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Dear Neighbors,

We have received the good news that at least 79 residents of the COVID emergency shelter at the Lucerne Hotel have now moved into permanent housing. This is a huge step for each of them as they rebuild their lives. There are 138 residents who remain at the Lucerne (less than half of the original population), and our strong hope is that they too will be able to secure permanent housing and leave the shelter system for good.
 

Scaffolding Safety Enforcement
Scaffolding safety issues have been an ongoing concern in our district. Last week the Dept of Buildings announced the launch of a seven-week "façade and scaffold safety blitz." The DOB says the campaign includes inspection sweeps at 1,100 façade work sites across the city, along with direct outreach to construction workers and industry professionals on scaffold safety. Learn more about the DOB's scaffolding initiative here.
 

Environmental Justice for NYC Communities
The Mayor’s Office of Climate Policy and Programs and NYC’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board are working with City agencies as they develop the Environmental Justice for All Report, the City’s first comprehensive study of environmental justice issues. The report will analyze environmental and climate vulnerabilities across the five boroughs to identify communities that are disproportionately impacted by environmental burdens.

How can you get involved?
  • The Advisory Board is gathering input from the public to ensure that the report reflects the priorities of impacted communities. Submit your comments here.
  • Attend the first Environmental Justice for All virtual town hall tonight! (Thursday, February 25th, 6 to 7:30pm). Click here to learn more and register.
COVID-19 Updates

Vaccinations
As we reported last week, vaccine eligibility has been expanded to adults with a variety of pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Click here to learn more about which conditions qualify. The City's Dept of Health says that you must certify you have an eligible underlying condition to be vaccinated, but you will not need a doctor’s note or other proof of your condition.
  • Click here to see all New Yorkers who are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
Please check these sources regularly for updates:
Contingent on supply -- vaccinations can be scheduled via the City of NY’s Vaccine Hub or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

Veterans: VA New York Harbor is offering vaccinations to veterans 65 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare. Click here to learn more or call 1-877-877-9267.

Seniors: Adults 65 and older are now prioritized for vaccination by pharmacies and mass vaccination sites. If you are 65+, call your local pharmacy to ask if they are providing vaccines. You may also want to ask if they are maintaining a waiting list.

***According to the City's vaccination website, Walgreens and Rite Aid are participating in zip codes 10023, 10024 and 10025.***

Transportation for Seniors to Vaccination Appointments
New Yorkers age 65+ who make a vaccination appointment at a City-operated site will be asked if they need transportation to get to and from their appointment. Seniors will be directed to options including Access-a-Ride, ambulette services, and cab service via Curb.
 
Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19
Many city services are available to all New Yorkers no matter their immigration status or ability to pay. View the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ (MOIA) resource guide at nyc.gov/immigrants/coronavirus. 

If you have questions about immigration or how to access City services during the COVID-19 crisis, call the City's hotline at (212) 788-7654 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or email [email protected].

Public Charge: In New York City, healthcare is a human right. Use of health services related to COVID-19 will not be considered under the public charge rule and will not impact your ability to apply for a green card or citizenship. For more information visit: nyc.gov/publiccharge.

Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps is providing special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts:
  • “Take Care” packages which include enough personal protective equipment for a household of three to quarantine for 10-14 days. Learn more here.
  • A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Click here to learn more or call (212) 268-4319 to book a room.
  • Free dog walking and other pet drop-in services to ensure New Yorkers can remain safely separated in a hotel or at home. Learn more here.
COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment for Manhattan Businesses
Business owners in need of supplies for themselves and their employees should email the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].

Two face coverings can offer greater protection from the Coronavirus. Click here for NYC Dept of Health guidance on how to wear two face coverings properly.

Indoor Dining Open at 25% Capacity
Restaurants and bars can now offer indoor dining at 25 percent capacity. They are, however, required to close indoor and outdoor dining from 11pm to 5am daily. Takeout and delivery are still allowed after 11pm, except for alcoholic beverages. Click here to read NYS guidance for reopening indoor dining.

