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Dear Neighbors,

As we move into Spring, we are seeing the incredibly hopeful sign that vaccinations will be available to all New Yorkers 16 and older starting next week. Please scroll below to learn more. As you are no doubt aware, the State is gradually relaxing restrictions on indoor gatherings, indoor fitness and entertainment centers, large sports and performing arts venues, movie theaters, and amusement parks. Please continue to be vigilant, wear masks, and stay safe.

As always, we must continue to watch transmission data very carefully and adjust our plans accordingly. Updates are posted here ([link removed]) and here ([link removed]) .

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Save the Date: April 7th Housing Clinic
Tenants with legal and/or housing court-related questions are warmly invited to join us for our April Housing Clinic, led by Goddard Riverside Law Project and TakeRoot Justice. This month's topic is Primary Residence & Co-Residency Succession. The clinic will be conducted via Zoom on Wednesday, April 7th, from 6 to 7pm. We will send out viewing information on Monday.

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"Restart Stages" Outdoor Programming at Lincoln Center
Starting next Wednesday, April 7th (World Health Day), outdoor spaces across the Lincoln Center campus will begin to host free and low-cost performing arts and civic programming from the Center’s constituent institutions, as well as a wide range of community and cultural organizations. The participating organizations have been selected with community input, and will showcase New York City's diversity. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

The Restart Stages initiative seeks to support the performing arts sector and contribute to the revival of New York City by creating socially distant performances, jobs for artists and arts workers, and access to resources for our hardest hit communities.

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B & D Subway Service
Please be advised that Manhattan Bridge inspections will be taking place over the weekends of April 16-19 and April 23-26, and there will be no B or D service in Manhattan. See alternative travel options for those weekends here ([link removed]) .
COVID-19 Updates

1.) All New Yorkers 30 years and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting April 6th, New Yorkers 16 and older will be eligible. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

Vaccinations can be scheduled via the City of NY’s Vaccine Hub ([link removed]) , its Vaccine Finder ([link removed]) , or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

Please check the NYS Dept of Health website ([link removed]) and the NYC Dept of Health website ([link removed]) regularly for vaccination updates and additional information on vaccination locations, how to schedule a vaccination, and the State form you will fill out prior to vaccination.

2.) Walk-Ups for 75+: New Yorkers age 75 and over plus one eligible New Yorker of any age are now able to get vaccinated together without appointments at the 24/7 mass vaccination sites operated by H+H at Brooklyn Army Terminal, Bathgate and Citi Field.
3.) Vaccinations for Homebound Seniors: New York City is providing in-home Covid-19 vaccinations (Johnson & Johnson) to eligible NYC residents who are fully homebound, have not yet been vaccinated, and do not already have access to a vaccination program.

If you wish to receive in-home vaccination, click here ([link removed]) or call 877-829-4692. You will receive a phone call to confirm the homebound individual’s eligibility and schedule the appointment; on that call, please also make sure to request in-home vaccination for other eligible household members (eligibility criteria listed here ([link removed]) ). Please note that there is high interest in this program -- you will receive a call back.

4.) The Vaccine for All Corps is enlisting 2,000 New Yorkers to support City vaccination efforts across the five boroughs. Hiring for the first tranche of these positions is now live at nyc.gov/vaccinejobs.

Healthcare experience is not required for many of these positions, which include roles in site management, operations, and client services, in addition to the clinical roles. Residents from NYC communities hit hardest by COVID-19 are especially invited to apply.

5.) Assistance with Pandemic-Related Funeral Expenses. FEMA has announced that it will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation. Please check FEMA's website regularly for updates ([link removed]) .

Veterans: VA New York Harbor is offering vaccinations to veterans 65 and older who are enrolled in VA Healthcare. Click here ([link removed]) to learn more or call 1-877-877-9267.
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. Transportation is available if you:
* Have Access-a-Ride: (877) 337-20172.
* Have Medicaid-provided transportation: Use your regular contact number to schedule transport, or call (844) 666-6270.
* Are a homebound 65+ or disabled New Yorker who needs ambulette services: Call Hunter Ambulette at (718) 991-2211.

