The Legal Aid Society is commending Governor Kathy Hochul for signing bill S6573/A8009, which will increase the maximum amount available under the Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention (FHEPS) program to HUD’s Fair Market Rent level, as reported by PIX11 News.

FHEPS is the only State-funded subsidy that helps families with minor children on public assistance stay in their homes. Without this increase in the subsidy, 2,300 families in New York City will lose their homes once the eviction moratorium is lifted.

“With the statewide eviction moratorium set to expire in January, raising the state’s FHEPS assistance level will keep many of our clients and countless New York families in their homes and safe from eviction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Adriene Holder, Attorney-in-Charge of the Civil Practice at The Legal Aid Society.

Holder also noted that according to a budget analysis by Legal Aid the new legislation would save the State money. By removing the cost of over $7,000 per family who avoid entering a shelter, the law could result in new savings of over $10 million.

Legal Aid further praised Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal for their leadership in pushing forward this critical legislation that will prevent struggling families from entering the shelter system.