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Dear Neighbors,
 
Please read below for community news and a wide range of helpful resources. 
 

Medicare Costs Webinar: July 14th
Are you or a loved one struggling with Medicare costs? Join us for this important webinar next Wednesday at 6pm to learn about available assistance.

Planning for Safer & More Accessible Streets
A reminder that the City's Dept of Transportation is holding a series of virtual public workshops so that residents can provide insights on the street safety issues that matter most to them. Click here to see the schedule and register. The workshop for Manhattan Community Boards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 is next Tuesday, July 13th, from 6pm - 8pm.

The workshops are a key part of the development of the first NYC Streets Plan, which was mandated by Local Law 195 (passed by the City Council in 2019). The five-year plan seeks to improve the safety, accessibility, and quality of all city streets. Click here to learn more.

Street safety is one of the most urgent issues affecting our community. Your participation in the planning process is critical to ensuring that DOT understands the specific issues affecting the Upper West Side, and what should be included in the City's plan. You can also submit feedback regarding the streets in which you live and frequent via this on-line platform. 
 

311 Service Now Available for the Subway System
Because of upgrades to the 311 system, subway riders and MTA employees now have the ability to request non-law enforcement assistance or services for someone in the subway system who is in need. Previously, the 311 system did not recognize subway stations as a part of the city’s geography. Anyone who called 311 about a person in the subway system was transferred to 911 to report the concern --including non-emergencies-- for police response.

New Yorkers can now specifically request outreach assistance for someone in the subway system who may be experiencing homelessness or a mental health crisis, or is otherwise in need. Subway riders can use the NYC311 app or web portal, call, or text. Click here to learn more. New Yorkers should continue to dial 911 if they see dangerous or illegal activity, or individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, in the subway system.
 

Library Openings!
This week the New York Public Library reopened all available branch locations across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island (except those undergoing improvements or being used by the City).

This includes the Bloomingdale, Riverside and Lincoln Center Performing Arts branches! Learn more here, and see hours at each branch. St. Agnes is in the process of being converted back into a branch with an expected reopening date of mid to late July.

Libraries are offering nearly full service, including general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, laptop and computer access, and more. In-person programs and classes will also resume at some locations in July and expand over the coming months.
 

Summer Grab & Go Meals
Free “Grab & Go” meals are available for all residents this summer. No registration, documentation, or ID is required to receive a free breakfast or lunch.

To learn more and find a pick-up location: click here; text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877; or call 311. 

The summer locations in our area are open Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm.
  • Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts: 100 Amsterdam Ave
  • Anderson School: 100 W. 77th Street
  • Urban Assembly School for Green Careers: 145 W. 84th Street
  • P.S. 75: 735 West End Avenue
  • P.S. 163 Alfred E. Smith: 163 W. 97th Street
  • P.S. 145, The Bloomingdale School: 150 W. 105th Street

Summer Rising, the DOE's free summer program, is available to all K-12th grade students, including students with disabilities. Families of students in grades K-8 can sign up through Discover DYCD. Schools have been reaching out to high school students and students with 12-month IEPs to discuss participation and program options.

Summer Rising will feature both DOE academics and NYC Dept of Youth & Community Development school-based enrichment programming.
  • K–8 students will be able to address unfinished learning while also having opportunities for outdoor recreation, exploration, and fun. Programs will provide a bridge to the next school year and allow students to reconnect with one another and their schools. 
  • High school students will be able to make up previously failed courses, complete courses in progress, and participate in academic acceleration. Students will have access to social-emotional support, and will also be able to engage in work experience and internship opportunities, such as the Summer Youth Employment Program. Programs may be in-person or remote, depending on the subject area and community needs.
For detailed information on Summer Rising, including how to find your school's program, click here.
 

Curbside Composting Is Returning! 
This fall the City will resume collecting food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from residents so that it can be turned into compost or renewable energy. This service is voluntary, and residents must sign up.
  • Sign-ups for curbside composting begin in August.
  • Click here to learn more about curbside composting, and to be notified by email when the sign-up period begins.
  • Encourage your building management or board members to sign-up. The Dept of Sanitation will notify the building representative when service will start in your area.
  • Service will resume on a rolling basis based on the number of sign-ups in your area. This way DSNY can ensure there will be enough material set out for their trucks to pick up. The more sign-ups in our area, the quicker service will start!
Have You Been Vaccinated?
 
1.) In-home COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to all New Yorkers ages 12 and older. Click here to learn more or phone 877-829-4692.

2.) All City-run vaccination sites are open to ALL New Yorkers. This  includes City-run "walk-up" sites (age 12+ accepted at Pfizer sites; age 18+ accepted at Moderna sites).

