Do We Tell Them To Move? A Resounding NO!

No, not at Strycker’s Bay, we never tell a tenant to move. There are a variety reasons tenants face eviction. Loss of income, family emergency, increased rent, etc.; and there are many financial resources through charities and government agencies that can provide emergency relief. That’s the good news. The unfortunate news is that unless tenants can meet the “future ability” to pay requirement, none of these resources will come through for the tenant and they are left to fend for themselves

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If a tenant that has recently lost their job  and is receiving unemployment insurance, but the income is not sufficient to cover all living expenses including rent they will not receive the emergency financial assistance they need. This is true even if you owe as little as one or two months’ rent. Yes, folks things are that tough!

Strycker’s Bay, does not turn people away who are facing eviction because their eligibility for assistance is not neatly lined up for easy access. We work with tenants to identify and take inventory of their own resources and support and then we get to work on helping the tenant map out a strategy to access employment, a roommate, work supports such as food stamps and Medicaid – whatever it takes. Sometimes all it takes is time. 

Getting additional time for tenants while they secure a job or make life altering decisions can help save a family from eviction. Our staff “strategists” never turn anyone away because their circumstances do not fit nicely into an eligibility category – these are usually the individuals and families that fall through the cracks. Strycker’s Bay works very hard to insure there is a “safety net” for tenants in crisis. 

In 2009 more that 250,000 tenants were taken to court for non-payment of rent; more than 47,000 tenants had judgments entered against them because they failed to respond to court actions initiated against them, while there were more than 124,000 residential warrants of eviction issued.

During the 12 month program year that ended June 30, 2010, Strycker’s Bay provided more than 950 housing counseling services to area residents and prevented 425 evictions.

THE STRYCKER’S BAY NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL EVICTION PREVENTION HELPLINE

Strycker’s Bay has set aside time each weekday for tenants facing eviction to call in to our Eviction Prevention Helpline. 347-770-SBNC. The Helpline operates Monday through Friday from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Incoming calls for assistance outside of the designated hours will be returned the next weekday.  Walk in assistance is available on Wednesdays from 10:30AM to 12:30PM.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

We are looking for volunteers and college interns to help staff our helpline and eviction prevention program, if you or someone you know are interested, please contact Strycker’s Bay at 212-874-7272 and ask for Kelley or Ramon.

Until the next post,

Kelley