Community leaders in Yonkers say nearly 9,000 families could benefit from the city’s newly established rental assistance program.

The initiative has several requirements centering on income and how recipients were financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Council member Shanae Williams of the city’s 1st District tells News 12 the program will be very beneficial.

"The fact that they are worried about losing their homes; they're worried about not being able to keep their light on,” says Williams. “These are the things that this program can help address and I'm so happy we'll be able to help on a local level."

For non-Yonkers residents, the state launched a separate $2.7 billion program for those struggling to pay for rent and utilities. Those who reside in Yonkers are only eligible to apply to the city fund.