August 18, 2022

Dear Community Partner:

Thank you for your partnership in our shared commitment to serve New Yorkers in need. We hope that this communication, as well as the community-wide conference calls, continues to serve as an important platform to share information and answer your questions. We will continue our work toward the shared goal of fighting poverty, income inequality, and addressing homelessness in our city with care and compassion for our clients, staff, and provider partners.  

As a reminder, please reach out to DSS Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov to be added to the list of invitees for the community-wide call and sign up here be added to the distribution list for this weekly communication. Our next monthly briefing call will be on Tuesday, August 23^rd at 4pm. 

We continue to share important updates as well as an ongoing synopsis of the information shared in prior communications on our DSS COVID-19 Community Updates page. We encourage you to use and share this link to answer questions on the many topics we have covered during the pandemic. 

NYC Benefits RFP

In partnership with the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Strategic Initiatives and HRA, the CUNY Research Foundation has released the NYCBenefits Request for Proposals (RFP). 

NYCBenefits is a cross-agency, cross-sector effort to undertake a systematic approach to connecting hundreds of thousands of eligible New Yorkers to the billions of dollars of government benefits that are currently going unused. 

NYCBenefits aims to ensure all eligible New Yorkers are aware of all of the supports available to them, that accessing those supports is easy and efficient, and that eligible New Yorkers enroll, and stay enrolled, in those support programs. NYCBenefits will bring together the many City agencies and community-based organizations that inform and administer benefits programs by providing funding and enhanced collaboration and coordination to unify and fortify the social service benefits ecosystem.

NYCBenefits is seeking interested Community Based Organizations (CBO) with the mission of providing access to, supporting enrollment in, or expanding coordination of benefits and services to New Yorkers in need, to review the RFP and apply by September 13, 2022. Contract awards for this 3-year program will vary from 100K – 350K each year, with individual amounts variable depending on the proposed scope and eligibility.

Individuals with any questions about this program can email NYCBenefits@rfcuny.org. More information on proposed deliverables, scope of services, and resources such as a proposed budget template can be found within the RFP which can be found on the RF CUNY website.

Renaming of ‘Job Centers’ to ‘Benefit Access Centers'

As part of this administration’s commitment to strengthen access to social services for communities in need, DSS-HRA Job Center sites will now be called Benefits Access Centers (BAC) to better reflect the purpose and function of these sites for vulnerable New Yorkers seeking HRA-administered benefits and social services.

Benefits Access Centers (formerly known as Job Centers) are vital community-based resources where dedicated DSS-HRA staff work closely with New Yorkers in need to help them access the benefits for which they may be eligible. With both on-site services and in-center PC banks, we provide New Yorkers access to a wide range of essential benefits, and help them through the process of applying, recertifying, getting emergency assistance, and even starting a new career.

Fair Fares NYC Enrollment

The Fair Fares NYC program continues to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Fair Fares enrollment is simple and can be completed online, without visiting an HRA office. Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA!

While there is no need to visit an HRA office to apply or renew, Fair Fares NYC locations have reopened and are available to help with applications, renewal applications, document upload, or to report an issue with a Metrocard. To find a location please visit the Fair Fares website. Clients will also be able to request an in-person appointment by calling 311.

Clients who need a replacement card or a refund must mail in their card to: 

Fair Fares NYC

P.O. Box 7099

New York, NY 10008-7099

Clients must include their first and last name, date of birth, and Fair Fares Client ID number in the envelope with the card.

All new cards and replacement cards will be mailed to the client.  

Fair Fares Updates and Outreach Materials

The City has created Fair Fares outreach materials - including palm cards, brochures, and posters that can be ordered by community organizations and others. Please use the Design and Print Ordering System (DPOS) website, after registering on the login page.

DSS has also created a Social Media Fair Fares toolkit and short video to help get the word out. Please share and amplify!

Fair Fares NYC & NYC Ferry Forward

Starting in September 2022, NYC Ferry will expand its discount program to offer $1.35 one-way tickets for seniors, people with disabilities, and other riders who participate in the Fair Fares NYC program. Eligible New Yorkers will be able to apply for the ferry discount program using the NYC Ferry website or by mailing in an application. Once verified, eligible riders can buy discounted tickets through the app or from NYC Ferry ticket windows and agents. This discounted rate will make the ferry accessible to even more New Yorkers.

