Court rules city must pay April rent for 15,000 formerly homeless

Andrew Cuomo and Seth Diamond

When he introduced the 2011 budget, Governor Andrew Cuomo eliminated half of the city’s $200 million funds for the Work Advantage program that put formerly homeless families in permanent housing, but a Manhattan court ruled the city must pay April’s rent for some 15,000 Work Advantage beneficiaries, the Daily News reported. The city had intended to end the program due to the lack of financing, but the Legal Aid Society of New York brought the city to court over the issue. While the case awaits its April 21 hearing, the judge determined the city is responsible for April’s rent. Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond said the April payments alone would cose the city $10 million. [NYDN]