UNITED TENANTS OF ALBANY INC

Description

For the last 49 years, UTA has provided rental assistance services for both arrears and first month's rent and security deposit payments); court advocacy services for tenants brought to eviction court or small claims court, as well as for tenants who bring their landlord's to small claims court; tenant advocacy services, including landlord-tenant mediation, rental arrears dispute mitigation, resource referrals, code and law enforcement advocacy, etc. We similarly work with tenants to enhance their knowledge of renter protections and assist them in advocating for policy and local legislative corrections where applicable. UTA similarly employs housing counselors who are trained in crisis management, budget counseling, and case management, to ensure all rental payments are compliant with both relevant grantor and UTA policies and procedures. Annually, UTA responds to approximately 5,070 hotline calls regarding everything from rental assistance requests and evictions to landlord harassment and domestic violence emergencies. UTA also assists the development and facilitation of tenant associations and other community empowerment activities such as hosting and cosponsoring events and workshops with community partners on various local social justice topics. Calls made to the hotline by homeless individuals and families are referred to homeless shelters and drop-in centers, the City of Albany housing services advocate, and Coordinated Entry; as well as numerous community organizations and services, all dependent on the immediate needs of the client.