Neighbor News
Partnership for the Homeless Statement on New Rent Protections
Partnership for the Homeless Calls NY State's New Rent Protections "Temporary and Insufficient"
(New York, NY)—Áine Duggan, President and CEO of The Partnership for the Homeless, issued the following statement about last night’s passage of the “Tenant Safe Harbor Act,” which extends protections for renters who face financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
“While the Tenant Safe Harbor Act is an important temporary measure that ensures New Yorkers cannot be evicted during the pandemic, it neither forgives rent nor provides financial assistance for the more than one million households already behind in their rent payments. Many vulnerable individuals and families will end up on the street in the wake of the crisis unless all levels of government show leadership and make rent assistance funding available.
While well-intentioned, these current measures are temporary and insufficient. We need more from our leaders to prepare for the tsunami of evictions our city, and country, will face in the coming months. Remedying the looming homelessness crisis requires a combination of government measures with federal funding as the cornerstone.
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For instance, the HEROES Act proposes $100 billion in emergency rental assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act. Unless all levels of government step up now, homelessness will soar to unprecedented levels. This eventuality is as preventable as it is predictable.”
The Partnership provides financial assistance, tenant/landlord mediation and/or legal referrals, and a range of supportive services to New Yorkers, whether low-income, recently out of work, undocumented, or facing domestic or gender-based violence. The organization recently announced plans to significantly expand its eviction prevention and financial assistance services to reach more New Yorkers struggling to stay in their homes.
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
To apply for support, visit www.partnershipforthehomeless.org/cant-pay-your-rent-the-partnership-can-provide-assistance/ Applicants must provide supporting paperwork that confirms their identity, where they live, what they owe and their income. (Each category allows for multiple options, including a verification letter from a legal/advocacy/community organization.) New Yorkers can call the Partnership at 212.645.3444 or send an email to info@pfth.org.
