With the nation on the brink of a public health crisis, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens recognizes the impact this crisis will have on all vulnerable New Yorkers. Housing instability, including evictions, will put the elderly and chronically ill tenants in danger and can further exacerbate the spread of COVID-19. Extending support policies and the call to Extend Moratorium on Evictions have never been more critical. The New York State Court has issued a one week moratorium on evictions starting Monday, 3/16. Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens is urging the courts to extend to the length of the moratorium for 30 days. This is why we continue to request that policymakers Extend Moratorium on Evictions to protect at-risk groups. Without an interruption of evictions in the coming days and weeks, COVID-19 will spread more rapidly among those who become homeless and even those forced to double up with friends or family. We believe an Extend Moratorium on Evictions strategy is necessary to safeguard our communities. Our clients and staff are of utmost priority and it is especially important now that we focus on the most vulnerable populations, such as seniors and those who are chronically ill. As Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens works to manage public health demands brought on by this outbreak and reduce the chances of exposure in our workplace and residences, we must keep in mind how the most vulnerable and marginalized communities are impacted. Therefore, it is vital to Extend Moratorium on Evictions in order to protect public health and provide support for those most in need.
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