Need Help Applying For NY Emergency Rental Assistance? Catholic Charities Can Help
We all know that for well over a year, those with low income have really struggled to pay the bills, especially families. Jobs have been lost as employers were forced to cut staff, or businesses closed their doors, unable to withstand the financial hardship of the economic shutdown here in New York State. Thanks to the eviction moratorium, renters were able to stay housed, regardless of their inability to pay. That didn't help landlords though and Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties Executive Director, Lynn Glueckert says that their organization saw landlords seeking assistance in their office for the first time ever because they too were struggling financially without their rental property income. For some, that is their only source of income.
Here's something that both renters and landlords can be happy about: New York State's “Emergency Rental Assistance Program” (ERAP) which helps low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The federally-funded program can provide rental arrears, temporary rental assistance, and utility arrears assistance dating back to March 13, 2020. This helps those renting and the landlords to get paid.
Glueckert says that both landlords and renters need to apply together and assistance to help with that process is available through Catholic Charities. You can contact their office in Oneonta to receive assistance at (607) 432-0061 or visit www.charitiesccdos.org.
To find out more or apply for ERAP visit otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance.