The federal government is stepping in to help NYCHA residents struggling to pay rent since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Melissa Walker, a NYCHA resident, lost her husband to COVID, leaving her as the sole provider of her home.

“Right now, my whole income is my rent. I don’t get no extra, no nothing,” she said, emphasizing the financial hardship she faces.

NYCHA announced the COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program and the Home American Rescue Plan to help tenants like Walker. Rep. Ritchie Torres, representing New York’s 15th District, said these initiatives are crucial.

“The COVID shock to public housing residents in New York was so severe that we saw the accumulation of almost a half a billion dollars in rental arrears,” Torres said.

With $35 million from the state and $150 million in federal funding, these programs aim to assist more than 60,000 households with outstanding rent. NYCHA has already started outreach to eligible residents.

Visit NYCHA’s website for more information on how to apply for these programs.