Many New Yorkers are struggling to keep up with rent and housing costs. When rent falls behind, families may find themselves facing Housing Court, eviction notices, or the risk of losing their home. Without the right guidance, the eviction process can be confusing and overwhelming.
Catholic Charities of New York offers help through the Eviction Prevention Grant Program (EPGP), which provides support, advocacy, and referrals to help tenants stabilize their housing and avoid eviction whenever possible.
The program serves individuals and families living in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester County who are at risk of eviction or experiencing housing instability.
Housing instability remains a serious challenge for many New Yorkers, particularly in communities facing high housing costs.
Data from Princeton University’s Eviction Lab shows that in the Bronx alone there have been more than 200 eviction filings per day. The eviction filing rate is about 20 percent, nearly 13 percent higher than the national average. These numbers reflect how many families remain at risk of losing their homes and highlight the need for programs that help prevent eviction before a housing crisis becomes permanent.
What Is the Eviction Prevention Grant Program (EPGP)?
The Eviction Prevention Grant Program (EPGP) helps tenants who are facing housing court proceedings or are subject to eviction. The program provides support with navigating court proceedings by providing guidance, education, and connections to financial and legal resources. The goal of the program is to prevent evictions and increase housing stability.
Losing housing can have serious consequences for families, affecting employment, school attendance, health, and overall stability. By helping tenants remain in their homes, the program supports long-term housing security and helps prevent homelessness.
Through EPGP, Catholic Charities works with clients to understand their situation, provide legal and limited legal representation, advocacy and support with securing financial assistance to avoid eviction
Who Can Get Help?
The Eviction Prevention Grant Program may be able to help if you:
• Are at risk of eviction or already have a Housing Court case
• Have fallen behind on rent or are experiencing housing instability
• Do not currently have an attorney
• Live in Manhattan, the Bronx, or Westchester County
• Have household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income
Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, you may still be able to receive guidance or referrals to other housing assistance programs.
Services Available Through EPGP
Through the Eviction Prevention Grant Program, Catholic Charities may provide:
• Housing Court guidance and preparation
• Short-term case management
• Limited legal advice and tenant advocacy
• Help negotiating with landlords
• Mediation support
• Help applying for benefits or financial assistance
• Referrals to housing and community resources
• Tenant education and housing stability counseling These services are designed to help tenants understand their rights, explore available options, and take steps toward keeping their housing.
“Programs like EPGP are another way Catholic Charities continues to respond to the needs of New Yorkers,” said Lakisha Morris, Division Director of Food Security & Housing Stability at Catholic Charities of New York. “Keeping individuals and families in safe and stable housing is central to our mission. When neighbors are facing eviction, we work to connect them with the guidance and resources they need to remain in their homes.”
Services Available Through EPGP
Through the Eviction Prevention Grant Program, Catholic Charities may provide:
• Housing Court guidance and preparation
• Short-term case management
• Limited legal advice and tenant advocacy
• Help negotiating with landlords
• Mediation support
• Help applying for benefits or financial assistance
• Referrals to housing and community resources
• Tenant education and housing stability counseling These services are designed to help tenants understand their rights, explore available options, and take steps toward keeping their housing.
“Programs like EPGP are another way Catholic Charities continues to respond to the needs of New Yorkers,” said Lakisha Morris, Division Director of Food Security & Housing Stability at Catholic Charities of New York. “Keeping individuals and families in safe and stable housing is central to our mission. When neighbors are facing eviction, we work to connect them with the guidance and resources they need to remain in their homes.”
Why Eviction Prevention Matters
Housing instability can affect every part of a person’s life. Families facing eviction may be forced to choose between paying rent, buying food, or covering medical expenses. A temporary financial setback can quickly become a housing crisis without the right support.
“No one should have to face the fear of losing their home alone,” said Ms. Morris. “Our goal is to prevent eviction whenever possible and help families achieve long-term housing stability by connecting them with the support, education, and resources they need.”
Catholic Charities of New York works every day to help neighbors remain safely housed and connected to the resources they need to move forward with dignity. Preventing eviction not only protects individuals and families — it also strengthens communities.
How to Get Help
If you are worried about losing your housing, falling behind on rent, or facing eviction, help may be available.
Call the Catholic Charities Helpline: 1-888-744-7900
You speak with a trained specialist who can help assess your situation and connect you with available services. Depending on eligibility, callers may be referred to the Eviction Prevention Grant Program (EPGP) or other housing assistance programs, including the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and additional community resources that support housing stability.
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