United Community Corp. hosts in-person seminar to educate renters and homeowners on rights and options for when eviction moratorium is lifted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newark — United Community Corporation will host a free seminar at West Side Park on Saturday, Aug. 28 from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. to provide information on how individuals can be better prepared for when the eviction moratorium is lifted.

The seminar’s goal will put an emphasis on options available to residents of Newark and Essex County as well as what they can do right now to put themselves in a better position for when the eviction moratorium is lifted. This will include discussions of UCC’s Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention program funded by Essex County’s Emergency Solutions Grant. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 4, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy extended the eviction moratorium through Dec. 31, 2021 for individuals who have an annual household income below 80-percent of their county’s median income. UCC’s seminar will discuss how this affects residents within the City of Newark and programs that they can use to be prepared for when the eviction moratorium is eventually lifted.

“The purpose of this seminar is to inform and educate the community about the eviction moratorium and how tenants can navigate their rental arrears, with respect to available funding options and knowing their legal tenant rights,” UCC’s Housing Coordinator Pamela McNeill said.

While the eviction moratorium has been extended, UCC’s Housing Counselor Damon Redmond emphasizes the need for residents to plan and be aware of all their options in regards to housing support.

“The looming possibility of evictions is increasing,” Redmond said. “We hope that the community will take advantage of the information that we will be providing to better prepare themselves for when the moratorium is lifted.”

McNeill will discuss rental assistance options and eligibility, while Redmond will go over mortgage assistance problems and eligibility.

“The importance of tenants knowing their rights, may provide an extra layer of protection in maintaining their housing stability,” McNeill said. “It is important to keep discussing these issues and sharing the information with the community because when the moratorium is lifted, the courts will resume and people will need to be abreast of what is going to happen come on Dec. 31.”

Those interested in attending the event or with any questions can contact McNeill at pam.mcneill@uccnewark.org or Redmond at damon@damonhelps.com.