January 24, 2022
Dear Community Partner:
Thank you for your partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need. We hope that this communication, as well as the weekly community calls, will continue to serve as an important platform to share information and answer your questions. We will continue our work toward the shared goal of fighting poverty, income inequality, and addressing homelessness in our city with care and compassion for our clients, staff, and provider partners.
These calls are held on Tuesdays at 4 pm. As a reminder, please reach out to DSS Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to be added to the list of invitees for the Tuesday call and/or to be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication.
Following the standing weekly calls, we have continued to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered during the pandemic.
To be added to the distribution list for this weekly update, please send an email request to dssoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
Assistance Center for Survivors of Bronx Fire at 333 East 181Street
In response to the devastating fire that occurred at 333 East 181st Street in the Bronx on Sunday, 1/9/22, the City has set up a service center at Monroe College, Ustin Hall, 2375 Jerome Ave, Bronx NY 10468 to assist those affected by the fire. On-site interpretation is available at the City service center. Languages include Spanish, French, Wolof, Soninke, Mandingo, and Pulaar. Transportation assistance to the service center can be requested by calling 311. The service center hours are:
Monday through Friday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (last appointment 7:30 p.m.)
Saturday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last appointment 4:30 p.m.)
New Yorkers affected by the fire can also text "181STFIRE" to 692692 to receive updates about resources and services available.
Those seeking services will not be asked about their immigration status.
Financial Assistance to Survivors – Impact on Benefits
In response to questions received regarding the impact of financial assistance provided to survivors of the Bronx fire on benefits eligibility, we have confirmed with OTDA that the gift cards issued by the Mayor's Office to fire survivors will be disregarded as a resource for TA purposes.
Replacement of Food Purchased with SNAP Benefits for E 181st Street Residents
Recipients of CA/SNAP and NCA SNAP who live at 333 E 181st Street may be eligible for funds to replace food lost as a result of the fire in their apartment building. This includes food purchased using Emergency Allotment (EA) SNAP benefits. In order to file a claim, clients (or their authorized representatives) must complete and submit the Request for Replacement of Food Purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits (LDSS-2291). The form is available on OTDA’s website (www.otda.ny.gov) by clicking on the Forms link and scrolling down to the form. Clients must submit completed forms by January 19, 2022.
Completed forms can be submitted as follows:
- Upload using the ACCESS HRA mobile app
- Fax to 917-639-2544
- Mail to: Centralized Recertification Mail Unit PO Box 29008, Brooklyn, NY 11202
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Bring to an open HRA Location
Extension of Public Health Emergency
On January 14, 2022, the United States Department of Health and Human Services extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency for another 90 days. The renewal became effective on January 16, 2022 and will expire on April 16, 2022.
State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Re-opening
In response to an order issued to the State Office of Temporary and Disability Services (OTDA) to re-open the ERAP portal as a result of a preliminary injunction order issued by Judge Lynn R. Kotler, the portal was re-opened on January 11, 2022.
Tenant households that apply for ERAP will continue to receive ERAP tenant protections until an eligibility determination is made on the ERAP application. For additional information on these protections, please see the “Tenant Protections” section of the ERAP FAQs located here. This guidance states that once a tenant applies for ERAP they cannot be evicted for a lease expiration or for non-payment of rent during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The application number which will be provided to all applicants can be used in court if a landlord begins an eviction case in court for an expired lease, a holdover case or for non-payment of rent that would be eligible for coverage under ERAP.
As a reminder, applicants for One Shot Deal/Emergency Grants for rent arrears are no longer required to apply for ERAP to be eligible for a grant from HRA. This does not change with the re-opening of the ERAP portal. However, individuals who applied before the ERAP portal initially closed on 11/14/2021, and are still pending a State determination, must have that determination rendered before HRA is able to provide assistance for rent arrears.
Eviction Moratorium
The NYS eviction moratorium which had previously been extended until January 15, 2022, has now expired. Tenants who have submitted the Hardship Declaration should respond to any court notices they receive indicating that their case is scheduled for a Housing Court hearing. Hardship declarations may no longer be filed and will no longer grant an automatic stay of eviction.
