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CORONAVIRUS – CITY COUNCIL
Delivering Thousands of PPE to New Yorkers
 My office continues to help the City secure personal protective equipment (PPE) for our hospitals and residents wherever we can.
When one of our local hospitals received donated PPE that was not sterile but could still be useful for everyday New Yorkers, I jumped at the opportunity to get this equipment in the hands of people who need it. We collaborated with Jody Rudin, COO of the nonprofit Project Renewal, to distribute thousands of face masks to residents and employees at women’s shelter in Midtown East. We also partnered with long time friend and ETHOS partner Reverend Beverly Dempsey at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church to hand out masks to attendees of their weekly meal program. These residents, who are often at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and falling ill, were thankful to receive the masks, often putting them on right away. That day, we handed out over 5,000 masks and hundreds of handmade face coverings.
Throughout the pandemic we have worked to facilitate donations, manufacturing, and supply of PPE for our medical system and emergency services. I was humbled when James Patchett, CEO of the NYC Economic Development Corporation recognized our team for our efforts to aid the City in acquiring PPE. Thank you to all those who have helped donate or source PPE, and the volunteers who helped us distribute masks.
For more information on the City's efforts to acquire PPE, you can watch the EDC's webinar. Some of the resources shared include:
As always, if you have a lead on supplies for New York City, please email [email protected].
Warning the Nation to Social Distance Now on Fox News
In early April, when social distancing was still new to us, Fox News had me on to talk about the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I warned the national audience about the dangers of not following stay-at-home orders and urged them to embrace social distancing early, before it became too late and their locality became another hotspot. Thank you to Amy Peck, a Council Member in Houston, Texas, for joining me on the program and sharing her experience battling the spread of COVID-19 in her city. Watch the interview at BenKallos.com/videos
Securing More COVID-19 Testing Capacity
 Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, I have argued that New York needs to expand its testing capacity. As covered by Our Town, I worked with Doctor Christopher Mason of Weill Cornell to help him and his team of infectious disease experts get a new lab here in New York City approved for testing.
“We have a vision of getting up to 100,000 [tests] by the time we get to June or July,” said Mason. “So if anyone anywhere wants to get tested, we want to make that possible.”
“I think the key thing here is when the President was saying we don't need testing, when my colleagues in this government were saying we don't need testing, I knew that the only way we were gonna get out of this crisis is with access to testing to everyone,” said Kallos.
As of now, with help from the federal government, New York State is on target to be able to test at least 40,000 people per day beginning on May 1st. For more information on the testing here on the Upper East Side with Weill Cornell, read coverage in Our Town.
Protecting Essential Workers from Retaliation by Employers
 Forbes and amNY covered legislation I introduced to protect essential workers as part of a larger “bill of rights.” Heroic health care and warehouse workers have faced retaliation for speaking out against unsafe conditions as they fight for protective equipment. That’s why when the City Council went back into session, the first bill I introduced, with Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Brad Lander, aims to protect essential workers from termination without ‘Just Cause.’
No one should lose their job simply for taking social distancing precautions or asking for protective equipment during a pandemic. Our city’s essential workers are heroes and deserve to be treated that way, complete with job protections for putting their lives on the line. For more information read the release or coverage in amNY and Forbes.
Report on City Council Remote Stated
 As reported by Pix 11, on April 22nd, the New York City Council came together for its first stated meeting—and the first virtual legislative meeting ever—in more than a month. The hearing, which was conducted over Zoom, saw the introduction of several new pieces of legislation geared at addressing this coronavirus pandemic, including a bill to protect essential workers from termination without ‘Just Cause’ that I authored with Council Member Brad Lander and Speaker Corey Johnson. As AMNY reported, these protections, considered a part of essential workers’ “bill of rights,” will ensure that somebody doing the right thing is not going to lose their job.
Amidst all of the media coverage that surrounded this unprecedented hearing, my 11-year-old cat, Pandora, managed to score some attention and a few fans of her own, as she cuddled up beside me for most of the meeting. For more information, see coverage by Forbes, Patch, the New York Post, Bklyner and WNYC.
Mayor Proposing $6 Billion in First Round Cuts to City Budget
 At $89.3 billion, New York City proposed FY 2021 budget is $6 billion dollars smaller than the Mayor had originally proposed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is now facing a $7.4 billion shortfall and clinging to the hope that the federal government will step in and help cities and state economies ravaged by COVID-19. The City has already borrowed $4 billion so far from the rainy day fund.
In order to meet this new $89.3 billion budget, the Mayor will cut hundreds of millions in education funding and summer activities like the Summer Youth Employment Program. He is also proposing to freeze hiring and training at FDNY and NYPD. Various City agencies will be forced to reduce vacant positions and implement hiring freezes. Right now the Mayor has said layoffs and furloughs are a “last resort.”
I have previously found millions in budget savings, and as Chair of the Contracts Committee, I will be looking into $14 billion in contracts for potential waste, fraud, abuse, or just savings. If you know of a bad contract, be a hero, blow the whistle and email [email protected].
