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** Dear Neighbors,
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As we move into the 2nd full month of shelter in place, I want to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary sacrifice and hardship experienced by so many.

My office is working with seniors, the disabled, the recently un (or under) employed, the food insecure, and all those suffering the many consequences of this pandemic, to help in any way we can.

There are 3 ways to reach my office for assistance: please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com ([link removed]) , for up-to-date information on resources and services available for those in need.

One of the consequences of this crisis is the situation which persons and families suffering from Domestic Violence find themselves in currently -- they are essentially trapped with their abusers 24/7.

This Friday, the City Council Committees on Women & Gender Equity and Public Safety (chaired by myself and Council Member Donovan Richards) are holding an oversight hearing on domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch today's hearing live, beginning at 1pm, here ([link removed]) .

Our hearing will examine how the current crisis has further isolated survivors, more effective ways to connect survivors with services and support, and long-term strategies that will be needed to address DV as New York City slowly recovers from the COVID-19 crisis.

What we know so far is extremely troubling:
* Globally, domestic violence has surged since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
* Newly released statistics ([link removed]) from the NYPD show an increase in domestic violence-related killings --- 19 DV murders have been reported so far this year.
* New York City's uptick in DV murders coincides with a “major” increase in the number of visitors to the City's main domestic violence website.

Both the NYPD and the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence will testify at today's hearing, along with front-line service providers and advocates.

I am especially interested in how some of the most vulnerable DV survivors, such as people who are undocumented and transgender and gender expansive people, are accessing services. We must also prepare for the surge in DV cases that is anticipated when the State's PAUSE restrictions are lifted. I will use whatever means I can to make sure this issue stays at the forefront of City and State priorities as we move forward.

City Budget Negotiations
As you know, I'm a member of the Council's Budget Negotiating Team, and New York City currently faces a multi-billion dollar budget deficit. This week, I appeared on WBAI's Max & Murphy Show to discuss the deficit, ways to approach it (including both agency cuts and borrowing), and why I believe an austerity budget will aggravate, rather than solve, the enormous problems we are facing. You can listen to that interview here ([link removed]) .

As always, up-to-date resources are listed on our website ([link removed]) , and I encourage you to take a look even if you do not yet need assistance. It's important to familiarize yourself with what is available should that day come, and there are many different types of services available. We update our website on a daily basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis.

Below are important updates from this week:

EMERGENCY RESOURCES

Face Covering Giveaways
Face coverings are being distributed in parks across NYC. Click here for locations ([link removed]) , including the ones below in our area:
* Tavern on the Green; Saturday (5/2), 10am-12pm
* Central Park at Lenox Ave ramp; Saturday (5/2), 2-4pm
* Central Park at W. 100th St. ramp; Sunday (5/3), 10am-12pm
* Morningside Park at 114th St; Monday (5/4), 2-4pm
* DeWitt Clinton Park -- 52nd St between 11th and 12th Aves; Tuesday (5/5), 10am-12pm

Do You Have a Loved One in a Nursing Home?
If you have a spouse, sibling, parent, or other loved one in a nursing home, you are likely worried about their safety and well-being because of the coronavirus pandemic. AARP has developed six key questions for you to ask the nursing home ([link removed]) .

COVID-19 Hotel Program
The City of New York's COVID-19 Hotel Program provides free hotel stays to eligible New Yorkers who cannot isolate where they live. Healthcare workers & volunteers are eligible, as are community members who are referred by a local healthcare provider. Click here ([link removed]) to learn more.
Financial Assistance with Funerals
The City’s Human Resources Administration provides financial assistance with funeral expenses in certain cases. Click here ([link removed]) for eligibility and information on how to apply. Click here ([link removed]) to read funeral and burial guidance for NYC residents.
AVOID STIMULUS PAYMENT SCAMS
As New Yorkers await their stimulus payments, scam artists are using a variety of tools to try to convince us to share our personal information. Please be aware and use the following tips from NYS Attorney General Letitia James ([link removed]) :
* Never give your personal or financial information to someone unless you are absolutely sure who they are.
* Be alert: scammers may use emails, texts, or webpages that look like they are from the federal government. If someone claims to be from the government with a check for you, it may be a phishing scam that is illegally trying to obtain your bank account or other personal information. The IRS will not contact you by email and ask for your bank account information.
* If you are eligible for a payment, you will receive that payment directly from the IRS. Do not pay anyone who promises that they can expedite or obtain a payment or a loan for you. Stimulus check recipients will not need to make any up-front payment or pay a fee.
* Never open attachments or links sent from anyone who claims to be from the government who you do not know. Do not reply and delete the message right away.
* Learn more here ([link removed]) and here ([link removed]) about how to avoid scams and fraud from AARP.

STIMULUS PAYMENTS FOR SSI RECIPIENTS WITH CHILDREN
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will get your $1,200 economic impact payment from the IRS automatically – you don’t have to do anything.

But if you receive SSI, have not filed a tax return, and you have an eligible child, YOU MUST ACT NOW to get $500 per child in addition to your $1,200 payment.
* BY MAY 5, please go to the IRS’ Non-Filer web form available at IRS.gov ([link removed]) to give information about your children.
* If you miss the May 5 deadline, please go to IRS.gov ([link removed]) for further information.
* For information on how Social Security continues to serve the public during this critical time, go to ssa.gov/coronavirus ([link removed]) .

SENIORS MEAL DELIVERIES: Are You Having Problems?
Seniors who signed up through a senior center, or with the City's Dept for the Aging (DFTA), should be receiving a 5-meal package once per week, delivered directly to their homes.

If you are having problems receiving your meal delivery, please call my office and leave a message at (212) 873-0282, x206.

RAMADAN FOOD DRIVE
Muslim Volunteers for New York (MV4NY) has begun it’s 5th Annual Ramadan Food Drive, which will assist the New York Common Pantry, West Side Campaign Against Hunger and Citymeals on Wheels.

These incredible providers are working on the frontlines to serve our city’s most vulnerable and food insecure families and homebound seniors, while experiencing escalating demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please consider donating to MV4NY's food drive using this link ([link removed]) .

CURBSIDE COMPOSTING
Starting next Monday (5/4), the Dept of Sanitation is temporarily suspending curbside composting because budget resources are being diverted to COVID-19 relief efforts. Curbside composting is expected to resume in July 2021. Residents should keep their bins -- please do NOT leave your bins on the curb.

Until curbside composting resumes, there are ways that buildings and individual residents can continue to compost. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

2020 CENSUS: NYC NEEDS YOU
It is absolutely essential --for fair representation in government, equitable public funding, and much more-- that all New Yorkers participate in the 2020 Census. Every household has the option of responding online, by phone, or by mail. Learn more here. ([link removed])

As always, please stay home to every extent possible for the safety of everyone. You can review NYC Dept of Health guidelines here ([link removed]) .


Please stay well and share some kindness with yourself and the people around you.

Warmly,
P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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