Click here for the most up-to-date list of walk-up vaccination sites. Vaccinations can also be scheduled via the City of NY’s Vaccine Hub, its Vaccine Finder, or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC or 877-829-4692.

Please check the NYS Dept of Health website and the NYC Dept of Health website regularly for vaccination updates and additional information.
 
3.) Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
 
Important News for Tenants
 
July 7th Housing Clinic: Applying for Emergency Rental Assistance
Thank you to everyone who attended our July Housing Clinic led by TakeRoot Justice, which focused on how to apply for the state's COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Watch the clinic here.

Applying to ERAP
Eligible tenants may seek up to 12 months of rental and utility arrears assistance, as well as three prospective months of rent via the new COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). 
  • Applications are being accepted now. Click here to learn about eligibility and apply.
  • Tenants are eligible to apply regardless of immigration status if their household income is below 80% of "area median income," which you can look up here.
  • If you have an eviction case, it will be stayed while you apply, so you can't be evicted while your application is being processed.
Application Tips: TakeRoot Justice has prepared a very helpful: For assistance with the application, call New York State at 844-NY1-RENT (844-691-7368). If you live in Manhattan, the two organizations below are designated ERAP "enrollers" and can also answer questions.
  • Catholic Charities Community Services at 888-744-7900
  • University Settlement at 212-453-4500
Extra Tip: tenants should call New York State or an enroller organization as many times as necessary to have all your questions answered.

Other ERAP Resources
  • Older adults and persons with disabilities can contact LiveOn NY for assistance with the ERAP application. Phone (212) 398-5045 or email [email protected].
  • West Side Campaign Against Hunger is answering questions about the ERAP application. Contact them here.
  • The NY Legal Assistance Group is answering questions about the ERAP application. Contact them here.
NYCHA residents should click here if they are having difficulty paying their rent due to the pandemic.

Eviction Moratorium
A reminder that Governor Cuomo has signed an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the Protect Our Small Businesses Act, effectively extending New York’s eviction and foreclosure moratoriums through August 31, 2021.

Tenants facing eviction must submit a declaration of pandemic-related hardship. Tenants who do not submit such a declaration as a justification for non-payment of rent, or who create safety or health hazards for other tenants, can still be evicted. Renters can use Eviction Free NY, an online tool that automatically sends the hardship declaration to housing court as well as your landlord at no cost. 
Especially for Small Businesses
 
Applying For PPP Loan Forgiveness
While the Paycheck Protection Program ended on May 31, 2021, borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. PPP loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if the following conditions were met during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
  • Employee and compensation levels were maintained
  • The loan proceeds were spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses
  • At least 60% of the proceeds were spent on payroll costs
Pace University's PPP forgiveness webpage provides additional information regarding the forgiveness process. If you have questions regarding PPP loan forgiveness or need assistance with the application, the Pace SBDC business advisor team provides free, one-on-one business counseling.

Pace University also provides information about a variety of grants for small businesses. Learn more here.
 

NYC Business Quick Start is an interagency effort led by the NYC Dept of Small Business Services (SBS) to cut red tape and serve businesses better. Participating agencies include the Departments of Buildings, Environmental Protection, and Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as the Fire Department.  Learn more here.  

Assistance includes: 
  • a concierge service where businesses have a sole point of contact to help navigate City regulations 
  • a public dashboard 
  • guaranteed 48-hour response to all small business inquiries 
  • cutting processing time by 50 percent 

Bringing Vacant Commercial Spaces Back to Life
Local non-profit ChaShaMa has received funding from the NYC Dept of Small Business Services (SBS) for Storefront Startup -- a new program to activate vacant commercial space with entrepreneurs in need. The goal of the program is to enliven commercial corridors and help micro-businesses, while working with local organizations to implement their own vacancy reduction programs.  

ChaShaMa is looking for property owners and co-operatives to provide pop-up locations to activate, and they are also looking for micro-businesses to participate in the program. To learn more, click here.
 

Free Assistance for UWS Small Business Owners
The NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) is a private/public partnership providing local businesses with free, personalized guidance during the pandemic. Business owners should complete a brief intake form here, and they will be matched with their own Business Support Specialist who will guide them through a variety of economic recovery resources. 

SBRN is funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and led by the Partnership for New York City, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and all five borough Chambers of Commerce.
 

Webinars for Businesses
  • The NYC Dept of Small Business Services' daily webinar schedule can be found here.
  • The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers on-line programs covering a variety of topics important to small businesses. Click here to see programs.