Did You Get Your Flu Shot?
Every year about 2,000 New Yorkers die as a result of seasonal influenza and flu-related pneumonia. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and quick -- it’s available now at low cost or for free at locations around the city. Click here to learn more, or text “FLU” to 877877.
Especially for Tenants

Save the Date: March 3rd Housing Clinic
Tenants with legal and/or housing court-related questions are warmly invited to join us for our March Housing Clinic, led by TakeRoot Justice and Goddard Riverside Law Project. This month's topic is: Updates on the NYS eviction mortarium and the hardship declaration form; along with the current status of Housing Court. The clinic will be conducted via Zoom on Wednesday, March 3rd, from 6 to 7pm. We will send out viewing information on Monday.

NYCHA Town Hall: March 1st
NYCHA residents: please join us for an on-line Town Hall with Gregory Russ, Chairman of NYCHA; Brian Honan, VP of Intergovernmental Relations; and Andrew Kaplan, Deputy Chief of Staff this Monday, March 1st at 3pm. 

We will discuss NYCHA’s Draft "Blueprint for Change" Re-Organization Plan, and raise questions and concerns from NYCHA residents. You can watch or listen to the March 1st Town Hall by:
  • Clicking here / Passcode: 2021
  • Calling 1-646-558-8656 or 1-301-715-8592 / Meeting ID: 915 7423 0066#
  • Submit your questions for Chair Russ here.
Eviction Moratorium
A reminder that the NYS Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 essentially blocks evictions through May 1st.

The Act pauses all eviction proceedings until the end of February. After that, tenants will need to sign hardship declarations which attest either to financial hardship due to COVID-19 or increased risk of contracting COVID. Signing this declaration will protect the tenant from eviction through May 1st, 2021. 

If you have questions about these new protections and/or are in danger of eviction: 
  • Contact one of the housing organizations listed on our website. Click on "Housing."
  • Watch our January 13th Virtual Housing Clinic, which includes a presentation on the Eviction Prevention Act. Our great thanks to TakeRoot Justice for its very thorough presentation. Watch the clinic here.
  • Visit the City's Tenant Resource Portal which connects residential renters with free public and private resources to help prevent evictions.
  • Contact the City's Tenant Helpline by clicking here or calling 311 for legal advice, counseling, and access to other useful resources.
  • Call the Housing Court Answers hotline at (212) 962-4795, Monday thru Friday, 9am-5pm. Language interpreters available. Information on Housing Court / housing law, plus rent arrears assistance and homelessness prevention guidance. NYCHA tenants also assisted.
Assistance With Submitting Your Eviction Moratorium Hardship Form
Right to Counsel, Housing Justice for All, and JustFix.nyc have launched a new website to help tenants submit their hardship declaration forms on-line.

EvictionFreeNY.org provides an accessible, easy to use format that ensures tenants can take full advantage of the temporary protections provided by the new law.
  • Fill out your hardship declaration form on-line
  • Automatically populate your landlord's information if you live in NYC
  • Send your form by email to your landlord and the courts
  • Send your form by USPS Certified Mail for FREE to your landlord
Resources for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities

Visualizing Aging in New York City
The New York Academy of Medicine and the CUNY Mapping Service at the Center for Urban Research/CUNY Graduate Center have created this interactive map of aging in New York City -- called IMAGE:NYC. The map's various layers show available resources, services, and amenities for NYC's current and projected population age 65 and older. 

IMAGE:NYC aggregates open-sourced (publicly available) data, and is especially designed for government agencies, elected officials, health care and social service providers, planners, funders, and researchers. The goal is to help users understand important spatial and socio-demographic trends for New York City's seniors.

Wellness Programs
Mount Sinai's Karpas Health Education & Community Outreach Dept provides wellness programs to thousands of New Yorkers so that they can remain safe, active, and vital members of their community. Click here to learn more.

Relieving Stress & Loneliness Through Humor
A recent report found that when wellness callers checked in with isolated seniors, 50 percent of the seniors asked to hear a joke.