Answers from Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot
 If you missed our Virtual Town Hall with Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot, it’s not too late to catch up on what was discussed, including when New York City may reopen. Watch the entire video conference featuring Congress Member Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Speaker Corey Johnson, Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Council Member Keith Power and hosted with Assembly Member Dan Quart on YouTube.com or at Facebook.com/BenKallos/Videos
New Resource for Youth and Families
 With New York State on PAUSE and families ordered to stay home together, I have been concerned about domestic violence as well as child abuse. We've been working with the Commissioner David Hansell of the Administration for Children's Services on resources directed at children and families. Initial resources focused around coronavirus is now available in 11 languages at nyc.gov/site/acs/about/covidhelp.page
Virtual First Friday on Zoom (Past and Next)
 First Friday remains one of my favorite parts of my job as your Council Member. While we all must continue to do our part by staying home, I want to listen to and address your concerns as we work together for a better city.
This coming First Friday, May 1, 8am – 10am, we will hold our monthly morning meeting via online video and tele-conference using Zoom for the second time.
Thank you to all the residents who participated in last month’s virtual First Friday especially to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney who joined our conversation that morning and helped us answer questions from residents.
You must RSVP to participate.
Video Conference: RSVP for your URL, create a free account at Zoom.us, RSVP
Teleconference: RSVP to receive the number and access code, RSVP
Facebook Live: Skip the RSVP and watch the stream at Facebook.com/BenKallos
RSVP now at BenKallos.com/events
CORONAVIRUS – FEDERAL
Stimulus Funding Passes with $484 Billion in Additional Funding
 Last week, a $484 billion COVID-19 relief package aimed at helping small businesses stay afloat became law.
This latest lifeline to businesses was a bipartisan measure that pumps $320 billion into the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so that smaller companies can continue to pay their workers during the pandemic. More information on PPP including how to apply will be available from the Small Business Administration.
The massive relief package also puts $100 billion toward public health:
- $75 billion to reimburse health care providers for health care–related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to the coronavirus outbreak
- $25 billion for expenses to research, develop, validate, manufacture, purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests to effectively monitor and suppress COVID-19.
You can read the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act at Congress.gov. At least one additional larger and more comprehensive relief package is expected to be proposed in Congress over the next couple of weeks, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has said he will prioritize including funds for state and local economies.
CORONAVIRUS – NEW YORK CITY & STATE
Apply to Vote Absentee Online
 Governor Cuomo stated in a press conference that he is ordering the New York State Board of Elections to mail all registered voters absentee ballot applications. I called on the Governor to make it easier to vote by mail in an op-ed I co-authored in Gotham Gazette earlier this month, and I happily praised the governor when he took key steps to make vote by mail easier. You may now vote by mail in the Federal State Primary on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The State of New York Board of Elections voted to cancel the State’s presidential primary but you may still vote in primaries for Congress, Senate, and Assembly that will be on the ballot.
You MUST APPLY for an absentee ballot. You do not have to wait for an application to be sent by mail. I strongly encourage you to apply NOW by calling 866-VOTE-NYC for a postage-paid application or downloading the form at vote.nyc/page/absentee-voting.
When applying, you must check off “temporary illness,” and submit by fax (in New York County to 646-638-2047 or email [email protected]) or mail postmark by Tuesday, June 16, 2020. You will receive your absentee ballot up to 32 days before the election and it must be postmarked by Monday, June 22, 2020.
To Apply for a Ballot:
Online - NYCabsentee.com
Email application to [email protected]
Fax application to 212-487-5349
Mail application to local borough office
Calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)
PPE Equipment Donation, Supplies, and Manufacturing
 New York remains in need of medical Personal Protective Equipment. To donate or sell these items, use the links below, then email [email protected] so we can help ensure you get a response.
If you or someone you know is considering donating materials to the City, you can do so by visiting nyc.gov/HelpNow
If you wish to donate, manufacture, or sell supplies please visit NYC.gov/ppedonations or call 1-833-NYC-0040. After you do so, please email [email protected] so we can help ensure you get a response.
Any New York City company that has materials on hand and is willing to DONATE or SELL medical supplies or equipment (e.g. gowns, masks, ventilators, face shields) should visit nyc.gov/covidsupplies. Offers submitted will be vetted and respondents will be contacted if there is a need from the City.
Local manufacturers looking to begin producing the supplies needed to fight the coronavirus should visit edc.nyc/COVID-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing
To donate food and other non-medical donations, go to NYC.gov/donate
Reminder: once you have filled out the appropriate form, email our team at [email protected] so we can help.
Governor Cuomo Extends NYS Pause
 In an announcement in April, Governor Cuomo extended the "NYS Pause" mandate until at least May 15th, while the State continues to closely monitor our progress in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. Under this mandate, only essential businesses can operate and places like nail salons, gyms, malls, and barbershops will remain closed. 100% of nonessential workers are expected to telecommute or remain at home during this period. Governor has reiterated that the best way to open up the city and state will be through a regional approach with neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut.
Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo also announced he is bringing on former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to help with the plan to test and trace infection rates across New York State. Bloomberg Philanthropies is contributing $10 million to help start the process. Mayor de Blasio also plans to step up testing across New York City, as the City has begun producing its own testing kits in addition to the 50,000 testing kits we will be purchasing weekly from a company in Indiana. The Mayor also plans to employ 5,000 to 10,000 people to trace the contacts of infected New Yorkers and help prevent the spread.
For more information on when the state plans to get back to normal visit Coronavirus.Health.ny.gov/latest-news
Alternate Side of the Street Parking Suspension Extended
 Alternate Side Parking regulations have been suspended through Tuesday, May 12, 2020, for now. Parking meters and all other parking rules remain in effect throughout the City. The City may extend the suspension based on street cleanliness and workforce availability. Any New Yorker under isolation who has received a parking ticket can appeal to the Department of Finance and should provide medical documentation or testimony, which will be taken into consideration when their case is reviewed. To learn how to dispute a parking ticket, visit the Parking Ticket or Camera Violation Dispute.
