Housing advocates are warning of a possible homelessness crisis now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against the Biden administration's plan to extend the eviction moratorium that was put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the pandemic.

Gwen O'Shea, with the Community Development Corporation of Long Island, says thousands of people in Nassau and Suffolk could lose their homes.

"The importance of this program is really critical at so many levels, first and foremost is to prevent homelessness and make sure those that are currently housed can stay housed," says O'Shea.

The court's conservative majority ruled that "if a federally imposed eviction moratorium is to continue, Congress must specifically authorize it."

The decision was blasted by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who wrote on Twitter: "The Supreme Court's appalling and insensitive ruling eliminates a key line of defense for tenants, and we are exploring all options to protect New Yorkers from eviction."

New York state has its own eviction moratorium in place but that expires Aug. 31.

Republican Assemblyman Michael Montesano says the moratorium should not be extended.

"Going forward, it's in the best interest of both landlords and tenants that there is no further moratorium," says Montesano. "The federal government has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in relief for tenants and landlords. Unfortunately, the former Gov. Cuomo has withheld those funds from distribution."

Gov. Hochul has pledged to speed up the distribution of that rent relief and says there's still more than $1 billion available. Hochul plans to call a special session in the state Legislature to deal with the impending eviction crisis.

RELATED INFORMATION:
New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program - 1-844-NY1-RENT (1-844-691-7368)
Community Development Corporation of Long Island - 1-800-375-1014