SNAP – Fiscal Year 2023 Cost-of-Living Adjustments

The USDA announced the COLA adjustments that will go into effect October 1, 2022. Amongst a number of other elements for determining SNAP eligibility, this includes a 12.4% increase in the maximum SNAP benefit allotments. The table at the end of this communication shows the numbers that went into effect 10/1/21 and those that will be in effect as of 10/1/22. Learn more here and access documents that identify the other COLA adjusted amounts.  

SNAP Emergency Allotments

As it has in previous months, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will issue an emergency SNAP supplement to households who are issued SNAP benefits for August 2022. The emergency allotment will be the difference between their budgeted allotment and the maximum allotment for their household size or $95, whichever is greater. Further information is available here. As a reminder, these benefits are not on a regular schedule. If clients want to know when their emergency SNAP allotments are available, they can check their available SNAP balance at https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/ebt/.

These emergency allotments are scheduled to continue for one month beyond the end of the federal public health emergency. The public health emergency has been extended and is currently set to end on October 13, 2022.

On October 1, 2021, permanent changes to SNAP went into effect, resulting in a sizeable increase in the benefit issuance by household size. SNAP households have continued to receive emergency allotments on top of this permanent increase. Once the emergency allotments are no longer being issued, the permanent SNAP increase will remain in effect, but families and individuals will see a decrease in the total amount of SNAP received per month. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

SNAP Benefits Usage Timeframe Updated

The expungement timeframe for SNAP benefits has been amended from 12 months (365 days) to nine months (274 days). Unused food benefits from EBT accounts will be removed after 274 days of inactivity.

Beginning on the weekend of July 30th, SNAP households began receiving notices explaining that if they have not used their SNAP account for a period of 274 consecutive days, any SNAP benefit remaining in the account that is at least 274 days old will be removed (expunged) from their account. Expungement is the permanent removal of SNAP benefits from a household’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account. Once expunged, SNAP benefits cannot be reissued. 

Designation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status

Reminder: On June 7, 2022, Cameroon’s designation as a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) country became effective and will last for 18 months. Cameroon was designated to the list of TPS countries for the first time on April 14, 2022 “due to the extreme violence perpetrated by government forces and armed separatists, and a rise in attacks led by Boko Haram.” To qualify for TPS under this designation, individuals must have continuously resided in the U.S. since April 14, 2022 and have had continuous physical presence in the U.S. since June 7, 2022. Those traveling to the US after April 14, 2022 will not be eligible.

Affordable Connectivity Program

Mayor Adams recently posted a short video promoting the Affordable Connectivity Program on Twitter.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives a discount on a household's monthly broadband internet service. If eligible, participating broadband providers will apply this discount to the household's broadband plan.

The City has created ACP flyers in 30 languages to download and use at events, programs, and more: ACP Flyers

In addition, DOE has information about the ACP tailored for schools.

If eligible for the ACP, the household can receive:

• Up to a $30/month discount on internet service
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (recipient will need to pay a copay between $10 and $50)
•  Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household

A household may be eligible if someone in the household falls under just one of these criteria :

• If a household income is 200% or less than the federal poverty guideline (ex: at or less than $35,775 for a household of 4)
• If an individual or their child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
• If an individual or their child or dependent already receives a Lifeline benefit
•  If a child in the household attend an NYC public school that participates in the free or reduced lunch program (all NYC public schools do!)

Note: An individual does not need to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible. If they do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), they can provide other documents.

Note: Additionally, customers are not required to submit to a credit check.

Learn more about if you qualify

How to Enroll

1. Go to acpbenefit.org to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
2. Contact the preferred participating provider to select an eligible plan and have the discount applied to the household bill.

Some providers may have an alternative application to complete. Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.

Learn more about applying.

DHS Curfew Update

The objective of the NYC Department of Homeless Services is to provide clients with the structure, support, and resources they need to obtain permanent housing. With that said, it is critical that we give our clients the flexibility to integrate within their community, and visit family and friends.