Laughter has many proven health benefits, besides just feeling good. Comedians on Call is a phone helpline that connects seniors with over 50 volunteer local comedians and improv artists who simply want to make their day a little better. Comedians on Call has also worked with JASA and other older adult organizations. Click here to learn more!

DOROT Technology Coaching Program
Learn to use your smartphone, tablet, or computer, as well as Zoom, FaceTime, email, and on-line shopping, with the assistance of a DOROT Tech Coach.  

This free, one-on-one program is tailored to your goals, and conducted remotely by phone or videoconference. Please email [email protected]; or call (917) 411-3706 to schedule your tech coaching appointment.

Getting Older Adults Online
Aging Connected and Senior Planet are working together to connect older adults with low-cost internet options and learning opportunities. If you're a new internet user, visit seniorplanet.org/aging-connected to find a selection of introductory classes curated just for you. 

UPDATE: SCHE/DHE Renewals
Due to a new law passed in response to COVID-19, most current Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) recipients are not required to renew their benefits this year.

The NYC Dept of Finance (DOF) will mail homeowners a renewal letter if you need to take any action before the March 15th renewal deadline; otherwise, the benefit will automatically renew at its current level.

Please Note: renewal applications are still required in the event of:
  • Changes to the recipient’s primary residence
  • The addition of another owner to the deed
  • The transfer of the property to a new owner 
Also, if your income decreased in 2020, you have the option to submit a renewal application so that DOF can determine whether you are eligible for a larger benefit. (If your income last year was less than $50,000, you are almost certainly receiving the largest possible benefit.)  

Owners with questions should contact www.nyc.gov/contactpropexemptions.

Not yet a SCHE or DHE recipient? The deadline for initial applications is March 15, 2021! Learn how to apply on-line here. Attend a DOF on-line information session by clicking here.

Events & Resources for Public School Families


Track COVID-19 cases in New York City public schools by clicking here.

Admissions Changes for 2021-22 Kindergarten Gifted & Talented Programs
Families -- please be advised that the admissions process for Fall 2021 Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs will be different this year.

The DOE will not be administering a G&T test. Instead, families and educators will help identify students for accelerated learning. Learn more about the changes and how to apply here.

3-K + Pre-K Applications
Families can now submit applications for free, full-day 3-K and Pre-K for the 2021-22 school year. Apply online at MySchools.nyc; or by phone at (718) 935-2009. Applications accepted in multiple languages.
  • Pre-K application deadline: April 7. All children born in 2017 can apply. 
  • 3-K application deadline: April 30. All children born in 2018 can apply.
  • Not all school districts have 3-K sites.
  • Families who meet income requirements can apply for free or low-cost Pre-K and 3-K programs with an extended day and year.
  • Sign up for DOE email updates at schools.nyc.gov/Sign-Up.
  • Families seeking an open 3-K or pre-K seat for the current school year can call (718) 935-2009 or email [email protected] to learn about available options in their community.
It's Time to Apply to High School! All current eighth grade students in NYC must apply to high school by March 1st, 2021. Log in to MySchools.nyc to explore high schools and apply. Learn more about the application process.

Have questions about applying to middle or high school for students with IEPs? Watch Advocates for Children of NY's recent webinar about the application process for students with disabilities.

Advocates for Children of New York's Education Helpline provides individualized guidance and information for your education-related issues. Assistance available in multiple languages: Monday-Thursday, 10am to 4pm; (866) 427-6033.

The Student Leadership Network provides free resources to help guide high school seniors through the college application process. Click here to learn more.

Financial Resources for Residents & Businesses


Webinar: How to Respond to Summonses From NYC Enforcement Agencies
Senior staff from the city's Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) will provide guidance on what to do if your business receives a summons from a city enforcement agency such as the Department of Buildings or Department of Health. 
Thursday, February 25, at 2pm. Watch Here. 

