Community Board #13 Newsletter |
|
September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month and this site has great resources for families and businesses to be prepared. Events are further complicated by COVID so take extra care.
Be prepared, proactive and aware!
|
|
Dear Community Partner:
As you are aware, the City is currently responding to the novel coronavirus, and we want to make sure that you are provided with the most up-to-date information.
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection:
NYC is in Phase 4 of Reopening. Learn more about important guidelines and resources available to workers under Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4: www.nyc.gov/workers
Worker Protection Hotline: Call 311 and say “Worker Protection Hotline” if you have questions about reopening, health, and safety guidelines for the workplace, or to report an employer that is not following reopening requirements.
NYC Free Tax Prep: The tax filing deadline was July 15, 2020. However, you can still file your 2019 tax return for free at an NYC Free Tax Prep Site or online through October 15, if you meet income requirements. We urge eligible New Yorkers to use NYC Free Tax Prep services including, In-person Tax Prep, Drop-off Service, Virtual Tax Prep, and Assisted Self-Prep to file taxes for FREE.
- New Yorkers who earned $64,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for In-Person and Virtual Free Tax Preparation with a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) certified preparer.
- New Yorkers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible for free Assisted Self-Preparation.
Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a stable internet connection for virtual free tax prep services. Learn more: www.nyc.gov/taxprep
NYC Financial Empowerment Centers: For the health and safety of our providers and clients, all Financial Counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone. Our counselors can help New Yorkers manage their bills amidst the coronavirus crisis, understand student loans, and more. Book an appointment at www.nyc.gov/talkmoney
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
NYC Human Resources Administration:
Cash Assistance: You may be eligible for an emergency cash grant if it will meet certain special needs. For more information call HRA’s Infoline at 718-557-1399 or please visit: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/
Funeral and Burial Guidance and Assistance: HRA will provide financial assistance to individuals in need of assistance to meet qualifying funeral expenses. For more information e-mail burialservices@hra.nyc.gov
Food Resources:
The City has created the GetFoodNYC food delivery program to provide food for coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently served through existing food delivery programs. Find out more information here.
COVID-19 Testing:
Taxi and Limousine Commission:
TLC Food Delivery Program : TLC drivers can sign-up to deliver meals to elderly and high-risk people around the City. As of, Sunday, April 26, drivers will receive $53 per route, on all routes citywide, including $40 per route in base pay and $13 per route to cover gas and mileage. TLC drivers can also use non-TLC vehicles. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/drivers/tlc-driver-food-delivery.page
New York State requires all TLC drivers and passengers to wear face coverings while riding together. You can use a homemade mask, bandana, or a scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs:
Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: nyc.gov/publiccharge
Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19:
Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter what your immigration status is and regardless of your ability to pay. View the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) resource guide for immigrant communities at nyc.gov/immigrants/coronavirus. Downloadable PDF translations of this resource guide are available online in multiple languages.
NYC Commission on Human Rights:
NYC Human Rights Law: Harassment and discrimination based on race, national origin, age, and disability (including having COVID-19 or another serious illness) is illegal. If you have faced harassment or discrimination in housing, at work, or in any public place, contact the Commission by filling out our online form or by calling 311 and asking for "human rights." Please visit: www.nyc.gov/cchr
NYC Department of Education:
NYC Census:
To complete the 2020 Census online or by phone, go to my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.
Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants:
Tenant Resource Portal: New York City’s first-ever online Tenant Resource Portal created to help residential renter’s access free public and private resources to help prevent evictions and keep tenants stably housed. Visit our portal: https://www1.nyc.gov/content/tenantresourceportal/pages/
Tenant Helpline: New York residential renters can receive legal advice, counseling, and access to other relevant resources based on their specific needs. Tenants can reach the Helpline by calling 311 and asking for the “Tenant Helpline”. Tenants can also reach out by filling out our Contact Us form on our website to be connected with a specialist. https://www1.nyc.gov/content/tenantprotection/pages/contact-us
NYC Cares:
NYC Care: NYC Care is a health care access program for people who are not eligible for or cannot afford health insurance. It is now available in every borough.
|
|
ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT - GET COUNTED TODAY!
The 2020 Census Response Period Ends on September 30th.
As of today, only 59.6% of NYC residents have completed the census
6.3% below the national average!
New York needs YOU to make sure you, your family, your congregation,
and all New Yorkers are counted in the 2020 Census – before it ends!
If NYC is undercounted we are all at risk of losing critical federal funding
for disaster relief, hospitals, public housing, public transportation, schools and many other vital programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC.
As New York quickly became the epicenter of COVID-19, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s New York State on PAUSE order called for the shut down of all non-essential businesses, with the intention of helping New Yorkers better manage the spread of the virus throughout the state. New York State on PAUSE also led to the abandonment of crucial Census grassroots campaigns.
As trusted faith leaders, you play a critical role in shaping your community beyond your house of worship. The 2020 Census is an opportunity to help your community not only get their fair share of needed resources, services, and care, but help shape the future of what your community will become for the next 10 years.
