The eviction moratorium expires on Aug. 31, and those at the Midtown rally are pushing for an extension to June 2022 — which is also the final deadline for New York to distribute federal COVID rent relief funds to tenants and landlords.

A street vendor named Edith, whose business suffered during the pandemic says she has not received any rent relief despite applying two times to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

“We need real leaders who respect us,” Edith said.