In the past, advocates and some New Yorkers experiencing homelessness have cited strict shelter curfews as a deterrent to accessing the shelter services and supports they need to get back on their feet. That is why DHS has changed its curfew rules from 10 PM to 11 PM (until Labor Day for families in shelter), in order to maintain the agency’s mission of serving with care and compassion, and so that we can treat our clients like the autonomous adults they are.

This shift does not change DHS’ good neighbor policy. Shelters will continue to reinforce the message that clients must be responsible members of the community. Most shelters have 24/7 contact numbers where the community can report any issues in real time, and run Community Advisory Boards that meet quarterly and provide a forum for discussion of issues.

• Note that safe havens and stabilization beds do not have any curfew.
• Note that the curfew for families is 11 pm, 9 pm for children. That means if there are two adults in the family, the adult not supervising the children can be out until 11 pm. Until Labor Day, the curfew for all family members is 11 pm.

HRA Center Relocations

Waverly Benefits Access Center and SNAP Center

The HRA Waverly SNAP Center, which was located at 8-12 West 14^th Street in Manhattan, has ended operations at the current location, due to a loss of lease, effective Friday, July 29^th at 5:00 PM. We have consolidated our operations at 12West 14^th Street with 109 East 16^th Street which are in close proximity of each other.

Clients will not experience any changes in their receipt of services and may avail themselves of in-person SNAP-related services at any HRA Job or SNAP center they choose to visit, including 109 East 16^th Street which is the closest center.

Coney Island Benefits Access Center, SNAP Center, and Medicaid Office

As previously announced, the HRA Coney Island Benefits Access Center, Coney Island SNAP Center, and the Coney Island Medicaid Office moved to a new location at 1912 Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn on Monday, August 15^th at 8:30 AM.

The Coney Island SNAP Center was located at 2857 West 8^th Street. The Coney Island Benefits Access Center and Medicaid Office was located at 3050 West 21^st Street. Operations ended at these locations on Friday, August 12^th at 5:00 PM.

All cases will be transferred to the new location. Regular operating hours at 1912 Mermaid Avenue will be 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

HRA continues to encourage clients to use remote or online services through ACCESS HRA to complete and submit Cash Assistance (CA), Emergency Assistance (EA), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications and recertifications, to submit supporting documentation, to manage their case, and to view case information.

Clients who are unable to use ACCESS HRA may also submit completed CA, HEAP, and SNAP applications, as well as supporting documentation, using self-service drop boxes at all CA and SNAP sites, or using the self-service PC banks and scanners available at all HRA SNAP and Benefits Access Centers, including at 109 East 16^th Street and 2322 Third Avenue in Manhattan, and at 1912 Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn.

Electric and Gas Utility Bill Credit Program for Low-Income Families

A one-time, low-income utility bill credit is now available to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills. This credit, which will be applied to affected customers' bills by the utilities, requires no action by existing low-income customers enrolled in the EAP to receive the benefit. The bill credit is expected to be applied to customers' accounts by August 1, 2022. Any eligible low-income customer that enrolls in EAP before December 31, 2022 will be included in the bill credit program.

Learn more about the program here.

Temporary Assistance Implication

Temporary Assistance (TA) funding may continue to be utilized to pay utility arrears when the applicant presents with an emergency or immediate need, after first exploring the availability of HEAP. A payment can be made to prevent termination if it is determined that an immediate threat of shut off is present and the applicant/recipient (A/R) is otherwise eligible.

Additional Resources and Information

Monkeypox Information

Information about Monkeypox in New York City is available at http://on.nyc.gov/monkeypox.

New Yorkers can also text MONKEYPOX to 692692 for updates. For alerts in Spanish text MONKEYPOXESP to 692692.

To stay up to date on information regarding vaccination appointments, please check the NYC Health Department Monkeypox website, follow @NYCHealthy on Twitter, and sign up to receive text alerts from the City for updates on appointment availability.

Vaccine Eligibility

At this time, people who are eligible for the vaccine include:

• Gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary
• Age 18 or older
• Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days

People who have been informed by the Health Department that they are a close contact of someone who was diagnosed with the virus can also get vaccinated. Individuals who had Monkeypox are currently not eligible to get vaccinated.