Anyone 65 and older who does not qualify for 1-3 above can schedule a free ride with Curb at (646) 349-0289.

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] (mailto:[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:
* Up-to-date information on NYC's COVID response ([link removed]) .
* COVID testing and locations of testing sites ([link removed]) . New Yorkers can also call 212-COV-ID19; or text COVID TEST to 855 - 48.
* NYC Health + Hospitals Testing Sites ([link removed]) .
* Learn more about NYC Care, the City’s healthcare access program ([link removed]) .

Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps ([link removed]) provides special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts. This includes equipment so a household can quarantine safely, free hotel rooms if quarantining at home is impossible, pet care, and more.

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] (mailto:[email protected]) .
News & Resources for Small Businesses
Federal Relief
The deadline for applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ([link removed]) has been extended to May 31st. The program currently offers:
* First Draw PPP Loans ([link removed]) for first time program participants, and
* Second Draw PPP Loans ([link removed]) for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan.

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched Fair Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/PPP ([link removed]) or call 888-SBS-4NYC.

Listen to City of NY "town calls" for arts, entertainment, hospitality and nightlife businesses and workers re: the latest federal loans and other assistance programs:
* Federal Financial Assistance for Businesses ([link removed])
* Federal Financial Assistance for Workers ([link removed])
* Health Coverage for Workers ([link removed])

Webinars for Businesses
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers on-line programs covering a variety of topics important to small businesses. Webinars and programs this month include: Grants for Research & Development (April 1st); Starting a Business at Age 50+ (April 12th); Virtual Networking Event (April 16th); and Online Brand Strategy 101 (April 29th). Click here for viewing information ([link removed]) .

Developing Better Government Policies
Borough President Brewer has released a new report, Saving Manhattan Small Business: A Roadmap for Recovery, which outlines how local government can play a key role in supporting and strengthening our small business sector, especially storefronts. Read the report here ([link removed]) .
For Public School Families
On-Line Discussion: Students With Physical Disabilities Talk About NYC Public High Schools
Four years ago, several students with physical disabilities came together to speak about their experiences applying to NYC’s public high schools. Come hear what the students have to say about their high school experiences as they prepare for their next adventure.

Date: April 22nd, 6:30pm. Register here ([link removed]) . Sponsored by Parents for Inclusive Education ([link removed]) and Advocates for Children of New York ([link removed]) .

Opt-In for In-Person Learning
The Dept of Education has reopened its opt-in period for in-person learning following the release of new CDC guidelines ([link removed].) which say students can be spaced three feet apart, instead of six -- increasing the number of students permitted in classrooms.

Students can choose to opt-in through Wednesday, April 7th. Learn more here ([link removed]) . To opt in, select “Blended Learning” in the Learning Preferences Survey ([link removed]) or call 311.

Apply for Gifted & Talented Programs Through April 9th
Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs offer accelerated instruction to eligible elementary school students in New York City. All families with children born in 2016 can apply to G&T Kindergarten programs this year.

How to Apply: Families can apply to as many as 12 G&T programs that interest you. List them in your true order of preference, with your first-choice program as #1. There are three ways to submit your application by the April 9th deadline:
* Online at MySchools.nyc ([link removed]) ,
* Through your local Family Welcome Center—learn how at schools.nyc.gov/FWC ([link removed]) , or
* By phone at 718-935-2009.

Learn More: Join a DOE event to find out more about G&T programs, learn how to apply, and ask your questions. Find specific event dates, times, and interpretation information at schools.nyc.gov/GT ([link removed]) .

3-K for All Expansion
The DOE is expanding 3-K for All to every school district, and will be adding up to 15,000 more seats by the end of the 2021-22 school year. The City says there will be approximately 43,000 3-K seats available across all 32 community school districts.

Applications for 3-K for All have been extended to May 28th. Programs in new school districts will be added to the applications as options for families in April and May. Families can visit nyc.gov/3k ([link removed]) to sign up to receive email updates when new programs are added, and to learn how to create a MySchools account to explore and apply to programs.