New York City has launched a campaign to inform tenants about their rights and connect them to critical resources. The City wants every New Yorker to know these three things:
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Lockouts (also known as unlawful evictions or self-help evictions) are illegal. All tenants (including those in private residential programs) have the right to stay in their homes unless they choose to leave or are evicted through a court process.
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Under New York City's Right-to-Counsel (RTC) law, legal services are free, available in every ZIP code, and available regardless of immigration status. DSS/HRA's Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) ensures tenants facing eviction in Housing Court or NYCHA administrative proceedings have access to free legal representation or advice, provided by nonprofit legal services organizations from across the five boroughs.
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We urge all New Yorkers in need of rent relief to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) web portal (which reopened on Jan 11th at 10pm), as a pending application will provide temporary protection from eviction.
In partnership with the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT), New York Police Department (NYPD), Department of Housing and Preservation Development (HPD), and HRA’s Office of Civil Justice (and legal providers), PEU has also developed the resources to help get the word out about illegal lockouts and right to counsel, and to encourage tenants who are in need of assistance to contact the PEU Tenant Helpline for help.
Free legal advice and other assistance continues to be available to all New York City residential renters through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice, which can be reached by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline.
Emergency Assistance/One Shot Deal
In response to questions received regarding eligibility for One-Shot Deal/Emergency grants:
- An applicant does not have to appear on the lease or be the primary tenant in order to apply for a One-Shot-Deal. However, RAU may ask for written confirmation that the individual will be able to reside in the household for a period of time after the OSD as a condition of eligibility.
- HRA continues to process One-Shot Deal applications for rental and utility arrears.
HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS)
In response to questions we’ve received regarding the availability of funds for utility arrears, we are providing the reminder below regarding fund available through the HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement.
The State HEAP RAS is a one-time benefit funded with the HEAP appropriation received under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This benefit is available to help pay gas and/or electricity utility arrears and will be available through September 30, 2022, or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
The application for the State HEAP Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) is the regular HEAP application in conjunction with the HEAP RAS worksheet. The RAS worksheet is completed by HRA staff. Once a HEAP application is submitted HRA staff will assess for both regular HEAP and RAS by reaching out to the client to conduct a phone interview. The applicant must be eligible for HEAP to be eligible for RAS. If eligible, the RAS worksheet will be completed by HRA staff at the time of the interview.
Applicants are required to complete the regular HEAP application (and the RAS worksheet which will be completed during their interview) under any one of the following circumstances:
- Did not receive a regular HEAP benefit this season (2021/22 HEAP season);
- Moved since receiving their HEAP benefit;
- Closed Cash Assistance or SNAP case since receiving regular HEAP benefit.
These applicants must first complete a new HEAP application and be found HEAP eligible to receive the RAS benefit.
Clients who need to submit an application for HEAP can do so as follows:
- Apply in-person at one of the 6 designated HRA Job Centers or 4 community assistance sites (please see HEAP Eligibility section below);
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Download an application here or call 212-331-3126 to request an application.
- Mail a completed LDSS-3421 to NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP: PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008
- Drop off a completed LDSS-3421 at any HRA Job Center
HEAP applicants will be required to have an interview, which, due to COVID-19 restrictions, will be conducted by telephone. Applicants will receive a call from an HRA worker to conduct the eligibility interview for HEAP and RAS, if also applying for RAS. Existing HEAP recipients (those with an open HEAP, CA, or SNAP case, who haven’t moved) applying for RAS do not need to have a telephone interview; they just need an HRA worker to complete an RAS worksheet for them.
The one-time benefit is based on the actual amount of current utility arrears, up to a maximum of $10,000 per applicant household. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s gas and/or electric utility vendor(s), and only one RAS benefit per current electricity and/or gas account is permitted.
Households may be eligible if:
- Heat is natural gas or electricity;
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Income is at or below the current income guidelines as posted in this table or the applicant receives Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Code A Supplemental Security Income;
- All of the eligibility criteria to receive a Regular HEAP benefit in the current program year have been met;
- The applicant must be the customer of record for the electricity and/or gas account(s), or must document that they pay the utility vendor(s) directly for the bill(s);
- The vendor is paid directly for gas and/or electricity usage; and
- The current gas and/or electricity account(s) is/are in active collection, or otherwise facing disconnection or termination due to unpaid arrears.
Note that there is no resource test for the RAS benefit and arrears for domestic electricity do not have to be heat-related. When and why the arrears accrued will not impact eligibility. The RAS can be awarded for both an electricity and a gas account for a single household.
