The Cornerstone Residence Housing Application FAQs

The Application Process

1. How do I apply for a Cornerstone Apartment?

Download The Cornerstone Residence Application for Housing below.

You are also welcome to pick up an application in-person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the Cornerstone security desk.

For questions regarding the application, please call (845) 784-1166.

Completed applications may be delivered in-person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to the Cornerstone security desk, faxed to (845) 565-4973, or mailed to:

The Cornerstone Residence
ATTN CORNERSTONE RESIDENCE APPLICATION
111 Broadway
Newburgh, NY 12550

2. How long does it take to get an apartment?

Once you have completed and submitted an application, your name will be placed on our waiting list. Since there is no way to anticipate how quickly vacancies will occur, there is no way to tell you exactly how long this process will take. However, we encourage you to apply since we tend to move quickly through the applications we receive.

All applications are reviewed for eligibility and applicants will be notified of their status by mail. Applicants will be asked to participate in at least two interviews. At the time of the interviews, Safe Harbors of the Hudson will review your financial, credit, housing and employment histories. Please be aware that acceptance for our housing is based on all of these criteria.

3. Is there any way I can speed up the process?

The best way to expedite your application is to make sure you submit all of the requested information in a timely fashion. Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible. Please also keep Safe Harbors of the Hudson informed as to your current mailing address and phone number. The sooner we can reach you after a vacancy occurs, the sooner you can be considered for an apartment.

If you are receiving services for a serious mental illness, please speak with your therapist or case manager about having them fill out a Single Point of Access (SPOA) application for you, or call the SPOA coordinator directly at the Orange County Department of Mental Health at (845) 291-2600.

The Apartments and Building

1. What kinds of apartments do you rent?

All units at The Cornerstone Residence’s permanent housing site are studios with private baths and kitchenettes. All apartments are single room occupancy.

2. May I see a model apartment?

If you would like to see an apartment before or after you submit an application, please contact Liz LoPresti at (845) 562-6940 ext. 116 or  to set up an appointment to view an apartment. Applicants are also shown units at the beginning of the interview process.

3. Do you have 1 or 2-bedroom apartments?

The Cornerstone Residence does not rent one or multi-bedroom apartments. Each apartment is a studio.

4. What amenities do you offer?

The Cornerstone Residence offers an outstanding range of amenities and services to our tenants, including but not limited to: 24-hour security personnel, maintenance and housekeeping staff; a computer lab with periodic computer classes; a fitness center; a library; the Ann Street Gallery; case management, job search and placement assistance provided by Independent Living; a wellness center; a GED program; discounted tickets to Safe Harbors of the Hudson and Ritz Theater events and admittance to various Cornerstone and Independent Living outings.

5. Are your apartments furnished?

Yes, all units in The Cornerstone are fully furnished. All apartments include an efficiency kitchenette with a stove top, microwave and refrigerator as well as a twin bed, café-style table and two chairs and a dresser with three drawers.

6. May I bring my own furniture?

We place several restrictions on what is considered acceptable furniture. If you wish to bring in a bigger bed than the twin bed we provide, you must provide a brand new mattress still wrapped in plastic. The following furniture is not permitted: futon beds, couches, storage units and book cases larger than 4 feet tall. In addition, all furniture must be approved by the Safe Harbors of the Hudson staff prior to move in.

7. May I have a pet?

One cat per unit is allowed at The Cornerstone Residence. No dogs are allowed.

Financial Questions

1. What are the income requirements for your building?

The Cornerstone Residence has strict income requirements. We fall under a federally-funded program called the Low Income House Tax Credit Regulatory agreement. The income requirements are as follows:

Minimum: $6,000 annually
Maximum: $29,200 annually

If your income is less than the minimum requirements listed above, you must have a rental subsidy (such as Housing Choice Voucher) to qualify. Please submit proof of your rental subsidy (e.g. Rent Breakdown Letter or a copy of your voucher) with your application.

All applications are thoroughly reviewed on a case-by-case basis. At no point in the application process are you guaranteed an apartment until you have signed a lease and received the keys.

2. I am on Public Assistance, Social Security, veteran’s benefits and/or a pension. I don’t have Housing Choice Voucher nor do I receive services from the Office of Mental Health (OMH) or any other social service organization. Do I still qualify for Cornerstone housing?

If you meet the income requirements for our program, you may qualify for housing.

3. If I make more than the maximum, do I still qualify for housing?

Safe Harbors of the Hudson follows federally mandated guidelines to determine income eligibility for housing at our building. If you earn more than our maximum at the time you apply, you are not eligible to be a tenant and we cannot offer you housing at this time.

4. How much is the rent on one of your units?

Due to being a tax credit property, all apartments have income restrictions, which mean all households must have a total household income at or below a specified limit determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The current income restrictions for The Cornerstone Residence are:

30%—$17,500.00
50%—$29,200.00

Applicants that do not have a rental subsidy (i.e. Section 8, individual or program-based) will be placed in a 50% unit with rents ranging from $465-$700, according to their income. Each year, rent will increase according to Fair Market Rents for Orange County provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Applicants that do have subsidies will be placed in a 30% unit.

5. Do you accept Housing Choice Vouchers (formally Section 8)?

Yes, we accept Housing Choice Vouchers.

6. On your application, it states that assets must be evaluated to determine eligibility. Is there a limit to the amount I can hold in assets?

No. There is no limit to the amount you can hold in assets. However, we are required to add the income earned or 2% of the value of those assets to your annual income. If you are close to our minimum or maximum income, this may affect your eligibility for housing.

Criteria for Eligibility/Building Population

The Cornerstone Residence houses a diverse population, and is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all our tenants. Our building tenants include the formerly homeless, low-income individuals, performers and artists, people who are living with a mental and/or physical health diagnosis, veterans and people living with HIV/AIDS.

1. How do you determine who is accepted into your building?

Safe Harbors of the Hudson conducts its intake process in accordance with federal fair housing laws and applicable state and local regulations. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their ability to abide by the terms of our lease. Factors such as history of financial obligations, employment history, legal history and acceptance of building diversity are all considered when determining whether to offer an applicant housing. At no point in the application process are you guaranteed an apartment until you have signed a lease and received the keys.