New York City's Summer Youth Employment initiative is back and offering paid work experiences and project-based learning opportunities for 70,000 young people. Application deadline is April 23rd.

Applications and information now available by clicking here ([link removed]) ! You can also call 311 or the NYC Dept of Youth & Community Development's Community Connect at 1-800-246-4646.

Navigating College Financial Aid Forms
The Student Leadership Network ([link removed]) has put together free resources to help guide high school seniors through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. Click here to learn more! ([link removed])


** Community Health & Safety
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Today: Virtual Rat Academy
Please join the NYC Dept of Health for an on-line "Rat Academy" training to learn about rat prevention methods this Thursday April 1st, from 4pm - 6pm. This is a free training for building supers and staff; homeowners and tenants; and building management companies.

Pre-register here ([link removed]) and download the calendar when prompted. Learn more at www.nyc.gov/rats.

Blood Drive at Lincoln Center: April 8th
Lincoln Center is partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a blood drive next Thursday, April 8th from 12:30 - 6:30pm at the David Rubenstein Atrium (61 W. 62nd Street).

Blood donations are urgently needed to ensure New York City’s blood supply remains at sufficient levels. This event is appointment-only and is being run in compliance with all City and State COVID-19 guidelines. Learn more and sign-up to donate here ([link removed] ) .

Important Update from the FDNY
Constituents are reminded that working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms dramatically increase your chance of survival from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency. Proper maintenance is a must. A smoke detector that does not work poses more of a hazard than not having one because it gives a sense of false security.

For free smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm installation, call 1-877 RED-CROSS. To learn more about the FDNY's virtual "Fire Safe" and CPR programs, click here ([link removed]) or contact Sandra Sanchez at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Health Coverage: NYS Enrollment Period Extended to May 15th
If you have lost your health insurance or have not had coverage, go to [link removed] or [link removed] ([link removed]) 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.

Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY) is a "Navigator" agency for NYS of Health enrollments, and works with all New Yorkers to help them find affordable health insurance. Services are free and confidential. Contact CIDNY at (917) 810-2566 or by clicking here ([link removed]) .

Free Vision Screenings: University Eye Center
Free screenings are available 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

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 ([link removed]) ; call: 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355); or text: “Well” to 65173.

City employees in need of mental health support can also reach out to the NYC Employee Assistance Program ([link removed]) . EAP services are available Monday through Friday, 8am – 9pm. Contact the EAP by email at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or leave a message at (212) 306-7660.


** Financial Resources for Residents
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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 ([link removed]) .

* 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 ([link removed]) .

Financial Advocacy for Low-Income New Yorkers
The New Economy Project ([link removed]) offers low-income New Yorkers a hotline for free legal advice on abusive debt collection, problems with your bank account or credit reports, and more. Call (212) 925-4929: Mondays: 4 - 6pm, and Tues / Wed / Thurs: 12 - 2pm.

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.

Free Tax Prep Services
The IRS and NYS deadlines to file 2020 tax returns have been extended to May 17, 2021. 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 ([link removed]) ; or call 311 and ask for tax preparation assistance. Services available in multiple languages. For hard copies of IRS tax forms (libraries and post offices are generally not carrying them this year), download them at www.irs.gov. You can also call 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to have forms and other publications mailed to you. Orders are usually received within 10 days.


** Community Spotlight: "Cash-Strapped" Congregations
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Across New York City and in our neighborhood, religious congregations are struggling to maintain aging buildings while their number of worshipers steadily diminishes. More and more congregations are choosing to sell their buildings to developers with the hopes of securing more affordable space in the future. The loss to New York City's historic and architectural fabric is incalculable -- many of these buildings were built with congregant donations and have stood in our communities for over a century.

Strategies are being put forward to assist congregations in saving their buildings. This recent article in The City ([link removed]) reviews some of them and features an Action Guide ([link removed]) on the issue by Borough President Brewer.

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] (mailto:[email protected]) ; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com ([link removed]) . 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 ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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