'Overwhelmed and beyond grateful.' East Hampton Holocaust survivor facing eviction saved by the community

Judy Sleed, 90, was facing eviction as late as just last week. She owed $16,000 in back rent after she lost her rental assistance.

News 12 Staff

Mar 27, 2023, 2:38 AM

Updated 681 days ago

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An East Hampton Holocaust survivor in her 90s who was at risk of losing her home of over 20 years told News 12 Long Island on Sunday the community's help may have saved her.
There was an overwhelming response through the GoFundMe page that helped 90-year-old Judy Sleed stay in her apartment. She said is beyond grateful.
“All this life is difficult as it is, and many other people just make it harder for you,” Sleed said. She overcame the threat of an eviction by her landlord as strangers came to her rescue through the GoFundMe page.
“Overwhelmed and beyond grateful... I don't even know if they could afford it,” Sleed said.
Sleed was facing eviction as late as just last week. She owed $16,000 in back rent after she lost her rental assistance and other issues that became confusing. As a result, she underpaid her landlord for a number of years.
“Instead of $500, they said I should have paid $1,200 or more,” Sleed said.
The GoFundMe Page set up for Sleed by her lawyer raised more than $44,000 as of Sunday night -- enough to repay her landlord and then some.
“It's not like I could just take that money and go on vacation,” Sleed added.
After receiving the help of her attorney, the landlord is now allowing Sleed to stay for now. Sleed, however, said she still does not know for how long.
“It’s resolved for now, but what happens next year?” she asked.
News 12 Long Island reached out to her landlord, Windmill Housing, but had not received their response as of Sunday night.