$16M In Housing Assistance Available To Cash-Strapped Residents

OYSTER BAY, NY — A total of $16 million is now available to Town of Oyster Bay residents facing housing insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced Wednesday that the federal funds are being administered by the Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP).

"These federal funds were granted to the Town of Oyster Bay to help residents recover from economic hardships created by the pandemic and government shutdowns," Saladino said. "This rental assistance program provides critical funding to prevent homelessness and ensure those experiencing financial hardship are able to recover and rebuild their lives while having a stable place to call home."

The housing assistance program is designed to help residents with rent, arrears for utilities and home energy costs, and other expenses related to housing, such as rental security deposits, officials said. Assistance could be provided for up to 12 months of payments, with an additional three months, if necessary, to ensure housing stability.

Help is available on a first-come, first-serve basis until federal funds have been exhausted.

Eligible residents must be able to answer yes to the following questions:

• Do you live in the Town of Oyster Bay as your primary residence?
• Is your household income (from all sources) at or below 80% of the U.S. Department of Urban Development ("HUD") Area Median Income ("AMI")?
• Are you at risk of homelessness or housing instability? (i.e. past due utility or rent notices)?
• Has one member of the household (a) qualified for unemployment, (b) had a reduction of income, (c) incurred significant costs, or (d) experienced a financial hardship?

Qualifying residents can register at www.oysterbaytown.com/rentalassistance. After registration, the LIHP will reach out to applicants to obtain documentation and information necessary to secure these funds.