COVID-19: What You Should Still Be Doing
 According to city and state infectious disease experts, most COVID-19 cases are mild to moderate and do not require hospitalization. Older adults and people with chronic health conditions continue to be the most at risk of complications.
The virus continues to be able to spread from person to person by droplets when coughing that can live in the air for several hours. There are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself, your family and others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before you eat.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep a distance of at least 6 feet to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closed container.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
- Wear a face mask or cover when in public whenever social distancing becomes impossible or difficult.
To that end, all New Yorkers are now required to wear face coverings in public when they are unable to social distance. Governor Cuomo announced an executive order that requires all employers to provide face masks or coverings to their employees who come into contact with other people on the job.
New Yorkers over 70 or with pre-existing conditions are still advised to obey ‘Matildas Law’:
- Remain indoors
- Go outside for solitary exercise
- Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature
- Wear a mask in the company of others
- Stay at least 6 feet from others
- Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
For more information on preventive measures and symptoms visit Coronavirus.health.ny.gov/
Hospitals to Resume Elective Surgeries and Outpatient Treatments
 As of April 28, hospitals across the state will be able to resume performing elective outpatient treatments, but only if the hospital capacity is over 25 percent for the county and if there have been fewer than 10 new hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in the county over the past 10 days. If a hospital is located in a county eligible to resume elective outpatient treatments, but that hospital has a capacity under 25 percent or has had more than 10 new hospitalizations in the past 10 days, that hospital is not eligible to resume elective surgeries. Further, patients must test negative for COVID-19 prior to any elective outpatient treatment.
PPE and Testing for Public Housing
 In an effort to expand health care services and testing to NYCHA residents, the State will partner with Ready Responders to deliver more than 500,000 cloth masks and 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to public housing communities, according to Governor Cuomo. The distribution will start the week of April 19th, and the initial recipients include:
- Washington Houses in Manhattan
- Highbridge Houses, Edenwald Houses, and Andrew Jackson Houses in the Bronx
- Queensbridge Houses, Hammel Houses and Red Fern Houses in Queens
- Brevoort Houses in Brooklyn
Additionally, in response to data showing that COVID-19 is affecting communities of color and low-income communities especially hard, the Mayor is expanding community-based testing sites to the following NYCHA locations:
- St. Nicholas Houses in Harlem
- Woodside Houses in Queens
- Jonathan Williams Houses in Brooklyn
COVID-19 Spending Tracker
The NYC Independent Budget Office has created a “COVID-19 Spending Tracker” that will be updated regularly and provide information on citywide, agency, and type of expenditure at ibo.nyc.ny.us/covid-19-city-spending-tracker
How to Donate Plasma
 The New York Blood Center (NYBC) continues to collect blood plasma donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat other patients with advanced illness. The NYBC is no longer accepting walk-in customers. Instead, you must make an appointment.
In the treatment known as convalescent plasma, the patient is transfused with the donor’s plasma with the goal of using the donor’s antibodies to help clear the virus more rapidly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the treatment for use on a case by case basis and NYBC is the first to collect plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients for this purpose. If you have recovered from COVID-19 and are interested in giving plasma, please email your information to [email protected]. For more information, visit nybloodcenter.org
Milestones to Get Back to Normal
 The Department of Health launched a Public Health Milestones dashboard to show trends in the spread of COVID-19, including new hospital admissions, critical care capacity, and positive test rates. If an indicator reaches a certain predetermined level, or milestone, it will show that the spread of COVID-19 may be slowing. Once all of these indicators reach their milestones, the City will likely begin to gradually lift restrictions.
The Mayor’s office is paying particular attention to three key Public Health Milestones, and the good news is that all indicators are currently moving downward together (as of April 23):
- People admitted to hospitals for suspected COVID-19: 144 (goal of below 200)
- People currently in Health and Hospitals in ICUs for suspected COVID-19: 785 (goal of below 375)
- Percentage of people tested who are positive for COVID-19:
- 31% Public Health Laboratory Testing (goal of below 30%)
- 30% All NYC Testing (goal of below 15%)
The dashboard displays additional data including:
- Zip Code
- Total Cases
- Deaths
- Racial
Download that data at the bottom of the page at nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-data
Apply to Become a Contact Tracer and Fight the Spread of COVID-19
 The Fund for Public Health in New York City and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are looking to hire contact tracers to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact Tracers will be hired and trained to work as part of a DOHMH Call Center to support the health department’s COVID-19 response. The DOHMH Call Center will conduct phone interviews with people diagnosed with COVID-19 in NYC. During the case interview, the Contact Tracer will gather information about the case, gather information about the case’s contacts, notify and educate any household/close contacts who are present during the interview, and assess case and household contact needs for services to support isolation/quarantine, including medical care. The job pays $57,000 per year with benefits
Responsibilities will include:
• Provide follow-up instructions to cases and to contacts related to isolation/quarantine, symptom monitoring and assess the need for medical care and supportive services
• Communicate with cases and contacts in a professional and empathetic manner
• Collect and record information from the case interview/contact gathering into the data system
• Follow approved scripts and protocols, provide people with approved information about isolation and quarantine procedures, and if appropriate, refer them to testing.
