WHITE PLAINS – Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed into law a bill creating the Office of Housing Counsel that will provide legal counsel to individuals in housing matters involving eviction.
The office will be located within the Department of Social Services headed by Commissioner Leonard Townes.
“With the creation of this Office of Housing Counsel families will no longer have to stand alone. They will be supported, they will be encouraged, and they will have somewhere to go when they are facing those challenges and struggles,” he said. “There is a need out there and we have to pay attention to that need in Westchester County.”
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley CEO Rachel Chazin Halperin, Esq. called the legislation “monumental” and said that “providing counsel to tenants effectively prevents homelessness.”
