| Dear Friends and Neighbors, I wanted to let you know that the application deadline for the New York State COVID Rent Relief Program is this Thursday, July 30, 2020. Applications must be postmarked or received online by this date in order to be processed. The COVID Rent Relief Program is designed to help households experiencing an increase in their rent burden due to a loss of income during the COVID-19 crisis, and will provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. The assistance does not need to be repaid. Priority will be given to eligible households with “greatest economic and social need” accounting for income, rent burden, percentage of income lost, and risk of homelessness. Households can apply for up to four months in rental assistance, covering their increased rent burden beginning March 1, 2020. Rent burden refers to the percentage of household income that is spent on rent. For more information about program eligibility, and to download applications, visit https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) also has a dedicated call center to provide residents with help Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Call the COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center at 1-833-499-0318 or email at covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. Please forward this e-news to family and friends who may be interested in this information. Yours truly,  |