TO APPLY, send resume, with cover letter, including how your experience relates to this position to [email protected], with YOUR NAME and Contact Tracer I in the subject. The Call Center will operate 7 days a week from 7AM to 9PM.
Please note any limitations in your availability to work evenings/weekdays/mornings in your cover letter. We ask that you do not contact our staff directly and no phone inquiries please. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted. The Fund for Public Health in New York City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates to apply.
EVENTS
First Friday (Virtual)
Join us for our monthly First Friday meeting, which has moved online. You must RSVP to participate.
Video Conference: RSVP for your URL, create a free account at Zoom.us, RSVP
Teleconference: RSVP to receive the number and access code, RSVP
Facebook Live: Skip the RSVP and watch the stream at Facebook.com/BenKallos
RSVP now at BenKallos.com/events
Small Business Town Hall (Virtual)
Small Business Town Hall (Virtual)
Tuesday, May 12th, 6PM -7PM
The New York City Small Business Administration and my office have teamed up to offer the public a virtual town hall featuring Small Business Administration Commissioner Gregg Bishop. The virtual town hall will be on May 12 from 6pm to 7pm. At the event the Commissioner and I will give reports and updates on relevant points and then we will open up for questions from those in attendance. You can RSVP at BenKallos.com/Events
You must RSVP to participate.
VideoConference: RSVP for your URL, create a free account at Zoom.us, RSVP
Teleconference: RSVP to receive the number and access code, RSVP
Facebook Live: Skip the RSVP and watch the stream at Facebook.com/BenKallos
RSVP at BenKallos.com/events
Questions must be submitted with RSVP or by email to [email protected]
All Parks Events in May Cancelled
 In accordance with the Governor’s NY Pause mandate and to impede the spread of coronavirus, all of the events that my office was hosting in the month of May that could not be moved online have been canceled.
Cancellations include:
- Free Bike Helmets at Carl Schurz
- Family Day at John Jay Park
- Jazz Concert at Sutton Place Park
- Movie at Sunset: Frozen 2 at Carl Schurz
We will be rescheduling this Town Hall:
Drag Queen Story Hour from Home
 The first virtual DQSH funded by my office will be available on NYPL's website on Saturday, May 2nd, and will remain available to watch until NYPL branches reopen. This month's DQSH will feature Flame reading books in Spanish and English.
EDUCATION
Department of Education Wastes Millions on iPads for Remote Learning
 As the New York Post reported, the City’s Department of Education spent $897 a piece for 300,000 iPads it bought for students to use during the COVID-19 pandemic from home. The City spent $429 to buy each iPad and an additional $478 per device paying companies like IBM and T-Mobile to equip them. In total, the BOE spent a whopping $269,187,271, when it could have saved millions and purchased actual laptops for students to work from home from. This is especially the case since I asked Charter to make broadband available for free to students and they did it. It is my understanding that this huge purchase had to be made quickly and that Apple was chosen because the company could scale up and get devices in students' hands fast. If that is the case, I am disappointed that in the six weeks since the distribution began there are still thousands of students who have not received an iPad according to reporting in Gothamist.
School Closures Extended & Graduations Moved Online
 New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed that New York City Public schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year. The announcement ensures that teachers and students will finish the school year using remote learning. The City will continue to operate its 400+ Grab-and-Go school-based Meal Hubs, which serve three free meals a day to any New Yorker who needs them.
The City also revealed a Five-Point Plan for Helping Parents and Teachers throughout the crisis:
- Complete deliveries of internet-enabled digital devices for remote learning to all remaining students by the end of April.
- Expand parent helpline, tech support hours, and staffing.
- Creative At-Home Programming involving media companies that create programming for families.
- Come up with a plan to graduate approximately 75,000 seniors over the next week and coordinate with students who will not graduate and will need remedial schooling over the summer.
- Create a comprehensive plan to re-open schools in September 2020 while combating learning loss.
Additionally, in an effort to observe New York City high school seniors' commencement next month, Mayor de Blasio promised that although traditional graduation ceremonies remain impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City will hold one large virtual graduation ceremony for all students. The ceremony will feature many famous New York City graduates and will give students something to "remember and to cherish." The details of the ceremony are still being decided, but the goal will be to inspire and encourage students to continue to educate themselves.
For more information on New York Public Schools' COVID-19 related updates, visit schools.nyc.gov
Universal Preparation and Exams for Specialized High Schools Legislation Introduced
 As the Daily News reported, after years of declining enrollment in our city’s Specialized High Schools by black and hispanic students, we introduced legislation I authored with fellow science high schools alumnus Public Advocate Jumaane Williams as well as Council Member Robert Cornegy to finally require the Department of Education to offer every middle school student test preparation and seat them for the exam automatically.
Since Public Advocate Williams started attending Brooklyn Technical High School in 1992, the Black student population has fallen from 38% to 7% as of 2016. When I started at the Bronx High School of Science in 1994, the demographics included 10% Hispanic, 12% Black, 38% White, and 40% Asian. Currently, Black and Latino student populations have more than halved to only 9% as of 2017.
As stated in a recent op-ed in the New York Daily News titled, "How the Coronavirus is Exacerbating the Educational Opportunity Gap," if we do not do something about this now, it will only get worse for Black and Latino children.
Add your name in support of universal preparation and examination for the Specialized High Schools at BenKallos.com/Petition/SHSAT
Remote Learning Device Request Form from DOE
 As you know, New York City public schools will be continuing academic instruction through Remote Learning for the rest of the school year. To keep students connected and able to learn from home, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to students who are in need of a device.