Financial Assistance for Restaurants: March 2nd Deadline
DoorDash is offering grants and other assistance to NYC restaurants with 50 or fewer employees and three or fewer locations. Their Main Street Strong Accelerator provides financial support and educational resources to women-, immigrant- and people of color-owned businesses, who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Developed in collaboration with Accion Opportunity Fund, the Accelerator offers programming designed to help restaurateurs stabilize and adapt their business for long-term success. Each participating business will have access to:
  • 8-week curriculum designed to stabilize and adapt your business
  • 1:1 financial, legal, and other support from industry experts
  • $20,000 in grants to keep your restaurant open
  • Free merchandising and marketing benefits from DoorDash
Application deadline: Tuesday, March 2nd. Apply here. Email [email protected] with questions.

Federal Relief for Small Businesses
The NYC Dept of Small Business Services is connecting small business owners to federal relief funds, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance. 

Available resources include: 
  • Daily webinars to review the PPP and EIDL Advance programs and how to apply 
  • One-on-one assistance to find the best financing options and get help applying 
  • Connections to PPP lenders 
  • Information about additional SBA resources 
  • Please note that some businesses who have already received a PPP loan may be able to receive it a second time.  
Resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Chinese. Businesses can learn more about the PPP and available assistance by visiting www.nyc.gov/ppp or calling the SBS Hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC.  
 
Information about federal relief continues to be released -- check the Small Business Administration's website regularly for updates. 

Free Tax Prep Services for New Yorkers
The tax season has opened! If you earned $68,000 or less in 2020, you can file for free— including from home — with the help of an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. Preparers can help you file your taxes safely now, and transmit the returns to the IRS.

Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep; or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance. Services available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, and Russian. Additional languages available through phone interpretation. 
Important: Any preparer who promised a tax refund BEFORE February 12 may be selling you a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL), which may come with fees and high interest rates.

Additional Tax Season Resources: Financial Empowerment Services 
  • The City of NY's "Financial Empowerment Centers" provide professional financial counselors who can help you manage your bills and credit. Most financial counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone. Book an appointment here.
  • The NY Legal Assistance Group can help you improve your finances and remove barriers to economic security—for free. NYLAG financial counselors and coaches assist New Yorkers in developing strategies to pay off debt, manage personal finances more efficiently, navigate through financial crises, and build long-term financial stability. Click here to learn more and make an appointment.
Have a Student Loan? Has your income or family size changed? Important information about payments and resources can be found at www.nyc.gov/studentloans where you can learn about Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans that can lower your monthly payments. Book an appointment for free financial counseling at www.nyc.gov/talkmoney.  

 NYS Unemployment Insurance Updates
  • Governor Cuomo recently announced a plan to ensure that unemployed New Yorkers who accept part-time work are not penalized. Learn more here.
Cash Assistance: You may be eligible for an emergency cash grant if it will meet certain special needs. For more information call the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Infoline at (718) 557-1399 or visit: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/.

Assistance with Public Benefits
The Legal Aid Society’s Access to Benefits Helpline can assist if you or a loved one are having difficulty with an application or recertification for HRA Cash Assistance, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits. Tel: (888) 663-6880; Monday – Friday, 10am – 3pm.
 
Obtain assistance with:
  • HRA benefits problems including: application, recertification, adding a person to budget, change of address, report of change or loss of income, request to close case.
  • Accessing Medicaid services and service denials, and other health care needs.

Community Events, Resources & Upcoming Deadlines


Seniors: Improve Our Local Environment!
Seniors and retirees are invited to join NYC Community Green Makers for environmental activities and free zoom classes, led by leading environmentalists. You will also be able to earn an environmental steward certificate. The introductory class is Wednesday, March 10th at 1 pm; with classes on four successive Wednesdays. Topics include: science of global warming, marine biology, how to create a culture of zero waste in your building, and dealing with your food scraps. Have fun, and do good!

Learn more at NYC Community Green Makers Facebook page, and sign-up by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include your name, phone number, and address. You can also call Joyce Bialik at (347) 562-8708.

Community Access to the Bronx Zoo & New York Aquarium
Community organizations serving seniors, youth and other residents can apply for up to 40 complimentary General Admission + 1 special attraction ticket to the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium until the end of the summer!

