ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — The Ithaca Common Council passed new legislation during Wednesday’s budget meeting.

A “Right to Counsel” fund has been established, granting legal support to people facing eviction in the City of Ithaca. Mayor Svante Myrick says many times people don’t realize they need a lawyer during an eviction.

Lawyers weren’t previously provided in these cases because evictions aren’t considered criminal proceedings.