Families that want to request a device should call DOE at 718-935-5100 and choose Option 5 on the menu for help getting a device with internet connection. Or, they can fill out the Remote Learning Device Request form at coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices. DOE will use the contact information provided on the form to reach out to the family to schedule delivery of the device.
Everyone who fills out a request form online, with a staff member, or over the phone, will be sent follow up emails and texts.
- Priority will be given to students most in need.
- All devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later need to be returned.
- There is a limit of one device per student.
- You must fill out a separate form for each student who needs a device.
- Make sure you agree to the Terms of Use in the request form.
- There is no need to call the DOE or 311 to check on the status of the device. We are getting the devices out as fast as we can, and are following processes to make sure our highest-need families get them first.
The DOE has already distributed over 230K devices to families who have completed the Remote Learning Device Request.
Host a CCNY Computer Science Co-op Student
 The Computer Science Co-Op Program at the City College of New York is a two-semester-long program designed to deliver qualified tech talent to local employers and short-term professional opportunities to competitive NYC undergraduates. A partnership between the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline and The City College of New York (CCNY), the Computer Science Co-Op Program at CCNY places computer science students in internships with employer partners and gathers valuable feedback from host businesses to better align tech education with the workforce needs of NYC employers.
Co-Op internship placements will start June 7th and continue through the fall for a total of approximately 6 months. At no cost to the employer, the student will work 35 hours per week for 8 weeks during the summer where the hourly wage is subsidized by a grant received from the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline. After the 8 weeks, the student will then transition to part-time hours at 15-19 hours a week and the employer will be responsible for compensating the hours at the minimum rate of $18 per hour, from August 17th - December 13th.
Due to COVID-19, many interns are doing remote work which CCNY students are prepared and have been equipped to do for the needed amount of time.
Please visit www.ccny.cuny.edu for more information and submit your information to express your interest in hosting a computer science student.
FOOD
Delivering Food to Seniors and Community Members with Stanley Isaacs
With the help of the office of Council Member Keith Powers, Stuyvesant Town Apartments, and supplies from City Harvest, I was happy to deliver more than 240 food boxes to seniors and community members at Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center.
Serving Free Hamburgers to Hospital Heroes with Beach Cafe
 I joined David Goodside, owner of the Beach Cafe, to help distribute more than 500 free hamburgers to the hospital heroes on the frontlines of the coronavirus fight. Every Wednesday, Beach Cafe is delivering Beach Burgers directly to the receiving gates of nearby hospitals for front line health care professionals.
Beach Cafe, located a block or two away from four of the most important and largest hospitals in NYC (Memorial Sloan Kettering, Hospital For Special Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell), is offering a free Beach Burger and fries for health care workers to enjoy as they head into their very hazardous but vital, lifesaving positions. For more information or to donate funds that will be matched by Beach Cafe to provide these services to thousands, visit gofundme.com
Free Kosher Grab-and-Go Meals
 For the past month, the New York City Department of Education has made free meals available daily for any New Yorker at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city. Most recently, the DOE introduced the inclusion of kosher-certified meals to its Grab-and-Go menu. These meals follow the USDA meal nutrition guidelines and are produced in partnership with a certified kosher distributor. Sites offering kosher meals are located in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, with specific locations available through the Meal Hub look up tool. If you need access to Kosher or Halal meals in Manhattan, please email me at [email protected].
Home Delivered Meals for Seniors from DFTA and NYC311
 The Department for the Aging (DFTA)-funded Home Delivered Meals Programs continues to offer its Home Delivered Meals Program for existing clients only.
Alternatively, as senior centers are no longer providing grab-and-go meal services, NYC311 is also offering a service by which meals are delivered directly to the home of senior center members. This direct delivery meal program is only for senior center members, and is different from the Home Delivered Meals for Seniors program.
If you do not receive home delivered meals and are not already enrolled at a senior center, you can get information about emergency food and the GetFoodNYC delivery program on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Support page.
Annual Ramadan Food Drive
 Muslim Volunteers for New York, Inc. (MV4NY) is in the middle of its Ramadan Food Drive to help the New York Common Pantry (NYCP), West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) and Citymeals on Wheels (CMOW). These providers are working on the frontlines to serve our city’s most vulnerable and food-insecure families & homebound seniors while experiencing escalating demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They are welcoming donations and would greatly appreciate your gift to help those in need.
Visit the MV4NY donation site to donate to the Ramadan Food Drive 2020.
JOBS, EMPLOYMENT & SMALL BUSINESS
Department of Labor Extends Filing Period for Unemployment
The State Department of Labor announced that unemployment claims are now extended by 13 additional weeks, from 26 to 39 weeks. If you have been trying to access unemployment benefits, you have likely experienced a slow process, because the system is overwhelmed. Please let me know at [email protected] or 212-860-1950 if we can help you file for unemployment.
Thousands of Contact Tracing Jobs
 New York City is looking to immediately hire over one thousand contract tracers earning approximately $57,000 plus benefits. Contact tracers are necessary to identify and record people who have been in contact with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 as part of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) multi-pronged approach and for opening back up. Qualifications include health-related professional experience or public health training along with a college degree or high school equivalency and at least four year on the job experience. Contract tracers will work from home, though the position could move to on-site call centers at a later date. You can learn more and apply at the Fund for Public Health NYC:
Learn more at the Fund for Public Health NYC.
