By Philip Newman
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday his administration is immediately expanding a federally funded program to help poor victims of Hurricane Sandy now paying rents they cannot afford after being left homeless by Hurricane Sandy.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved the city’s proposed changes to The Temporary Disaster Assistance Program as part of the city’s amendment to the Action Plan to help those displaced by Sandy.
The help plan is designed for families of four with incomes of no more than $41,950 annually who were displaced from their homes by Sandy.
The expansion of the federal funds now makes more families eligible for help and the de Blasio administration has already begun reaching out to those previously ineligible for the aid.
Eligibility was first limited to displaced households that were residing in transitional locations such as hotels or shelters.
Those needing aid can reach the agency providing help at 212 615-8329 or nyc.gov/recovery.
“Expanding rental assistance for low-income New Yorkers displaced by Sandy is a simple change that will go a long way for families who need real financial relief,” said de Blasio. “After Sandy forced these families to relocate, they were then stuck handing over a huge portion of their income in rent. That’s unacceptable and now they’s get the support they deserve.”
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