Eligibility may change as the outbreak evolves and as vaccine supply increases. The NYC Health Department has posted the following FAQs about the JYNNEOS vaccine: JYNNEOS Vaccine for Monkeypox: Frequently Asked Questions

More information about how you can prevent monkeypox is available here and Monkeypox 101 information is here. 

Palm Cards, information for providers, and other materials are available in multiple languages here.

Additional Resources

• CDC: Monkeypox

Hurricane IDA Supplemental Funding Program

NYC Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations may be able to help those who were impacted by Post Tropical Storm Ida. New Yorkers may be eligible for assistance up to $72,000 to cover the cost of the repairs to make the home habitable and for mitigation measures to protect against future damage if:

• They own a 1-4 family home that was uninhabitable because of damage from Ida; and
• They applied for FEMA or were not eligible for FEMA assistance because they are a landlord; and
• They have either been denied or received less than the amount needed to complete repairs that would make the home habitable.

Application Deadline: September 12, 2022

For more information, please contact (212) 615-8329 or IdaAssist@recovery.nyc.gov

New York Primary Elections

This year’s primary elections for Congressional and State Senate offices is Tuesday, August 23.

Friday, July 29 was the voter registration deadline for the August Primary Election in New York.

New Yorkers can check their registration status here.

Information about absentee voting can be found here. For New Yorkers who don't feel comfortable mailing their completed ballot, or can't drop it off in-person, Invisible Hands volunteers will deliver their ballot for free! Click here to request a volunteer. 

The Board of Elections has changed polling places from the June locations for many voters. New Yorkers can use the online BOE lookup tool at findmypollsite.vote.nyc/ to enter in their address and get the correct polling site, either for early voting or for primary day. 

Early voting runs through Sunday, August 21. Hours vary by day during the early voting period as follows:

• Thursday August 18 10 am – 6 pm
• Friday August 19 7 am – 3 pm
• Saturday August 20 9 am – 5 pm
• Sunday August 21 9 am – 5 pm

Questions? Call the Board of Elections at 1-866-868-3692. Assistance is available in multiple languages.

Composting Initiatives Funding Application

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine has launched a pilot $50,000 Composting Initiative to support composting throughout Manhattan, funding projects between $5,000 – $7,500 aimed at composting education programs for youth, for seniors, or general community engagement. 

Apply here by close of business 8/26/22 (use code: MCI2023). Learn more here. 

Central Business District Tolling Program (Congestion Pricing)

The MTA has issued its draft Environmental Assessment for the “Central Business District Tolling Program” (aka congestion pricing), calling for tolls ranging from $9 to $23 to enter Manhattan south of 60th St. by car. They are hosting six virtual hearings to accept public input. Visit mta.info/CBDTP at the dates and times listed below. (Comments at these sessions will also become part of the formal record; they will be accepted online as well as email, mail, voicemail, and fax.)

• Thursday, Aug. 25, 5 – 8 pm. 
• Saturday, Aug. 27, 10 am – 1 pm. 
• Sunday, Aug. 28, 1 – 4 pm.
• Monday, Aug. 29, 1 – 4 pm. 
• Tuesday, Aug. 30, 5 – 8 pm. 
• Wednesday, Aug. 31, 10 am – 1 pm. 

·        

Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Jobs

The MTA is hiring “Transit Cleaners” at a starting rate of $19.03/hr with benefits. No experience or education required. Apply online by 8/19. 

Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (HWB) Program

New York State’s Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (HWB) Program has launched, providing frontline healthcare workers (with base salaries under $125,000) bonuses for their dedication during the COVID pandemic. Learn more about the requirements here.

Student Loan Forgiveness Program for Behavioral Health Professionals

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals announced the launch of a new student loan forgiveness program for behavioral health providers, funded by a $1 million contribution from an anonymous donor. The new program is designed to help attract and retain doctors, nurse practitioners, and other clinicians who care for New Yorkers with mental health or substance use needs as the U.S. faces a national mental health professional shortage.