HEAP Emergency Benefit
As of January 3, 2022, applications for HEAP Emergency benefits can be submitted to HRA. Emergency benefits are available to assist eligible households with a heating emergency or a heat-related domestic emergency. Below are additional details on the program.
All applicants for the HEAP Emergency benefit component may apply via telephone as well as in person at their local Job Center. Applications may not be submitted online.
- Only one Emergency benefit of each type is available per HEAP household for the 2021-2022 season.
- Regular component benefits, if available, must be utilized first to resolve heating emergencies for eligible households.
- Temporary relocation for housing emergencies and propane tank deposits to obtain new propane vendors are also available under the Emergency benefit component.
Individuals may be eligible for an Emergency HEAP benefit if:
- Electricity is necessary for the heating system or thermostat to work and is either shut-off or scheduled to be shut off; or
- Electric or natural gas heat is off or scheduled to be shut-off; or
- An individual is out of fuel or, has less than one quarter tank of fuel oil, kerosene or propane or has less than a ten (10) day supply of wood, wood pellets, corn, or other deliverable heat source.
and
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Income is at or below the current income guidelines as outlined here or an applicant receives Family Assistance, Safety Net Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or Code A Supplemental Security Income.
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The heating and/or electric bill is in the applicants name; and
- The applicant’s household available resources are:
- less than $2,000 if no member of the household is age 60 or older; or
- less than $3,000 if any member of the household is age 60 or older.
CityFHEPS Processing Delays
In response to a question on our weekly call about delays in CityFHEPS being processed at shelters, DHS is able to provide training to any shelter sites if submissions are found to be incomplete or inaccurate, which can result in processing delays. Providers and clients with concerns about specific cases can escalate to the DHS Rehousing team by contacting Raprenewals@hra.nyc.gov.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Immunocompromised individuals are now eligible to get a fourth vaccine dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are eligible for their first booster shot 28 days after their second primary shot, and their second booster shot (their fourth overall) five months after that.
The Moderna booster is now approved for 5 months after the second primary shot instead of the 6 months previously advised.
- Expand the use of a single booster dose to include use in individuals 12 through 15 years of age.
- Shorten the time between the completion of primary vaccination of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and a booster dose to at least five months.
- Allow for a third primary series dose for certain immunocompromised children 5 through 11 years of age.
Previously, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to children 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after receiving their second dose of vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.
As a reminder the Pfizer vaccine is now approved and available for children 5-11 years old in NYC. Children must have a parent or guardian's consent to get the vaccine. The City has created several resources to provide useful information and help promote the vaccine for children ages 5-11:
Vaccination sites can be found at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX4-NYC. New Yorkers can also text their ZIP code to 438829 to receive information on vaccination sites near them, including what age groups can be served at each site.
For more information about vaccines and the vaccines for children, families can go to nyc.gov/covidvaccine and see this FAQ, or call 212-COVID19 with questions about the vaccine.
Vaccine Referral Bonus Program
An additional $3M has been allotted to extend the NYC vaccine referral bonus program through January 2022. This referral bonus continues to be available to small businesses, restaurants, and civic organizations, including community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and Parent-Teacher Associations. These are all eligible to receive a $100 vaccine referral bonus for each employee or customer who they refer to a City-run vaccine site for their first shot. The referred individual is still eligible to receive their own $100 bonus. To sign up for the program, businesses and organizations should use the this form.
More Information
The City has created a vaccine fact sheet which can be found here, and is available in additional languages here.
Walk-up vaccines are available at most City-operated vaccination sites. To find the nearest walk-up site, or to schedule an appointment at a City-operated site, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov. NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide vaccines. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found online here.
Flu vaccines are available at City-operated vaccination sites and can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. Locations can be found at the NYC Vaccine Finder website.
Vaccination and Testing Apps
- CDC Vaccination Card. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable.
- NYC Vaccination Record or other official immunization record, including from a health care provider. A digital photo or photocopy of this card is also acceptable. If you are unable to get this record, call 311.
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NYC COVID Safe App. Android. iOS. This app can be used to upload a photo of a vaccine card and/or a recent COVID test. The vaccine card will stay on the app unless removed, but test results will disappear from the app after seven days.
