Federal rental aid ending threatens 8,000 NYC households

A significant number of households in New York City could lose federal rent assistance as a program runs out of money. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that its $5 billion emergency housing voucher program will end soon. This news comes as nearly 8,000 households, including families like Michael Bell and his daughter, face potential homelessness. Michael Bell received a rental voucher in 2021 that helped him afford his current apartment after living in a shelter. The voucher pays about two-thirds of his $3,000 monthly rent. With the program ending four years early, he worries about how he will cover the cost without assistance. Rents in New York City are at record highs, making it difficult for many to find affordable housing. Landlord groups are also concerned about the impact of lost rental payments. The program, which provided 70,000 vouchers nationwide, was set to last until 2030 but is now ending due to a lack of funding, influenced by rising inflation and housing costs. HUD officials mentioned that this funding would be the final allocation for the program. Local housing agencies are trying to manage the situation and explore options for affected families. Some tenants may transition to the city's assistance program, CityFHEPS, but the loss of federal support raises concerns about increased homelessness and instability in the housing market. New York City is already experiencing high levels of homelessness, with over 140,000 people lacking stable housing. Advocates fear the end of the voucher program could lead to more families returning to shelters, worsening the crisis in the city. State lawmakers are considering a new rental subsidy program to help mitigate the impact, though its future remains uncertain.