Jobs at 311 and H+H
 Mayor de Blasio announced the measures that New York City is taking to accommodate the increased volume of 311 calls. In addition to asking that residents refrain from calling 311 with non-COVID related issues during the day, the City is hiring 120 additional employees to join its call center staff to ensure that New Yorkers can quickly get the help they need when they call 311. To apply, visit jobs.nyc.gov
On April 12th, the Mayor also announced that NYC Health + Hospitals is looking to fill 500 positions with non-medical staff to help combat coronavirus.
The public hospital system needs clerical and cleaning staff, as well as workers to help transport patients. Those interested in applying should visit, NYC.gov/coronavirus
Security Jobs at Hospitals
 Johnson Security Bureau is hiring licensed NYS security guards for immediate openings in hospital locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Roosevelt Island. Interested candidates can apply at johnsonsecuritybureau.com/05-jobs. Please call (718) 402-3600 if you have any questions or if you would like any additional information.
Governor Cuomo Calls on Businesses to Help with COVID Testing Development
On April 7th, the Governor announced that the state is seeking any businesses that can help in accelerating the development of our testing capacity. If any business is interested please call 212-803-3100 or email [email protected].
ZONING
Our Fight Against Billionaire Developers Made into a Comic
I may not have a cape or a vibranium shield, but that didn’t stop our fight against supertall towers from making it into a comic. That’s because the grassroots community fight against overdevelopment is nothing less than heroic.
Although the Supreme Court’s February ruling ordering developers of the 200 Amsterdam super-tall tower to cut 20 floors off its height may not alter much of the nearly complete building’s height, the days of using gerrymandered zoning lots to boost building heights have come to an end, according to the Real Deal.
If the terms of this ruling are to be applied consistently, there may be grounds to reargue other supertall rulings, especially where similar tactics were used to win approval for unrestricted building heights. For example, I believe that the Sutton Supertall and 200 Amsterdam have a lot in common. In both cases, developers flagrantly broke the law while the city was complacent. That's why I joined the East River Fifties Alliance in filing a motion to reargue to take 400 feet off the Sutton Supertall.
For more information, read coverage of the unprecedented ruling by Our Town.
Mansion Dinner Rezoning for Sidewalk Cafe
 Community Board 8 approved a proposed rezoning laying the groundwork to allow the Mansion Diner to add a sidewalk cafe to its restaurant, which is located at 1634 York Ave. The motion was initially disapproved by the community board's zoning committee, but it was ultimately approved by a vote of the full board. As the Upper East Side Patch reported, the application being considered is to operate a 23-table, 47-seat open-air cafe on the East 86th Street side of its business. While The Mansion Diner has been a staple on the Upper East Side for decades and, especially at this moment, we need to do as much as possible to help small businesses stay afloat. With this new seating, the diner will be able to seat more patrons while still adhering to social distancing rules, which will likely still be in effect or recommended when the City opens restaurants up again for dining in. Thank you to 5,000 residents who made their voices heard on this issue.
COMMUNITY
New Planters Adorn Second Avenue Bike Islands in East Nineties
 New planters were installed on previously empty bike islands in the East 90s along Second Avenue. The flowers add natural beauty to our neighborhood streets just in time for spring, paid for by $50,000 in discretionary funding I allocated. As Patch reported, funding will also cover tree pit maintenance such as pruning, weeding, and mulching for 92nd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive, and support for horticultural maintenance, planting, mulching and weeding at the Stanley M. Isaacs Houses at 403 East 93rd Street. Installation of the planters took place with help from the Horticultural Society of New York, which will helping with maintenance throughout the season. For more information, read the release at BenKallos.com/press-release
Tenants and Neighbors Host Annual Members’ Meeting on Zoom
At this year's annual Tenants and Neighbors meeting, I spoke in support of New York’s rent strikers and the need for rent rollbacks during this current crisis. The virtual meeting was a great opportunity for elected officials to hear the housing-related COVID-19 experiences of New Yorkers from all over the city.
New York Junior League’s Community Issues Forum
As a panelist for New York Junior League’s Community Issues Forum on Zoom, I, along with Manhattan Borough President Brewer, Senator Krueger and representatives from WIN, discussed some of the City’s pressing concerns during this pandemic, including homelessness, access to PPE, and food insecurity. Thank you to Lauren Jenkins Chung, President of NYJL, for having me on.
Fill Out Your 2020 Census
 Preliminary results from the 2020 Census have started coming in. At the moment the Upper East Side is under-reporting in comparison to other parts of Manhattan and New York City. We need to overcome the challenge posed to us by COVID-19 pandemic and make sure everyone in this district is counted in the 2020 Census. Only with an accurate census count can we ensure the federal government will give us our fair share of funding for things like school seats, building and maintaining infrastructure, transit, emergency services, and the NYPD and FDNY. To get out the word my office joined a text-a-thon and reached out to thousands of Upper East Siders in April to make sure they filled out their 2020 Census. To follow along in realtime with reporting numbers on the 2020 Census visit www.Censushardtocountmaps2020.us/
If you have not already filled out your census, please do so as soon as possible by visiting my2020census.gov
City Cancels Public Events Through June
 Days after canceling all May events in mid-April, Mayor de Blasio announced the cancelation of public events in New York City through the month of June, as well, in order to maintain the progress we have made so far in decelerating the spread of coronavirus, according to Politico. This includes staple annual events like the Pride Parade, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade and the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Whether these events will be rescheduled for a later date is not yet known.