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CLEAR Health Pass. Android. iOS. Individuals can use the digital vaccine card option in the CLEAR app if they are age 18 or older and are fully vaccinated.
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NYS Excelsior Pass (or Excelsior Pass Plus). Allows an individual to find and store proof of vaccination right on their phone with a QR code, or to print out their QR code instead. New York residents who were vaccinated out of State can learn more about their options at the Excelsior Pass FAQ. The app, called NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet, is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.
Vaccine Records
Individuals who are fully vaccinated but have lost their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or need verification of their vaccine status can request a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination record. Individuals cannot get a replacement COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card at this time but can get an official record noting they have been vaccinated. For more information and to submit a request visit the NYC DOHMH Vaccine Records site.
COVID-19 Testing
Free At-home COVID Tests
Orders can now be placed through the US Postal Service for delivery of 4 free COVID at home tests. Each residential address is eligible to receive four tests. The tests can be ordered online at covidtests.gov. Orders are expected to begin shipping in late January. Americans who cannot put in an order for the COVID-19 tests on the website launched can call 1-800-232-0233 to do so. The call line, which serves those speaking English, Spanish and more than 150 additional languages, is open 8 a.m. until midnight EST, seven days a week.
At-home COVID Testing for Immunocompromised Individuals
At Home Covid Tests Covered by Insurance
Beginning January 15, 2022, over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized, cleared, or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be covered by an individual's private health insurance or group health plan coverage. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. That means a family of four, all on the same plan, would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. Tests can be obtained at pharmacies that accept the insurance of the individual(s).
PCR tests and rapid tests ordered or administered by a health provider will continue to be fully covered by insurance with no limit.
At this time, Americans on Medicare won't be able to get tests reimbursed through the federal insurance plan, but Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program plans are required to cover the cost of at-home tests fully. Those who are not on a covered insurance plan can receive free tests through the forthcoming federal website or from some local community centers and pharmacies.
Testing in NYC
Free testing continues to be available at City-run sites throughout the five boroughs. The NYC Health and Hospitals COVID-19 Testing Sites page includes detailed information about all City-run mobile, brick-and-mortar, and micro testing sites across the five boroughs, including location, schedule, and types of testing offered. Locations of testing sites can also be accessed by texting “COVID TEST” to 855-48. These are no cost testing sites open to all New Yorkers.
COVID-19 testing at most City-run sites is walk-in only. All New Yorkers are tested on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites allow pre-registration through this link, which will streamline check-in upon arrival.
The Test-and-Trace Corps offers the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard, which displays estimated wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated by site staff every two hours.
The four new subway testing locations include:
- Manhattan's 125th Street Station (A/B/C/D lines). Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- The Bronx's Bedford Park Station (B/D lines). Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Queens' Queens Plaza Station (E/M/R lines), Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Brooklyn's Coney Island/Stilwell Station (D/F/N/Q lines), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Times Square-42nd St (Manhattan) Mon – Sun, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Grand Central Terminal (Manhattan) Mon – Sun, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Penn Station (Manhattan) Mon – Sun, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Broadway Junction (Brooklyn) Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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E. 180th St. (Bronx) Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Roosevelt Ave. (Queens) Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Jamaica-179th St. (Queens) Mon – Fri, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The testing sites at Times Square-42nd St. and Grand Central Terminal are also pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites and offer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
DOHMH also currently operates eight COVID Express Testing sites. Appointments are required at these express locations and can be reserved through the COVID Express Testing site. COVID Express site test results are available within 24 hours or less, with most patients receiving same-day results. All tests performed at these sites are PCR-based laboratory diagnostic tests, which are the most accurate type of test available. COVID Express site testing is free to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
Testing in NYC Schools
Beginning January 3, the NYC in-school testing program expanded, doubling the number of students tested at each school and including both vaccinated and unvaccinated students. Families with students in first grade and up can choose to participate in the program by completing the online form in their NYC Schools Account or returning a signed paper form to school.
Additionally, schools are now distributing free, take-home COVID-19 rapid test kits to any student or any staff who exhibit COVID-like symptoms or have been in a classroom where a positive case has been identified. Beginning January 10, at-home test distribution includes 3-K and Pre-K students. Learn more here.
