America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
In the wake of the end of New York state’s eviction moratorium Jan. 15, administrators, staffers and volunteers at archdiocesan Catholic Charities remain ready to help residents in need of rental assistance amid continuing financial, medical and social struggles stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“New York State’s Eviction Moratorium expired on Jan. 15, 2022, leaving tenants unprotected from eviction. However, the (state) Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance ERAP portal reopened on Jan. 11, 2022, at 10:00 p.m.,” said Lakisha Morris, director of operations, Catholic Charities Community Services of the archdiocese, in a Jan. 18 statement released by the agency.
“Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS) will assist tenants with submitting new applications and continue to assist those who applied for (NYS) ERAP prior to the portal’s closure,” she added. “CCCS will also provide tenants with information on housing funding resources available to them. These include (NYC) HRA’s One-Shot Deal and Homebase.”
ERAP is the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program. HRA is the city’s Human Resources Administration. DHS is the city’s Department of Homeless Services. The city’s One-Shot Deal emergency assistance program helps people who can't meet an expense due to an unexpected situation or event.
All Homebase locations are currently closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, according to the city’s website, but services are available by phone. Homebase provides New Yorkers experiencing housing instability with homeless prevention services and aftercare services to families and individuals exiting DHS shelter to permanent housing.
ERAP is a state program that provides assistance for up to 12 months of rent arrears. It also provides up to three months of additional assistance for upcoming rent payments, and is available to New Yorkers regardless of immigration status.
A priority is being given to households at or below 50 percent of the median area income, but anyone in a rent crisis can apply. The program also covers utilities.
Catholic Charities Community Services has been assisting clients with applications. Staffers and volunteers have been conducting outreach and education to tenants and landlords.
CCCS has partnered with other community-based organizations to reach as many tenants and landlords as possible to share more about the ERAP program.
“ERAP is just another way that CCNY continues to meet the needs of New Yorkers," the agency’s website notes. “Keeping individuals and families in a safe and stable environment is one of our many goals as we help improve the lives of those we serve. When hard times arise, we continue to find ways to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Being one of the providers of ERAP assistance is one of many ways we can meet those needs.”
This is where to go to apply: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/Emergency-Rental-Assistance/ Or you can call the Catholic Charities Helpline, (888) 744-7900.
The CCNY website also notes that there are other eviction prevention resources: “Catholic Charities partners with many organizations in the process of preventing an eviction. However, we may not have an office in your immediate area and we want you to get the help you need.”
