To reduce homelessness, let’s ban winter evictions

The state of New York has a bill in its Senate titled “winter moratorium on evictions act of 2023,” which recognizes the terrible mental and physical consequences of being evicted.

The bill states, “The welldocumented and devastating consequences of homelessness are exacerbated by cold weather. Unsheltered individuals have an increased risk of developing exposure-related health problems, particularly in cold weather.”

New York should pass this legislation to prevent families from becoming homeless and suffering horrible health outcomes in colder weather.

Passing a moratorium on evictions during the winter months would take some stress away from families who are having trouble paying rent. It would give them extra time to work out payment plans with landlords or get rental assistance. The moratorium would also give states more time to solidify their strategies for reducing homelessness. Now is really the perfect time for suspending winter evictions.

As the Biden-Harris administration has unveiled a national strategy for reducing homelessness, a pause in evictions during these winter months will get things off in the right direction. Federal and state programs to provide rental assistance can be strengthened to prevent families from becoming homeless.

If Congress were to pass a permanent expanded Child Tax Credit, this would be an enormous help for families to afford rent. The expanded credit provides monthly payments to families with children and this makes a huge difference for being able to pay for food, rent and other basic necessities.

When programs are in place to help impoverished families, evictions can be prevented. We want to keep families from being forced onto the streets and adding to the existing problem of homelessness.

William Lambers

Cincinnati The writer is an author and historian who partnered with the UN World Food Program on the book “Ending World Hunger.”

Editors note: The following two letters were received before University at Albany said Dr. David Carpenter will not face discipline, is no longer on alternate assignment and can teach and conduct research on campus.