Health & Wellness

 
Mental Health Resources for District 6 Residents
Don't suffer alone. Support is available for any New Yorker coping with issues like depression, anxiety, substance misuse, crime victimization, and serious mental illness. Targeted services are being offered to older New Yorkers, veterans, families with young children, students, and people harmed by crime or abuse.
  • NYC Well is 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.

July Is National UV Safety Month: while many of us pay attention to protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun, we may not be as careful about protecting our eyes. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can harm the eyes and affect vision. Cataracts, one of the primary causes of vision loss in older adults, are linked to long-term sun exposure.

Click here for tips from the Lighthouse Guild on how to protect your eyes.

Panel Discussion: the Experience of Persons with Low Vision
In honor of National Disability Independence Day (July 26th) and the 31st signing of the ADA, the SUNY College of Optometry is presenting a panel next Wednesday (7/14) at 7:30pm, which will examine the low vision experience from the patient's perspective. Click here to register.
 

Seminar for Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's & Dementia
Join CaringKind on Monday, July 19, from 5:30pm - 7pm, to hear Elder Law attorney Britt Burner discuss important topics that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers should understand before meeting with a personal attorney. Topics include Power of Attorney, Guardianship, Medicaid Eligibility, Long-Term Care Insurance, Health Care Proxy, and more. Learn more here.

Registration required. Please call 646-744-2900 to reserve a space. Prior to attending this event, it is recommended that you attend a CaringKind seminar: “Understanding Dementia.”
  • CaringKind helps caregivers and professionals understand and navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. This includes individual and family counseling sessions with licensed social workers; support groups; educational seminars and training programs; early stage services; and a wanderer’s safety program.
  • Free, live webinars are led by staff members, volunteer attorneys, and guest speakers. See the July webinar schedule here. To register for upcoming webinars or for information on programming available in Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese, contact CaringKind's Helpline at (646) 744-2900. 

Important Resources for Our Community

 
Older adults may be eligible for a wide range of benefits, including assistance with food, medical, and utility costs, as well as rent freezes and lower property taxes.

If you missed our webinar with LiveOn NY about how to access these benefits, you can review detailed slides from the presentation here.

If you would like benefits screening and application assistance, phone (212) 398-5045, or email [email protected]. You can also complete an intake form with LiveOn NY here.
 

Set Up Your "My Social Security" Account!
If you're already receiving Social Security, or are 18 or older and work, you can set up a "My Social Security Account" at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. You can use your account to check your current benefit and payment information, obtain your official Social Security Statement with estimates of future benefits, and more.
 

Moratorium Extended on Utility Shut-Offs
Governor Cuomo has signed legislation extending a moratorium that prevents utility companies from disconnecting residential households and small businesses that are struggling financially due to the pandemic. The moratorium is extended for a period of 180 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or 180 days after December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. 

Financial Assistance for Internet Service & Devices
The Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides up to a $50 subsidy for internet bills and a potential $100 voucher to acquire a tablet or computer. 

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and ways to enroll, by visiting  
www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or calling 833-511-0311. 

Residents may be eligible if they:
  • receive Medicaid or SNAP
  • participate in free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast programs
  • experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020
  • received a Pell Grant
  • are eligible for an internet service provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program
  • receive affordability benefits from a utility (HEAP, Lifeline, etc.)
LiveOn NY assists older adults with obtaining the benefit. Phone (212) 398-5045 or email [email protected].
 

Jobs Available with the City Cleanup Corps
The City Cleanup Corps (CCC) is a New Deal-inspired economic recovery program with the aim of creating 10,000 jobs and making New York City the "cleanest, greenest city in the United States." The CCC is funded via federal stimulus dollars and part of the Mayor’s Recovery For All of Us plan.

Hiring is taking place across 10 City agencies, including the departments of Parks & Recreation, Transportation, Environmental Protection, and the NYC Housing Authority. The CCC will focus on revitalizing New York City’s public spaces and neighborhoods -- prioritizing areas identified by local communities and elected officials, business districts, and the 33 neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic. 

Educational & Cultural Happenings

 
For local and citywide environmental news and events, sign up for newsletters from UWS Recycling, which come out 6 times/year. Read the July/August Eco Letter here!
 
Outdoor Enjoyment This Summer
  • Summer on the Hudson is NYC Parks' annual outdoor arts and culture festival in Riverside Park, from 59th to 153rd Streets. Click here to learn more about upcoming music concerts, dance performances, movies under the stars, DJ dance parties, kids shows, special events, wellness activities, and more. All programs and events are free and registration not required unless otherwise stated. 
  • Re-Growth, A Celebration of Art, Riverside Park, and the New York Spirit is a free, park-wide art exhibition with site-specific installations spanning several miles alongside the Hudson River. Learn more here and here.
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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