The Legal Aid Society joined with a number of the city’s faith leaders – including Interfaith Center of New York and Congregation Beit Simchat Torah – to call for an extension of the statewide eviction moratorium that has protected thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers from losing their homes, as reported by BK Reader.

The potential crisis – brought about by the economic consequences of New York state’s months-long COVID-19 shutdown – puts 14,000 households in immediate risk of eviction proceedings, with the moratorium due to end if Gov. Andrew Cuomo takes no further action.

Additionally, Legal Aid and the faith leaders called on the Governor to remove barriers to accessing existing rental assistance, suspend the 45-day Safety Net Assistance waiting period and modify income and resource rules to ensure New Yorkers with no income, or countable income at or under the poverty level, have access to cash and food assistance.

“We are calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to follow suit by extending the eviction moratorium immediately and indefinitely,” said Judith Goldiner, Attorney-in-Charge of the Civil Law Reform Unit at The Legal Aid Society.

“He can stop thousands of people from becoming homeless by extending the eviction moratorium,” said Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director of Interfaith Center of New York. “He can cut the red tape on other forms of assistance that put food on the table for families. He can use his power to make life better for New Yorkers who are hurting in these unprecedented times.”