Joseph Spector is reporting for the Democrat and Chronicle New Yorkers now have more time to apply for emergency rental assistance. The deadline for eligible residents has been extended to Thu., Aug. 6.; the state Department of Homes and Community Renewal announced the extension July 31. “The Legislature designed the COVID Rent Relief Program to help New Yorkers who are the most at-risk and rent burdened after losing income due to the pandemic," commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said in a statement. "By keeping the online portal open for another week, we can make sure everyone who needs to apply for assistance has the opportunity to do so." Applications are available online at: hcr [dot] ny [dot] gov [slash] RRP and in multiple languages. Residents with questions can reach out to the call center from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday at 1-833-499-0318. Read the full story in the Democrat and Chronicle.