Eviction Prevention

This year Governor Patterson has slated that Homelessness Prevention Programs be completely eliminated from the state budget, effective April 1, 2009. Each year, QCH's Homelessness Prevention Program prevents over 1,000 families from being evicted from their homes. 

At a program cost of  $446 per family plus the Family Eviction Prevention Supplement of approximately $5,400/yr versus $36,000 per year to shelter a family who loses their home to eviction, the total cost to prevent an eviction is 16% of the cost of allowing that same family to go to shelter.  In the month of November 2008, the NYC homeless rate has climbed 43% to reach record highs.  The program serves public assistance eligible families with minor children who have an active housing court case.  Eviction prevention services include public benefits advocacy; assistance in obtaining rental arrears and ongoing rental subsidies; referrals to legal services; landlord-tenant mediation; etc. 

Homelessness Prevention Program services have been in place since 1992. Since that time, Queens Community House has prevented more than 15,000 evictions.  By keeping families housed, the homelessness prevention program also preserves affordable housing stock in Queens, an increasingly scarce resource.  Affordable housing is critical to helping public assistance recipients’ transition to self-sufficiency. 

The Homelessness Prevention Program is critical to preventing homelessness in New York City and for many people is key to maintaining affordable housing and ultimately transitioning to financial independence. 

We cannot afford to cut this cost effective program at this critical time for so many vulnerable New Yorkers.  Call your representatives in Albany to urge them to reconsider cutting this program.

For more information contact:
Christine Roland - Director of Housing and Homelessness Prevention at 718-592-5757 ext. 221

Eviction Prevention Unit Located at:
165-08 88th Avenue - Room 217
Jamaica, NY, 11432
Tel: 718-883-8310
Fax: 718-883-8234
Marisol Moore, Coordinator
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