NYC Health + Hospitals will offer psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers between $30,000 and $50,000 of debt relief in exchange for a three-year commitment to serve the public health system.

NYC Health + Hospitals provides about half of all behavioral health services for children and adults in New York City. The loan forgiveness program will be available to eligible employees and new hires for the next year or until the $1 million donation has been distributed. Applications opened on Monday, July 25, 2022. Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=varKAPjLK-0

Statewide Workplace Sexual Harassment Hotline

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of a statewide hotline, 1-800-HARASS-3 (1-800-427-2773), for issues of workplace sexual harassment. The confidential hotline will be operated by the New York State Division of Human Rights and will connect workers who have faced sexual harassment with experienced pro-bono attorneys to advise them. Learn more here.

Housing Education Series for Older Adults

Manhattan Community Board 7's Senior Task Force sponsored a virtual housing education series for older adults on obtaining housing, maintaining housing, and thriving in housing. Please click on the links below to view each webinar.

• Session I - Obtaining Housing: Learn how to navigate the housing search process, including waitlists, housing lotteries, income verifications, and types of affordable housing.
• Session II - Maintaining Housing: Resources to help tenants maintain housing, including rental assistance, benefits and entitlements, and basic human rights.
• Session III - Thriving in Housing: Community resources and organizations working in CB7 that can help tenants thrive in their housing. Some of these resources might be available to you as well.

The NY Public Library Bookmobile

The New York Public Library's Bookmobile service provides on-the-go access to library materials to their patrons.

The NYPL Bookmobile service provides access to library services in neighborhoods where the local branch is temporarily closed for renovation, and makes stops at community events and local partner organizations.

Bookmobile Service

At NYPL Bookmobiles, you can:

• Sign up for a library card.
• Browse a small collection of books for people of all ages.
• Speak with a librarian to get reading recommendations, reference services, and more.
• Return and renew books.
• Manage your account. (Though please note, fees cannot be settled at the Bookmobiles.)

Service Schedule

To find out where NYPL Bookmobiles will be popping up next, follow @NYPLBookmobile on Twitter. Please note, the schedule and locations of service are subject to change based on weather, parking availability, and other factors. Bookmobile service is available in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island!

Please note: Schedules are tentative and subject to change. Please check the NYPL Bookmobile Twitter feed for recent updates

COVID-19 Related Updates

Free At-home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone/tablet app to provide users with audible instructions, and audible test results. Read more about the tests.

NOTE: Due to very limited supplies when the program began, each order included only two test kits. People were asked to order these tests only if they did not have options for using the traditional kits. As of July 8, the program expanded. People will now receive 12 test kits with each order. In addition, anyone who is blind or who has low vision is now encouraged to order the more-accessible tests.

Individuals who placed an order before July 7 and received only two tests may place another order now to receive 12 additional tests.

How to get the tests:

• Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
• Each order will include two rapid-antigen tests that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
• Orders will ship free, while supplies last.

Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)

The trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can provide assistance with:

• Ordering tests.
• Understanding instructions for test administration and test results.
• Providing alternative instructions for traditional at-home tests for people who are unable to access, read, or understand the manufacturer’s version.
• For those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
• Assist with ordering “swab and send” kits to collect a sample and mail it back for results.
• Connect callers to local organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their community, including in-home testing programs or transportation or companion support to visit a community-based testing site.

Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

COVID-19 Mobile Response Initiative

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, joined by NYC Test & Trace Corps, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha launched a new COVID-19 mobile response initiative.

The mobile “Test and Treat” program, managed by the NYC Test & Trace Corps, will see participating mobile testing units include a clinician on board to provide instant access to COVID antiviral medication at no cost to eligible New Yorkers who test positive at these sites. The program, which was launched June 30, will be the first of its kind in the nation with three starting units and will expand to include over 30 units through July.

New Yorkers can visit nyc.gov/covidtest to find a city-run testing site most convenient and accessible to them. Multiple COVID-19 treatments are available for people ages 12 and older and can be delivered to New Yorkers’ homes for free. 

