Open Hearts Initiative: Eviction Moratorium Lifting is Inhumane

NEW YORK, NY (01/14/2022) (readMedia)-- Tomorrow, January 15, New York State is set to lift the eviction moratorium, causing thousands of New Yorkers to be without shelter in frigid temperatures while a pandemic rages. In response, Sara Newman, Director of Organizing at Open Hearts Initiative issued the following statement:

"There are twin peaks in New York right now: an extreme increase in COVID-19 cases and too many New Yorkers in homeless shelters. Tomorrow, Governor Hochul is letting the eviction moratorium expire, kicking more New Yorkers out of their homes and into poorly-ventilated congregate shelters where social distancing is impossible and cases are skyrocketing. Just last week, with DHS isolation rooms stretched beyond capacity, women at a shelter in Queens were forced to sleep on the floor and in chairs after they tested positive for COVID. This is infuriating and inhumane–and more evictions will push a shelter system on the brink of disaster over the edge. Albany lawmakers must pass Good Cause Eviction legislation to provide tenants with basic, permanent protections, and they must take additional steps to stem the immediate tide of evictions. To keep homeless New Yorkers safe, Mayor Adams must provide more stabilization beds, Safe Havens, and single-occupancy hotel rooms- places where people can shelter with privacy and dignity, with COVID risks significantly reduced. Housing is a human right, and every New Yorker deserves a safe place to rest their head," said Sara Newman, Director of Organizing for the Open Hearts Initiative.