SNAP Simplified Application for Seniors
In response to questions received on our weekly call, as a reminder the SNAP simplified application for seniors is available for download on the “Forms” page of the OTDA website at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/. The simplified form is LDSS 5166. The page does not indicate that this is the simplified form, so when applicants are looking for the application, they need to know the form number or know to find it at the bottom of the SNAP section on the page. The form can also be accessed as a PDF document here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/5166.pdf.
Clients, providers, and advocates can now call Infoline to request a paper copy of the Simplified SNAP application kit (LDSS-5166) by mail. As a reminder, the simplified SNAP application can be used by households where:
- All adults are 60 years or older and/or have a disability; AND
- No adult in the household has earned income.
SNAP Emergency Allotments Extended
Beginning in March 2020, SNAP benefits have been supplemented with emergency allotments each month, so that households that were not receiving the maximum benefit for their household size began receiving a supplement to bring them to that level. In April 2021, the emergency allotment amounts were modified so that the minimum monthly SNAP emergency allotment was $95, even for households already receiving the maximum benefit allotment. Households that previously would have received a supplement of less than $95 began receiving a supplement of at least $95. For households receiving a supplement of greater than $95, this policy change did not affect the amount of the supplement received.
These emergency allotments are scheduled to continue for one month beyond the end of the federal public health emergency. The public health emergency was extended on January 16 to end in April 2022.
The emergency SNAP supplement is being issued to households even if their SNAP case closed during the month of issuance. Further information is available here.
Temporary Expansion of SNAP Eligibility for College Students
As a reminder, the Federal Emergency Relief Act temporarily expands the SNAP student eligibility rules by amending the allowable exemptions to the rule in two additional ways:
- A student is eligible if they are eligible to participate in state or federal work-study, regardless of whether the student is actively employed or participating in work-study; and
- Any student that has an "expected family contribution" of $0 may participate in SNAP if otherwise eligible.
Beginning on January 16, 2021, students meeting the expanded criteria above are eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Students must provide verification that they meet one of these new criteria. The expansion of SNAP eligibility for students applies to both undergraduate and graduate students.
These amended federal eligibility qualifications for students will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID–19 federal public health emergency is lifted. The public health emergency is currently extended until April 16, 2022, making the temporary expansion through May 16, 2022.
Temporary Waiver of SNAP Periodic Reports
New York State has been granted a waiver by FNS to delay the processing of SNAP periodic reports. Households that were due to submit a periodic report in January, February or March 2022 will not have to submit a periodic report, nor will one have to be processed for them before their next recertification, and no negative action may be taken against households that fail to return a completed report. Unless a further waiver is granted, normal periodic report processing will resume for households due to return a report in April 2022. This waiver does not interrupt the periodic mailer production schedule. Any returned mailers will be evaluated for changes that would increase benefits and process these cases so that recipients will receive the increased benefits.
Suspension of the Billing Process for SNAP, Cash Assistance and Medicaid Overpayment Cases
Billings for recovery of overpayments and repayable grants for SNAP, Cash Assistance and Medicaid remains stayed through April 16, 2022, which is the date of the current extension of the public health emergency. Where we are legally required to continue collection efforts and the case is approaching the Statute of Limitations, HRA is sending a payment request letter. Enforcement actions on judgments remains stayed until April 16, 2022.
Medicaid Easements and Application Updates
Medicaid easements have been extended through March 2022. This includes the automatic extension for cases with an authorization that ends in March 2022, even if the client does not submit their renewal. These cases will be extended for 12 months. Any case that is closed during the COVID-19 emergency for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation will be re-opened and coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage.
Medicaid Surplus Cases
In accordance with State DOH requirements, Medicaid surplus consumers must continue to meet their surplus requirement during the COVID-19 health emergency. Surplus consumers can continue to submit medical bills to cover their surplus by mail or fax.
HRA Medicaid Surplus Unit
785 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11238; or
Fax: 917-639-0645
Payment may also be submitted to the HRA Division of Accounts Receivable and Billing (DARB) at 150 Greenwich Street, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10007. Those who submit payment to DARB must then call the Surplus Hotline at 929-221-0835 to report that a payment has been made and provide case information.
Medicaid consumers who cannot submit payment or bills because of health issues related to COVID-19 can call the Surplus Hotline at 929-221-0835 to attest that they have the money or the bills to satisfy their surplus but are unable to submit them.
