Nahjae Olin’s journey to winning the NYC housing lottery and securing a one-bedroom apartment for just $881 a month in the Bronx exemplifies the persistence required to navigate the city’s competitive affordable housing system. After moving back in with her family post-college in 2019, Olin faced the daunting task of finding a place of her own in New York City’s notoriously expensive rental market. Unsure of how she could afford an apartment, she turned to the NYC housing lottery, a program designed to help residents like her find affordable, rent-stabilized housing. Olin began applying in 2020, submitting over 100 applications before finally hearing back in 2022. Her dedication paid off when she was offered a one-bedroom unit in her home borough of the Bronx, a rare opportunity given the program’s high demand and low supply ratio of about 50 applications per available unit.
The NYC housing lottery, managed by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), offers income-qualified New Yorkers a fair chance at securing affordable housing through a randomized selection process. To participate, applicants must meet specific income requirements based on the area’s median income, unit size, and household composition. Despite the lengthy and competitive process, which often involves submitting numerous applications and waiting years for a response, the program can be life-changing for those who persevere. For Olin, securing her apartment was a full-circle moment, allowing her to stay in the neighborhood she grew up in and reassuring her family about her financial stability. Her experience highlights the importance of persistence, thorough documentation, and keeping one’s Housing Connect profile up to date to improve chances in the lottery.
