Benefits Access & Tax Assistance
Helping Staten Islanders Access the Resources They Deserve
Navigating public benefits, healthcare, and financial assistance programs can be difficult, especially for families facing financial hardship.
Through its Benefit Access & Tax Assistance Services, we help Staten Island residents access essential resources that strengthen household stability and prevent crises. Our Help Centers in Port Richmond and Stapleton provide guidance regardless of immigration status.
How We Support Staten Island
Our Benefit Access & Tax Assistance Services helps navigate complex systems and provide resources that support financial stability.
Services include:
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We help individuals and families access government programs that provide food, financial assistance, and essential support.
Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - – Food assistance for eligible individuals and families.
Cash Assistance - Financial assistance for eligible low-income individuals and families to help meet basic needs.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Helps eligible households pay heating and certain energy-related costs.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) - Provides nutrition assistance, education, and referrals for eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under five.
Fair Fares - Provides eligible low-income NYC residents with discounted subway and bus fares.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (SSI/SSD) - Helps individuals navigate applications
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We help individuals and families understand their healthcare options and apply for affordable or free health coverage.
Medicaid & Emergency Medicaid: Free or low-cost health coverage and qualifying emergency medical services.
Essential Plan: Low-cost health insurance for eligible New Yorkers.
Child Health Plus: Free or affordable health insurance for children under 19.
Marketplace Health Plans: Health insurance options with possible financial assistance.
NYC Care: Low-cost or no-cost healthcare services for eligible NYC residents who cannot afford or qualify for health insurance.
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We help individuals and families find affordable housing, navigate housing applications, and address challenges that may affect their housing stability.
Housing Connect Profile Creation: Help creating an account on NYC Housing Connect to apply for affordable housing.
Affordable Housing Lottery Assistance: Guidance searching for affordable apartments, completing applications, and submitting required documents.
Landlord Advocacy Letters: Assistance communicating with landlords to address housing concerns and support housing stability.
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We help individuals and families file their taxes, access eligible tax credits, and improve their financial well-being.
Free Tax Preparation: Assistance filing federal and state income tax returns. Schedule an appointment.
ITIN Applications: Help applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number.
Self-Employment Tax Workshops: Guidance for freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners on filing taxes.
Financial Counseling: Support with budgeting, money management, and financial planning.
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We help immigrants and their families understand their immigration options and access assistance with eligible applications.
Immigration Relief Screenings: Help identifying immigration programs or legal protections you may qualify for.
Immigration Relief Application Assistance: Guidance and support with preparing and submitting eligible immigration applications.
Real Impact in the Community
Behind every appointment, application, or consultation is a person working toward stability. Learn how access to resources can change the lives of Staten Islanders.
A Path Toward Stability
When a mother of two arrived at Project Hospitality’s Help Center after immigrating from Ecuador, staff quickly saw how her family was struggling. The children were hungry and lacked basic clothing and shoes.
Our team immediately provided food, baby supplies, and essential items while helping the family begin enrolling in programs such as SNAP, WIC, and health insurance.
The family has continued to receive support through the Help Center, including benefits enrollment, health services, and advocacy on issues affecting their housing and their children’s education. The mother often shares how grateful she is for the guidance she received and encourages others facing hardship to seek support.
A Tax Return That Changed a Family’s Future
During tax season at the Port Richmond Help Center, a mother filed her taxes as a head of household, listing her daughter as a dependent. She learned that her refund would be nearly $15,000 and began to cry. For her family, that return meant more than numbers on a form. It enabled them to purchase a used car, so her daughter would no longer have to walk to school in the cold or rain.
“Her gratitude reminded me of something bigger: a tax return is hope, relief, and a new beginning for a family of 2. Moments like this inspire me even more in our everyday work. The Help Center offers true hope!”
– Zhoena Kalivioti, Tax Site Supervisor
Community Partners
Project Hospitality collaborates with city agencies and nonprofit partners to expand public benefits access for Staten Islanders.
Our partners include:
Have any questions about our benefits access services?
Our Mission Needs You
Access to essential benefits and financial resources can change the course of a family’s life. Your support helps Project Hospitality ensure Staten Islanders can access the guidance and resources they need to build stability.
Interested in building a career that makes a direct impact in Staten Island communities? Explore opportunities with Project Hospitality.