Remembering Jack McManus
 On April 14th, I was deeply saddened to learn that Jack McManus passed away from cancer. Last year, I was proud to honor him with a proclamation from the City for his outstanding and enduring contributions to the maintenance of public safety for the community. His implementation of community policing is credited for not only making Roosevelt Island one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City but for improving the department’s relationship with the community. Mr. McManus will be sorely missed but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched during his life.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DONATE OR VOLUNTEER
Volunteer at Stanley Isaacs
The Stanley Isaacs Center continues to look for volunteers to serve the community in this time of need. Most of the volunteer work that is needed includes helping staff deliver and distribute meals to seniors in need. Anyone interested please reach out to Khristel Simmons - Director of Food and Nutrition- [email protected]
Donating to E.M.T.s
The anxiety and isolation resulting from the virus outbreak can feel crippling. But for New Yorkers who want to do something constructive, there are ways to help. Visit emsfdnyhelpfund.com to donate to the EMS Help Fund and help those who have made it their job to help others.
American Red Cross Virtual Pillowcase Project
The virtual Pillowcase Project is our signature youth disaster preparedness program designed for youth in grades 3–5 through a 40-minute interactive presentation. The program offers free education in personal and family preparedness for region-specific hazards.
All attendees will receive instructions on how to design a pillowcase kit, starting with a regular pillowcase where students can use their creativity while home; how to build a personal preparedness kit; and a digital workbook filled with a variety of preparedness and safety resources.
After the presentation, children have 10 minutes to complete a 5-question survey to capture how students understand the information. The American Red Cross has presented this FREE educational program to over 1,000,000 children nationwide.
We hope you will join us online to build on what we have already learned over these past few unprecedented weeks.
Please note, the capacity of each session is limited to 500 participants and we expect the spots to go quick; therefore, please remember to register as soon as you can and add the event to your calendar.
Virtual classes take place every Wednesday at 4pm. Register at www.redcross.org/gnyprepare
DIGITAL CONTENT FOR ADULTS AND FAMILIES
Public Theater Goes Digital
The Public Theater has converted its website to highlight access to digital content and provide resources to artists and the general public in the wake of COVID-19.
Lincoln Center Offers Digital Resources
Lincoln Center has launched Lincoln Center at Home, a new initiative to help people stay creative and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lincoln Center’s offerings have been developed to meet the specific needs of students, families, and art lovers locally and throughout the world. They build on our long-standing work with students and families. This program was created with children in mind what the Center might be able to to support them (and their caregivers/parents).
The components of this initiative are:
- Lincoln Center Pop-up Classroom: a daily dose of creativity designed and led by some of the world's best artists and educators. Each daily digital live class will utilize simple materials found at home to help families with children explore a variety of art forms. (Tune in every weekday at 10AM or watch anytime at facebook.com/LincolnCenterNYC)
- #ConcertsForKids: a new performance series for families featuring a remarkable group of artists who will share their world-class artistry and diverse musical perspectives straight from their homes. We have four concerts lined up, featuring a remarkable group of diverse artists, and have many more on the way. Events will be listed at LincolnCenter.org/AtHome.
- From the archives of Lincoln Center’s resident organizations comes a trove of video, including rarely seen footage from decades of Live From Lincoln Center, more recent performances from across campus, and live streams from wherever performances are still happening – empty halls, living rooms, and more.
Manhattan Neighborhood Network Introduces Online Services
MNN Online has announced a series of easily accessible online workshops aimed at supporting media learners and content creators. MNN Online includes webinars, info sessions, and Virtual MNN, an online meeting space for media makers. They also answer production- and media-related questions every weekday from 3pm-5pm ET and offer online workshops in Spanish and English for April and May.
The workshops include the following:
Children’s Museum Launches “CMOM At Home”
The Children's Museum of Manhattan has launched "CMOM At Home." While the Museum is closed, their CMOM educators are working to fill your child’s day with engaging interactive activity. CMOM can still be a part of your day through videos, sing-a-longs, games and so much more for you to do together with your family at home! For more information visit cmom.org/learn/cmom-at-home/
RESOURCES FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS
COVID-19 Food Assistance
New York City has set up a website to ensure residents have access to food if they are in need.
The Food Assistance offers resources for various kinds of need, including:
- FoodHelp NYC: Map of free food resources across the city, including food pantries and Grab & Go meals at NYC Schools, available for all children or adults in need
- ACCESS HRA: To sign up for SNAP benefits or cash assistance from home
- HelpNowNYC: For ways to donate food, cash, or supplies to those in need
NYC Food Delivery Assistance
If you cannot go out to get food, no one can bring you food, and you are not able to use private delivery options, New York City will deliver emergency meals to you in the coming days. Check your eligibility and sign up.
NYC Health + Hospitals PPE Hotline
If you or someone you know needs help finding PPE during the pandemic, the NYC Health + Hospitals PPE Hotline can help you discern what PPE is best for you and how to get it.
RESOURCES
City Bar Justice Center Providing Legal Assistance to Front-Line Health Care Workers
The City Bar Justice Center’s Planning & Estates Law Project (PELP) will provide free, remote legal assistance to New York City front-line health care workers in preparing simple life-planning documents, including wills, powers of attorney, designations of standby guardians and health care proxies.
PELP consists of a panel of experienced Trust and Estates attorneys who provide advice and assistance to clients on estate matters and document preparation.
