are not impacted at this time. If the shutdown continues into November, benefits for SNAP could be delayed. This message will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Call your member of Congress now to let them know how these cuts would impact you, your family, and your community..

Last updated: October 23, 2025, 9:10 AM

Division of Housing and Refugee Services

OTDA Home About OTDA Division of Housing and Refugee Services

Richard Umholtz, Deputy Commissioner

Housing and Refugee Services (HRS) administers housing-related programs targeted to homeless individuals and families as well as programs for refugees, repatriated American citizens, and victims of human trafficking.

  • Housing Services administers an array of programs to address the problems of homelessness in the State. These services range from programs which prevent homelessness to the construction of housing for homeless individuals and families. Other programs provide essential services to homeless persons to stabilize their housing situation and increase their levels of self-sufficiency.
  • Refugee Services directs resources to local contracted agencies to provide assistance to refugees and their families with employment and support services towards early economic and social self-sufficiency, to assure foster care for unaccompanied refugee minors, to assist victims of human trafficking, and to help repatriated U.S. citizens arrive home safely from abroad.

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