Local organizations that help people stay in their homes are kicking into gear after the Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration's ban on evictions, allowing them to resume nationwide, and ahead of the end to New York state's moratorium on Tuesday, leaving thousands of New Yorkers who have fallen behind on their rent during the pandemic searching for help. 

Some tenants say they’ve faced job uncertainty, unexpected childcare costs and other problems because of the pandemic that put them behind on rent payments.

Jenn Hyde and the staff at Catholic Charities in Albany have been answering housing questions throughout the pandemic. She says the recent Supreme Court ruling blocking the federal eviction moratorium has people worrying their fears of being left out on the street are one step closer to reality.

"You know, people’s concerns simply are 'where am I going to lay my head and my children’s head when I’m evicted,'" says Hyde.

Catholic Charities has helped provide emergency assistance for families for several years. But Hyde says the need has increased, and instead of assisting families a month or two behind on rent, the organization is seeing more and more people in much dire situations.

"The things we’ve seen people come to us with are not small amounts of money that they owe. They are thousands of dollars that they are behind in," says Hyde.

Steven Haagsma works with Housing Opportunities Made Equal in Buffalo. He agrees the situation has worsened during the pandemic.

Haagsma says one of the best options is to apply for the state’s emergency rental assistance program.

So far, ERAP funding has been given to more than 46,000 tenants and over 16,000 landlords.

Additionally, anyone who applies for ERAP cannot be evicted while their application is processed, Gov. Kathy Hochul said this week.

"There’s a process. You have to apply," says Haagsma. "You have to have certain documentation. You can apply online or you can apply via mail. The funding is there and landlords can also apply directly to the state program."

Haagsma expects it will take at least 45 days before someone could be evicted. There’s also a possibility the state Legislature will strike a deal on a new statewide eviction moratorium.

Still, organizations are urging tenants to seek help before the process begins.

"What we can’t stress enough is, let’s not wait until you’re evicted," says Hyde, "Let’s see if we can stop that in the meantime. Let’s see what you can work out with your landlord. Let’s help you access those emergency funds."