New York City front-line Health Care workers can apply for PELP assistance on the Justice Center’s website or by calling 212-382-6756.
Service Program For Older People Provides Behavioral Health Services
Service Program for Older People (SPOP) is providing behavioral health care for older adults via approved telehealth connection during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The intake office remains open via virtual connection and they are accepting referrals for clinic, bereavement support groups, and PROS/Personalized Recovery Oriented Services.
- Clinic provides psychotherapeutic and psychiatric services for adults (age 55 and older).
- The PROS program offers rehabilitation support for adults with serious mental illness (age 55 and older).
- It offers peer-led bereavement support groups for adults of all ages for a modest fee.
SPOP accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party insurance.
Medical providers and other professionals can make a referral through our website, www.spop.org and our intake staff can be reached at 212-787-7120 x514.
Guidance on Coronavirus Resources and Warnings About Consumer Scams
As New York continues to experience an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is imperative that individuals are prepared and informed during this time. In addition to health information, New Yorkers must know about their rights, the resources available to them, and be mindful about potential consumer scams related to COVID-19.
For more information on resources, rights, and potential scams, visit ag.ny.gov/coronavirus
Domestic Violence Resources During COVID-19 from Sanctuary for Families
In response to the spike in reported domestic violence since quarantine and work-from-home orders were put in place and to the safety risks survivors quarantining in abusive situations may face, Sanctuary for Families created a safety planning guide (above) to help domestic violence victims and at-risk individuals stay as safe as possible during this time. It is now available in a variety of languages here including Spanish, Mandarin, and French, and Sanctuary expects translations in a number of other common languages soon.
Additionally, Sanctuary has a detailed guide for how to file for an Order of Protection during COVID.
Child Mind Institute Support and Resources
The Child Mind Institute is offering all-digital services and resources aimed at helping school communities to navigate this situation and offer extra support in the context of the unique stressors of the coronavirus crisis. It recently listed two new offerings that may be helpful at this time. These webinars are available to view at no cost:
The Child Mind Institute also offers free services and expert resources for school and community partners, children and families everywhere:
Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program
The Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program (MCCAP) can help residents in many ways, including with how to use their health insurance, access low-cost care, apply for hospital financial assistance, resolve medical billing issues, and appeal coverage denials.
All services are free. To access these services, call the MCCAP helpline at (888) 614-5400, Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm.
Pets Together Virtual Visits
In this time when we all want to help others but stay-at-home orders make that difficult, Pets Together lets pets and their owners virtually visit with other pets (and their people) to stay socially connected and engaged. Visit their site for more information or to book your pet visit.
OFFICE UPDATES
Free Legal Clinics
Need a lawyer? Every month I sponsor legal clinics where you can get free legal advice. These clinics usually take place at my District Office, but have been temporarily moved online due to COVID-19. Appointments take place 2pm – 6pm:
- General Civil Law, By Appointment Only
- Life Planning Clinic, 3rd Wednesday
- Family Law and Domestic Violence, 1st Tuesday
- Housing Clinics, Mondays and Wednesdays
Please call my office at 212-860-1950 or email [email protected] with the subject ‘Requesting Legal Clinic’ to make appointments to meet by phone.
Here to Help
We are here to help. My social work team can help you find out what services you are eligible for and assist you in your application. Some examples include:
- Seniors: Medicare savings, Meals-on-Wheels, Access-A-Ride
- Housing: searching for affordable units, free legal housing clinic at my office
- Job Resources: training resources and assistance, unemployment benefits
- Families: Universal Pre-K, Head Start, After-School programs
- Finances: cash assistance, tax credits, home energy assistance
- Nutrition: WIC, free meals for all ages
Please also call us at 212-860-1950 or email us at [email protected] with any unresolved 311 complaints.
Ben in Your Building
The "Ben in Your Building” program is a chance to discuss issues of importance to you and your neighbors in person, in your home. Over the past years, I have visited dozens of buildings to discuss matters of importance in the neighborhood, including street furniture, road conditions, homeless outreach, sanitation issues and you name it. Normally, I would encourage inviting me to your cooperative or condominium annual meeting or tenants association meeting and I would be happy to join you. However, amidst COVID-19 concerns, all meetings will have to be conducted online through video or tele-conferencing. You can still schedule a "Ben in Your Building" today by calling 212-860-1950 or email [email protected].
Help the Homeless
In March, I joined Communities United for Police Reform in an open letter to the Mayor calling on the City to take care of New York City’s homeless population during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the full letter at Changethenypd.org/protect-homeless-covid-full-letter-cuomo-de-blasio
Back in 2016, I launched the Eastside Task Force for Homeless Outreach and Services (ETHOS) with Borough President Brewer, Senator Krueger, Council Member Garodnick, Department of Social Services (DSS), community and faith leaders and service organizations. We’ve already been able to help a chronically homeless individual in the community who we believe had long been suffering from mental illness, after a resident was willing to come forward working with me, the 19th Precinct, the District Attorney and DSS to get them the help they needed. We hope to get every unsheltered person living on the street the help they need. If you see one of our City’s most vulnerable on the street, please call 311 or use the NYC 311 App (Android/iPhone) to ask them to dispatch a “homeless outreach team.” They will ask where you saw the person, what they looked like, and offer report on whether the person accepts our city’s offer of shelter, three meals a day, health care, rehabilitation, and job training. By connecting our dedicated nonprofits and religious institutions with city services, ETHOS is really making a difference. For more information, visit BenKallos.com/Homelessness
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