Housing Justice For All, a statewide organization comprised of civil legal services organizations including The Legal Aid Society, today unveiled its 2022 New York State legislative agenda, which seeks real long-term solutions to the COVID-19 housing crisis, including permanent protections against evictions.

The #HouseNY campaign comes as eviction moratoria and emergency rental assistance programs have only provided limited, short-term relief, leaving many struggling New Yorkers vulnerable to landlord harassment, unfair rent increases, and homelessness. The campaign was launched with a statewide day of action featuring rallies in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and New York City.

The 2022 platform calls on the State Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul to pass and enact Good Cause Eviction, Repeal of 421-a, Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), and an expanded Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA).

“Our clients and all New Yorkers deserve these common-sense legislative solutions to the ongoing economic devastation from the pandemic,” said Judith Goldiner, Attorney-in-Charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “With the statewide moratorium likely set to expire in January, we are facing a tidal wave of evictions, which could leave countless vulnerable tenants at risk of losing their homes and exacerbate the public health and homelessness crisis. Albany must act now to keep New Yorkers safely housed in their homes.”