As we approach the fall, the last few weeks have been filled with updates and changes 

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Dear John

I hope that you are enjoying the last hurrah of our second pandemic summer. As we approach the fall, the last few weeks have been filled with public health updates and policy changes, mostly due to the rising concern of the Delta variant, driving cases up throughout the country.

Below are some updates that I wanted to share with you that cover the new FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, community events, new mandates, and eviction prevention.

As always with any issues from eviction to neighborhood needs please reach out to my office at 718.499.1090 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Stay safe out there,
Brad

Covid-19 Updates and Resources
* Latest Virus Data: An average of 1,874 cases per day were reported in New York City, about the same as the average two weeks ago. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 1 in 8 residents have been infected, a total of 1,031,455 reported cases. Right now, New York City is at a very high risk for unvaccinated people
* Vaccine Data: As of today, 5,419,334 (65%) of eligible New Yorkers received at least one dose of vaccine, and 4,869,949 (68%) have received two doses. For more information on vaccine eligibility, locations, and data, visit theNYC Vaccine Command Center’s Website ([link removed]) . (And you can review our office’s Vaccine FAQhere ([link removed]) ).
* Masks: Because of high spread in New York City the CDC recommends that both vaccinated and unvaccinated people wear masks, especially at indoor events. And you must be wearing a mask on public transport at all times, regardless of vaccine status.
* Vaccine Entry Requirements: You must now present a vaccination card or a vaccine passport on your phone to enter restaurants, entertainment venues, gyms and other places even if you are wearing a mask. Full list of places here ([link removed]) .
* FDA Approval of the Pfizer Vaccines: On August 23rd, the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use for individuals 16 and up. Individuals 12 and up can and should still receive the vaccine due to the emergency use authorization. This is a huge milestone in the fight against COVID-19 and getting more people vaccinated. Schedule your vaccination here ([link removed]) .
* Booster shots: A third dose is currently approved through emergency use authorization for certain immunocompromised individuals. If you believe you are included in that group, speak with your doctor. Beginning in the fall, it is hoped that individuals who are not immunocompromised will be eligible for a booster shot starting 8 months after they have received their second dose of an MRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna). The FDA is currently conducting an independent evaluation to determine the safety and effectiveness of a booster dose of the mRNA vaccines. If the FDA authorizes this booster dose the goal is for the first people eligible for a booster dose to be those who were first to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which includes: healthcare providers, residents of long-term care facilities, and other older adults. It is likely that individuals who received a Jonhson & Johnson vaccine will need to receive a booster shot, but the CDC is still collecting data and we will update you
when the information is available.
* Flu Shots: It’s always important to get a flu shot, but especially so during the pandemic as a way to help prevent overburdening the healthcare system. You can get flu shots, at your doctor’s office, most pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, or through this map here ([link removed])
* Self Senior Sign up: If you are a senior or know a senior who would benefit from free friendly calls from the Neighbor Network during this isolating time, you can now sign up here by filling out thisform ([link removed]) or calling 914.572.5526.

Schools
* Vaccine Mandates: With the first day of school, September 13th approaching, New York City has mandated that all school staff and contractors who work in schools be vaccinated. They must have received at least one dose of vaccine by September 27th. All people entering school buildings will also be required to wear masks.
* Pandemic EBT food benefits: P-EBT benefits for the 2020-21 school year are currently being issued by New York State to NYC school children. For more information please visit the New York P-EBT information site ([link removed]) which includes a FAQs page with many helpful topics.
* Backpack Drive: If you would like to donate a backpack for the Warren Street Houses you can drop off a backpack at our office M-Th 9:30 AM-5:30 PM through this Friday 9/3. Camp Friendship is also accepting backpack donations at 339 8th Street, Fridays 6-8 PM or Saturdays 9 AM-12 PM. You can also donate money for backpacks and other needs at Camp Friendship here ([link removed]) .
* School Supply Drive: The Arab-American Family Support Center is holding a drive for school supplies. Their wish list ([link removed]) includes school supplies that meet the needs of students of all ages from low-income immigrant families. Your gift will go directly to those families who need it most!

Other Updates and Resources
* Eviction Moratorium: The existing patchwork of federal and state eviction moratoriums have officially expired or been struck down by courts. The Governor and state legislature are going back into a special session to extend the moratorium, and working to speed up the process of getting the beleaguered rent relief program moving faster to help tenants and landlords alike. Currently you cannot be evicted while your rent relief application is pending (and if approved you will be protected from eviction for a year).
* Emergency Rental Assistance Program: Applications are open for rent relief for tenants and will provide for lower and middle income tenants who are at risk of experiencing homelessness or instability due to rental and/or utility arrears. You can apply anytime here ([link removed]) .
* CAMBA ERAP: CAMBA’s tenant support service program is currently assisting the community with completing and submitting their ERAP (Emergency Rent Assistance Program) applications. They are located at 2244 Church Ave 4th Floor, Brooklyn NY and you can email them with additional questions at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call 718.287.2600. You can also reach out to our office and we will connect you
* Excluded Workers: Workers who were not eligible for stimulus checks or unemployment benefits can apply for Excluded Worker’s Fund (EWF). The EWF provides assistance for New Yorkers who can demonstrate their work history, regardless of immigration stations. You can apply here ([link removed]) .
* Legal Services Hotline: NYC Financial Justice Hotline is a free legal hotline for low-income NYC residents. The hotline is staffed in English and Spanish, provides free legal information, advice, and referrals on a wide range of financial justice issues--from discriminatory banking practices to predatory debt collection. You can find more information here ([link removed]) .
* Access Benefits Helpline through Legal Aid: Anyone having trouble with an application to apply for or recertify for HRA cash assistance, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits, can call the Legal Aid Society’s Access to Benefits Helpline at 888.663.6880 M-F 10 AM-3 PM.

* Small Businesses: Small business owners can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to reimburse COVID-19 related expenses incurred between March 1st 2020 and April 1st 2021. You can learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .
* Return of Curbside Composting: Curbside compost collection is returning! You can sign up for curbside pick up and a brown compost barrel here ([link removed]) . In the meanwhile New Yorkers can drop off their compost at any of these locations
([link removed]) .
* The Carroll Park Fair is back: Saturday, September 18, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Clear out your closets, promote your business, sell your product (sorry, no food). Meet your neighbors and local organizations while browsing for housewares, books, music, clothes, jewelry, antiques, art, and collectibles! Valentino Ballfield, Court Street between Carroll and President. Space is available for only $35. All funds raised through space fees and donations benefit Friends of Carroll Park. For more information: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , 917.574.0745

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Contact us:
District 39
456 5th Ave Ste 3
Brooklyn, NY 11215-4076
USA
[email protected]
718-499-1090

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