Day of action: Coalition of New York housing advocates push for reforms to help tenants in distress

Throughout four cities across New York State, a coalition of housing activists gathered for a day of action Tuesday, launching their #HouseNY 2022 NYS legislative campaign.

Over the past 17 months, the economic strife induced by the COVID-19 pandemic pushed New York State’s housing crisis over the edge, exacerbating disparities and insecurities in communities. Short-term fixes like the eviction moratorium and emergency rental assistance programs helped for a brief period, but housing rights advocates say it was a Band-Aid response that has left tenants vulnerable to landlord harassment, unfair rental increases, and, potentially, homelessness.