For more information on COVID-19 treatments, call 212-COVID19 and press 9 or visit nyc.gov/health/covidtreatments. Calling 212-COVID19 provides New Yorkers an immediate connection to a clinician who can refer them to monoclonal antibody treatment or prescribe antiviral medications, like Paxlovid, and arrange to have it delivered to their home that same day.

Paxlovid from Pharmacists

On July 6th, The Food and Drug Administration added pharmacists to the list of health care professionals who are allowed to prescribe Paxlovid, a series of pills for treating Covid-19. The move, aimed at making it easier for patients to get the drug, will significantly increase the number of prescribers who can order the treatment.

Previously, only doctors, nurses and physician assistants were allowed to prescribe the treatment.

Home Delivered COVID Antiviral Medication

The City is providing free home delivery -- as long as there is a prescription-- of oral antiviral pills Paxlovid (made by Pfizer), and Molnupiravir (by Merck), via Alto Pharmacy, a medication provider which has partnered with the City. Since supplies of the new drugs are extremely limited, deliveries will be prioritized to those who test positive and considered to be at higher risk for COVID.

Those who have tested positive and are otherwise qualified can visit Virtual ExpressCare for a phone or video visit or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) and press 9.

Vaccines for Children

On June 22, NYC opened 10 dedicated Moderna vaccine hubs exclusively for children ages 6 months up to and including 5 years old. These City-run sites are accessible either by appointment or walk-in. For appointments call 877-VAX-4NYC or visit vax4nyc.nyc.gov.

Parents and guardians can use New York City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to find convenient locations across the five boroughs to vaccinate young children, including the 10 city Vaccine Hubs where the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged six-months through, and including, five years of age. NYC's Vaccine Finder website (vaccinefinder.nyc.gov) is also updated with info on non-City sites – such as pharmacies – offering vaccination to children under 5.

Many pediatrician offices have ordered a supply of vaccines for children under 5. It's recommended that New Yorkers reach out to their child's pediatrician to see if they will be offering the vaccine.

Vaccine Booster Updates

CDC has expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older, recommending that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

COVID-19 Testing

Resources and information about COVID-19 Testing is available at the NYC Test and Trace home page, as well as our COVID-19 Community Updates page.

Federal COVID-19 Resource Website

The Biden administration has introduced covid.gov, a federal website meant to help Americans who are infected with the virus find the treatment they need quickly and at no cost. On the website, people can find locations to get tests and anti-viral pills, find the locations of vaccination sites and places to acquire high-quality masks; fill out a form to order eight free at-home coronavirus tests per household; view their community’s risk level according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and get general information on Covid symptoms, treatment, testing and travel.

The website is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The administration is also making all of these tools available over the phone through the national vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), which supports over 150 languages.

AfterCare Program for Long COVID

The NYC Test & Trace Corps AfterCare program has launched a hotline for New Yorkers seeking information and resources to recover from Long COVID. New Yorkers who are suffering from or suspect they may have Long COVID can now call AfterCare Navigators directly. AfterCare Navigators are health outreach specialists with experience supporting people during their COVID infection and will assess patients for their specific health and social needs and connect them to Long COVID resources. AfterCare Navigators connect patients to holistic resources – including physical and mental health referrals, community support, and financial assistance – to address the various physical symptoms, as well as the social and economic impacts, that New Yorkers with Long COVID may experience.

New Yorkers can call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319), select their preferred language, and press 4 to speak directly to an AfterCare navigator. Learn more on the AfterCare website and through AfterCare’s Long COVID recovery guide.

Community-wide Conference Call

We look forward to your continued participation on our monthly briefing calls and your ongoing work to help make sure that the critical information shared here and in our monthly calls is being communicated to our shared clients.

The information contained in this communication is a synopsis of what is being shared on our community-wide conference calls as well as new developments and useful information regarding other City benefits and services. All of the information included in each of our prior communications, since March 2020, is available on our website on the COVID-19 Community Updates webpage.

Thank you for your partnership in serving our fellow New Yorkers in need of our services. If you have any questions or concerns about the issues covered in this communication or on our community-wide conference calls, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Community Outreach at DSSoutreach@dss.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Gary P. Jenkins

DSS Commissioner