The tickets are provided by the Wildlife Conservation Society's Community Access Program. Organizations can apply by clicking here. For everyone’s health and safety, the Bronx Zoo & New York Aquarium have significantly reduced capacity and all visitors must reserve date & time-specific tickets in advance. Digital tickets will be emailed to the address you provide on the form. No walk-up/on-site tickets will be available, and there will be no distribution of paper tickets.

Free “Stand Up Against Street Harassment” Training
Advocacy organization Hollaback! has partnered with the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Gender-Based and Domestic Violence, and L’Oreal Paris to train 40,000 people locally in Bystander Intervention by the end of 2021. 

This interactive training teaches New Yorkers how to safely respond when they witness or experience street harassment. For more information or to sample a training, click here. To schedule an informational or training session, email Gabriela Mejia at [email protected]. 

"Open Culture" Streets
The City Council's recently passed "Open Culture" legislation allows eligible arts and cultural institutions to use approved public street space for community programs. Two Upper West Side streets -- W. 63rd between Broadway & Columbus Ave and W. 75th between Broadway & Amsterdam Ave -- have been approved for Open Culture programming.

Beginning in March, organizations will be able to apply for expedited permits, through the NYC Street Activity Permitting Office (SAPO), to use approved streets for artistic and cultural programming. We encourage our local performance arts organizations to apply! Learn more here.

Health Coverage: NYS Enrollment Period Extended to May 15th 
If you have lost your health insurance or have not had coverage, go to https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or https://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/get-covered for a comprehensive list of affordable options -- including subsidized individual health plans and Medicaid. New York State's current open enrollment period has been extended until May 15th, 2021. New Yorkers can enroll in Medicaid all year long.

No-Cost Mammograms
Early detection of breast cancer is proven to save lives. No-cost mammograms are available now via the American-Italian Cancer Foundation. No co-pays required and deductibles are waived. Uninsured patients are welcome. 

For more information and to make an appointment, call 1-877-628-9090. Click here to learn more. Eligibility:
  • Women age 40 - 79
  • Currently living in New York City
  • No Mammogram in the past 12 months
Free Vision Screenings: University Eye Center
Free screenings are available Monday, March 1st, from 1pm to 3pm, and Monday, April 5th, from 2pm to 4pm.

Screenings are by appointment only. All ages welcome. Infants under 18 months can have a complete eye exam done for free instead of a screening.
  • Phone (212) 938-4001, Monday - Friday (9am - 5pm) and Saturday (8:30am - 4:30pm)
  • Location: University Eye Center, SUNY College of Optometry, 33 W. 42nd Street
Stay Connected!
Are you missing your library? Click here for the latest on-line and telephone-based programs and services from St. Agnes Library. 
 
Mental Health Support
As we all know, this is a profoundly stressful time. If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, please reach out for support and help. One option is NYC Well, the City's confidential helpline for mental health and substance misuse services. Trained counselors can provide you with support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages. Click here; call: 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355); or text: “Well” to 65173.

Support For City Employees
If managing your stress is beginning to feel like a full-time job, consider reaching out to the NYC Employee Assistance Program. All EAP services are available Monday through Friday, 8am – 9pm. Contact the EAP by email at [email protected] or leave a message at (212) 306-7660.
Serve Our Seniors During Passover

DOROT Passover Package Delivery
This Passover, staying apart doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected! Volunteer to deliver a package of Passover treats, and share warmth and companionship over the phone with an older neighbor. Volunteers will:
  • Check in at DOROT on West 85th St. to collect the package.
  • Drop off the package at the senior's front door on the Upper East or West Sides.
  • Connect with the senior by phone to share good wishes for the holiday season!
Dates: 
Sunday, March 14 (Mostly Upper East Side Drop-Offs)
Monday, March 15 (Mostly Upper West Side Drop- Offs)

Sign up here for the date and time that works best for you!

Families with children ages 10 -17 are welcome to volunteer but should contact [email protected] to find out about timing and availability. Click here for additional information. 
We're Here to Help

My office assists people with housing issues, 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. We also provide on-going advocacy with our public schools and other public services.

Please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected]; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com. We update it on a regular basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis. 

Warmly,



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