State provides renters relief, Feb. 1 deadline looms near

HARLEM VALLEY — New York State residents who are struggling to meet rent payments may find help through Hudson River Housing (HRH) in Poughkeepsie.

According to Elizabeth Celaya, director of strategic initiative for the organization, “If they cannot pay, they should be applying” for assistance that is available through both state and private sources even though “the eviction moratorium should be protecting people from eviction through May 1.”

Celaya noted that while the details of the various programs, including qualifications, time period covered and amounts of funds provided differ, HRH can provide assistance in applying for the proper programs. 

She said renters cannot be reimbursed “for back rent that has been paid, but if someone owes rent, they may be able to get help with that. If they cannot pay, then they should be applying.”

Beyond normal rent payments, various circumstances can be covered. For example, “If someone may be doubling up with a family member and needs to leave for whatever reason and has nowhere to go, this could potentially help put them into new housing.” 

She explained that flexibility is built into the process because, “The whole point is preventing homelessness. If someone is without a place to live, this funding can potentially help.”

None of the funds, which are given directly to landlords, need to be repaid.

“[Each] allocation of funds is a one shot deal,” she stressed. “There is one payment based on a need that is determined that you have. However, people can apply again if they have a continuing need or if their need wasn’t fully met.” 

Celaya said those in need may apply again for a future allocation of funds from a different source.

“They couldn’t apply to the same pot over and over again, but if we get a new infusion of dollars, they can apply again,” she said.

It is possible to combine funds from various sources to fully meet demonstrated needs. Each “pot of money” has its own rules, with “different income thresholds and a different time period we’ll be looking at in terms of their housing needs,” she said.

The state deadline for a program covering financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 crisis is currently set for Monday, Feb. 1, with eligible renters being entered into a lottery for the funds. 

However, other programs are also available and have varying requirements and rolling deadlines. 

Not wanting anyone to miss out on help, Celaya said, “We are encouraging everybody to apply to us and apply to the state.”

For more details and help with the application process, call Julio Ronda at 845-377-4407, ext. 102.

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