For Medicaid consumers who have lost income, they should have their case re-budgeted, which may lower or eliminate their surplus in some instances. Proof of a change in income should be faxed to 917-639-0645.
IDNYC Updates
IDNYC has reopened a total of 16 public enrollment centers throughout the five boroughs. Capacity is limited and by appointment only. Hours of operation are listed on IDNYC’s website and available by calling 311.
Effective December 15, 2021, IDNYC launched a collaboration with the Department of Corrections (DoC) to facilitate enrollment of our municipal identification card for individuals recently released from Rikers. IDNYC will now use DoC’s electronic database to prove one point of the necessary three points of the discharged individual’s identity. The enrolling individual will still have to prove the remaining required points of identity and residency.
In order to assist those affected by the recent fire in the Bronx, IDNYC will now accept a letter from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), American Red Cross or any other organization licensed, certified, authorizes or funded by OEM or FDNY, for the purpose of establishing residency.
HOPE 2022
Previously announced a need for volunteers to support HOPE 2022 on Tuesday, January 25. Due to the recent rise in local COVID cases, DHS will not be using volunteers to conduct this year’s count.
Commercial Hotels – Isolation Units
For any client with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms, DSS-DHS has established protocols to connect those individuals to isolation and/or care as needed with hundreds of units opened specifically for isolation. DHS is positioned to bring on more beds pending additional needs and is monitoring cases/circumstances extremely closely.
DHS Safe Haven and Stabilization Beds
In response to questions received on our community call two weeks ago, DHS continues to provide space in both safe havens and stabilization beds. Our DHS outreach and contracted outreach services are available 24 hours daily to engage individuals and work with them to come inside.
Whenever the city works to address an illegal, unsanitary, or unsafe condition on the street, DHS is at the site before and during the cleaning process to engage those who are unsheltered and living at these locations. DHS works hard to encourage individuals to accept our services and placement.
In recent years, DHS has significantly expanded capacity within the DHS streets portfolio and continues to develop models that are as flexible as possible to meet the unique needs of clients.
Storage for Clients Entering Shelter
In response to questions received on our community call two weeks ago, there are limitations to the number of items that clients can bring with them into shelter. If a client has a lot of belongings they want to keep:
- The outreach teams will assist clients through the HRA storage process - and DHS works closely w HRA to expedite and/or address any issues
- The outreach teams try to work through all barriers to coming inside with a client, so if belongings are an issue, the teams will engage the client and work with them to consolidate or reorganize as necessary, as well as continue to work on identifying storage
Additional Resources and Information
NYC Speaks Survey
NYC Speaks is an interactive process focused on bringing together New Yorkers from across the City to inform the policies and priorities of the new Mayor, his administration, and the future of New York City. Phase 1 of NYC Speaks is a citywide survey, followed by in-depth conversations hosted by community organizations across the city. All of the data pulled from the survey, conversations and ideas challenge will fuel action planning workshops in late spring. The detailed proposals that come out of the workshops will feed into the upcoming Strategic Plan for the city.
Complete the NYC Speaks Survey: The survey can be completed here. The deadline to participate is January 28.
Please encourage others to complete the survey and get involved in the initiative. See a social media toolkit with draft language and graphics at https://nycspeaks.org/share.
Ready Up NYC Webinar Series
"Ready Up NYC" is a monthly webinar series focused on providing preparedness tips to all New Yorkers. Upcoming Ready Up NYC webinars are as follows. Register via: https://bit.ly/ReadyUp2022
February 17 at 2:30 PM: Topic: Financial Emergency
- Planning with FEMA
- 4 steps to financial preparedness
- Disaster assistance resources
March 17 at 2:30 PM: Topic: John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service
- Fellowship program overview
- Alumni experiences
- Application process
Community-wide Conference Call
We look forward to your continued participation on our weekly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our weekly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.
The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what was shared on our weekly call as well as new developments. All of the information included in each of our prior communications, since March 2020, is available on our website on the COVID-19 Community Updates page.
Thank you for your partnership in serving our fellow New Yorkers in need of our services. If you have any questions or concerns about the issues covered in this communication or on our weekly calls, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advocacy and Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.
In partnership,
Gary P. Jenkins
DSS Commissioner
New York City Department of Social Services
