SNL's Michael Che Is Paying The Rent For 160 Families In New York City

Last night, comedian Michael Che took to his Instagram account to announce that he would be paying one month's rent for 160 families in the New York City Housing Authority building where his grandmother lived. Che, who co-hosts Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live announced during the special at home edition episode last week, that he had lost his grandmother to COVID-19. Che who originally honored his grandmother by signing off his segment with "I'm Martha's grandbaby," decided to take things further by helping her neighbors, and ended his message by asking public figures such as Governor Cuomo, Mayor De Blasio and Diddy to help.

CNN correspondent Jake Tapper shared Che's announcement on his Twitter account and was sure to tag all three figures mentioned in the comedian's post. After this news hit Twitter, Che's name began to trend, with many users commending the comedian for being so helpful to others in such a precarious and grim time. In addition, many couldn't help but express their disappointment in local government officials for failing to freeze the rent for residents affected by the pandemic.

Several users applauded Che for even appearing on the show last week following the loss of his grandmother.

I've got to hand it to Michael Che for doing this less than a week after his grandmother passed away from coronavirus. #SNLAtHome pic.twitter.com/VEOFBbqSRX

— Jillian Sederholm (@JillianSed) April 12, 2020

 
A resounding chorus of admiration for Che's gesture took over Twitter.

SNL’s Michael Che pays one month’s rent for the 160 apartments in the NYCHA building his late grandmother, who died of COVID19, lived in.

cc NYCMayor</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">NYGovCuomo⁩ ⁦Diddy</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/rD2VGJuiPe">pic.twitter.com/rD2VGJuiPe</a></p>&mdash; Jake Tapper (jaketapper) April 16, 2020

Another great story in a bleak week. Beautiful way to honor his late grandmother.#BeKindToEachOther

— Leslie McCarthy (@LeslieM3355) April 16, 2020

What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother, Michael. Sorry for your loss. https://t.co/8BFAjbW6ym

— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 16, 2020

My condolences to Michael Che on the loss of his grandmother. But what a wonderful gesture.

He's paying rent for 160 apartments in honor of his Grandmother who died of COVID-19 https://t.co/EKOFD25BPV

— Alison Greene (@GrassrootsSpeak) April 16, 2020

@chethinks is a helper pic.twitter.com/4pZjJQDrem

— Elizabeth (@Celticway33) April 16, 2020

Michael Che's generosity is so admirable…particularly because he's not super wealthy (very comfortable, though!)

But I just think it's awful that an SNL cast member/writer should have to cover the rent for residents in NYC public housing. https://t.co/lA13Ewpjc2

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) April 16, 2020

Michael Che paying rent for NYC apartment victims of #coronavirus and to honor his grandmother. pic.twitter.com/1MoKLMcRBl

— Michael O'Donnell (@Michaeloptv) April 16, 2020

Tragic and beautiful. #MichaelChe, you are a good man.

— Steve Blum (@blumspew) April 16, 2020

temporarily uncancelling michael che thanks for understanding pic.twitter.com/77MYoov8OI

— trashcan gutter slut 🌹 (@noabournexo) April 15, 2020

It shouldn't have to come to this, but this is pretty incredible of Michael Che https://t.co/ahPjteEEUJ pic.twitter.com/SSueQKKuA6

— Jen Carlson (@jenist) April 15, 2020

 
While many appreciated the comedian's actions, they aired their grievances with the status quo.

I don’t want to celebrate this. It shouldn’t be this way

— d_mcc (@d_mccarthy37) April 16, 2020

That’s amazing! But he shouldn’t have to!

— FightTheStatusQuo (@m_michelle1192) April 16, 2020

We shouldn’t be thankful for these types of generous actions. We should be demanding this much and more from people much richer than Che.

— D. Rock (@shaomong) April 16, 2020

 
Here's hoping Che's actions force officials to sort out better financial options for struggling residents.

I’m with Michael Che. The city or federal government should waive rent on public housing while the state is shut down. That’s the least they can do.

— Vicki Ringer (@vickiringer) April 16, 2020