Filling out the 2020 Census is safe, easy and fast. It only takes 10 minutes and all you need is your name and address.
New Yorkers can respond to the 2020 Census over the phone in the following languages:
- Arabic: 844-416-2020
- Chinese (Mandarin): 844-391-2020
- Chinese (Cantonese): 844-398-2020
- French: 844-494-2020
- Haitian Creole: 844-477-2020
- Japanese: 844-460-2020
- Korean: 844-392-2020
- Polish: 844-479-2020
- Portuguese: 844-474-2020
- Russian: 844-417-2020
- Spanish: 844-468-2020
- Tagalog: 844-478-2020
- Vietnamese: 844-461-2020
#BUDDHISTSCOUNT2020
NYDIS, in partnership with the Buddhist Council of New York and BRIC, has created videos in Korean, Mandarin, Thai, and Tibetan, explaining the critical importance of the #2020Census for Buddhists and all communities in NYC!
Stay Connected - NYDIS Communications & Alerts
NYDIS Website: Visit our Faith-Sector Resources page for more tip sheets and resources on disaster preparedness, recovery, and response. Check out NYDIS' COVID-19 Pandemic page for situational updates, resources, and assistance.
NYC HOWalert (NYC House of Worship Alert) system
HOWalert is a FREE emergency notification system for NYC clergy/religious leaders and communications "decision makers" from NYC congregations, religious bodies/networks and nonprofits. It will notify subscribers about life-threatening incidents or other hazards that may affect faith sector facilities. It also notifies subscribers with information that should be urgently shared with their congregants, clients, or staff. Communication can be two-way – by sending messages with live links to surveys that collect emerging needs or allowing religious leaders to request help during an unfolding public health emergency or disaster.
|
|
MTA Update
This notice is to advise you that the MTA will be working on the N Line track between 86th Street and Stillwell Ave Terminal, next weekend Oct 2-5. There will be no N service between these two stations. Free shuttle buses will run between the 86th St Station and Stillwell Ave Terminal:
Oct 2 - 5, Fri 11:30 PM to Mon 1 AM
No N trains between 86 St and Stillwell Ave
N trains run between Ditmars Blvd and 86 St, the last stop.
Free shuttle buses run between 86 St and Stillwell Ave N stations
For direct service between Stillwell Av and Manhattan/Downtown Brooklyn, take the D or Q.
|
|
MetroCard Mobile Sales Bus and Vans
Updated Sep 17, 2020
Mobile Sales Vans are rolling out starting September 1 throughout the five boroughs and Westchester. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the schedule has been modified. For everyone’s safety, you must wear a face covering and maintain a safe social distance. Until further notice, we will not be handling any cash or credit/debit card transactions. However, we will be able to transfer value from one card to another.
Services offered at the Mobiles Sales Vans
- Get help with a Reduced-Fare application
- Transfer MetroCard balances (Full fare and Reduced-Fare)
- Exchange a damaged Reduced-Fare MetroCard for a temporary replacement
- Report a lost/stolen Reduced-Fare MetroCard
- Ask our team about any MetroCard-related issues
Schedules are subject to change, so check back before you visit.
|
|
The Mayor has extended Executive Order 148, which sets limitations on event permits through December 31, 2020.
As you can see in the press release below, we are all working hard on helping our signature events find safe and creative alternates, as well as supporting cultural organizations, non-profits, and all New Yorkers find ways to celebrate, recreate, and deliver services safely.
We appreciate you help in getting the word out about what IS possible - here are some quick bullet points on existing permits:
DRP and SAPO applications that meet the following criteria will be considered under the current Executive Order:
· Non-essential gatherings are currently limited to 50 people or less
· Event must be one block/one plaza block or less
· Sound permits will not be issued for any event with a stage or video screen.
· Event location cannot interfere with a DOT Open Street or with DOT Open Restaurant locations (curb lane and partial closures on streets with Open Restaurants will be considered).
· The local community board and precinct must approve all applications.
· COVID Safety Plan Affirmation must be signed and uploaded
Non-profit applicants may be eligible for reduced or waived permits fees under a civic event permits: see more here.
|
|
Early Guidance for Indoor Dining
Restaurants will be allowed to reopen for indoor dining beginning on September 30th.
They will be subject to rigorous inspection protocols and strict occupancy limits. Some requirements for restaurants include:
• Serve customers at a maximum of 25% capacity
• Conduct temperature checks at every front door
• Collect Test & Trace data from at least one customer at each table
• Close bar tops for seating
• Offer COVID-19 protections like PPE for employees
• Space tables six feet apart
If New York City hits 2% in COVID-19 positivity rates, the City will immediately reassess.
Once indoor dining begins, the public will be able to call 833-208-4160 to make a report or text VIOLATION to 855-904-5036.
Please continue to watch for emails from us as more information will be shared in the coming weeks leading up to September 30th.
|
|
Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and on our website. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
