Category: Coronavirus

A post that is particularly relevant because of coronavirus

NYS Homeowner Assistance Fund

New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund

The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NYS HAF) is a federally funded program dedicated to assisting homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure, or displacement as a result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apply if you’re a homeowner who is:

    • Behind or in forbearance on their mortgage
    • In default on a reverse mortgage
    • Behind on their property taxes, water, or sewage bills
    • Behind on monthly maintenance charges of your coop or condo
    • Behind on their chattel loans, retail installment contracts, or other types of home purchase loans and/or lot rent

Applying does not guarantee funding. Please apply here. The deadline is February 2nd, 2022.

FDA Approves Pfizer Vaccine

FDA Approves Pfizer Vaccine

On August 23 2021, the FDA officially approved the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 16 years and older (CDC). The vaccine was previously available through Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and is still currently available to those aged 12-15 years through EUA. It should be noted that Emergency Use Authorization only cuts bureaucratic red tape and not the necessary research behind developing new vaccines. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are also authorized for emergency use. 

In good news, outlets have reported a 17% increase in vaccination rates following the FDA’s official approval of the Pfizer vaccine (ABC). 

Eviction Moratorium Update

changes to the eviction moratorium

The Supreme Court Ruling on August 12th made sweeping changes to the New York City Eviction Moratorium, greatly diminishing its power in preventing evictions for tenants affected by COVID-19. The ruling eliminated the ability for tenants to sign a sworn “financial hardship declaration form” as a form of defense against eviction, instead requiring them to argue in court against their landlords (City Limits). Meanwhile, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which has been accepting applications since June 1st, has dispersed only 11% of funds as of August 24th (New York Times). The CDC still has an Eviction Moratorium in place, although it was significantly altered in its most recent extension on August 3rd, which expires on October 3rd. This order only applies to counties that are “the hardest hit by the pandemic” in addition to numerous other qualifications (CDC).

UPDATE: Since last week, the Supreme Court has also struck down the federal Eviction Moratorium declaring that it must be approved by congress. Governor Hochul has committed to an increased campaign with more transparency to push for counties, tenants, and landlords to apply for ERAP funds as quickly as possible. 


COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

FEMA Funeral Expense Reimbursement

If you paid for the funeral of a family or loved one who passed due to COVID-19 you are likely eligible for up to $9,000 of funeral expenses reimbursed. 

To be eligible you must meet the following conditions:

  • For deaths that occurred after May 16, 2020, the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
  • For deaths that occurred from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020, any death certificate that does not attribute the cause of death to COVID-19 must be accompanied by a signed statement listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death.
    • The signed statement must be provided by the original certifier of the death certificate or the local medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred.
    • The statement must provide an additional explanation, or causal pathway, linking the cause of death listed on the death certificate to COVID-19.
FEMA recommends you collect the following records:
 
  • Official death certificate that shows the death occurred in the United States, including District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.
    • If the death certificate was issued from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 it must either attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 or be accompanied by a signed statement from the original certifier of the death certificate or the local medical examiner or coroner from the jurisdiction in which the death occurred listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death. This signed statement must provide an additional explanation, or causal pathway, linking the cause of death listed on the death certificate to COVID-19.
    • If the death certificate was issued May 17, 2020 or later, the death certificate must attribute the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19.

For more information, please visit the FEMA Funeral Assistance website here and apply using the information below.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline
844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Emergency rental assistance program (ERAP)

Applications opened June 1st. Approved households may receive:

  • Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020.
  • Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent.
  • Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

Both Landlords and Tenants can apply here!

Eviction Moratorium Extension

Eviction Moratorium Extended Through August 31st

The eviction protections under the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act were extended through August 31st, 2021. The bill was set to expire on May 1st, 2021, so this extension works retroactively to cover the days between then and today. 

This extension means that most tenants can protect themselves from eviction if they sign a Hardship Declaration and deliver it to their landlord, an agent of their landlord and/or their local Housing Court. PLEASE fill out a Hardship Declaration as soon as possible! This can protect you from evictions!

Application Instructions

Click here for instructions on how to apply!

Vaccination Sites in LES

Rite Aid Pharmacies
Contact (800) 748-3243 for registration information.

81 1st Avenue, Manhattan, 10003
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Site only serves those age 65 and older

408 Grand Street, Manhattan, 10002
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Site only serves those age 65 and older

85 Avenue D, Manhattan, 10009
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Site only serves those age 65 and older

7 Madison Street, Manhattan, 10038
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Site only serves those age 65 and older

Ryan Health – Nena Community Center
279 East 3rd Street, Manhattan, 10009
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna

NYC Vaccine Hub – Essex Crossing
244B Broome Street, Manhattan, 10002
(877) 829-4692
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Essential Workers Prioritized

Gotham Health, Gouverneur
227 Madison Street, Manhattan, 10002
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna

RendrCare: Chinatown Medical Physician 
86 Bowery, 4 Floor, Manhattan, 10013
(646) 601-6229
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna

Walgreens/Duane Reade
As of this email, vaccine appointments are available via Walgreens/Duane Reade for zips 10002, 10009, 10003, 10010, and 10016. Contact (800) 925-4733 for more information.

145 4th Avenue, Manhattan, 10003
(800) 925-4733
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Site only serves those age 65 and older

1 Union Square South, Manhattan, 10003
(800) 925-4733
COVID vaccine offered: Pfizer
Site only serves those age 65 and older

125 3rd Avenue, Manhattan, 10003
(800) 925-4733
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Site only serves those age 65 and older

194 East 2nd Street, Manhattan, 10009
(800) 925-4733
COVID vaccine offered: Moderna
Site only serves those age 65 and older

100 Delancey Street, Manhattan, 10002
(800) 925-4733
COVID vaccine offered: Pfizer
Site only serves those age 65 and older

vegetables, fruits, food

Food Distribution Resources in LES

Grand Street Settlement
80 Pitt St. New York, NY 10002
Food Distribution program operating hours:
Mo: 10:00AM – 3:00PM (if you do not have a ticket, come after 2:00PM!)
Please call 646-201-4251 to confirm latest operating hours.

Father’s Heart Ministries
543-545 East 11th Street New York, NY 10009
Food Pantry program operating hours:
Sa: 8:15AM-11AM
Please call 212-375-1765 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Vision Urbana Inc.
66 Essex Street New York, NY 10002
Food Pantry program operating hours:
Mo: 10:00AM – 12:00PM

Register at this link for hot meal or pantry delivery. https://www2.visionurbana.org/pantry_form
Please call 646-626-9748 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Henry Street Settlement
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with getting food delivered, please call the Helpline at 347-493-2787.

NAZARETH HOUSING INC
206 E. 4th Street New York, NY 10009
Food Pantry program operating hours:
Tu: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Please call 212-777-3567 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Trinity’s Services and Food for the Homeless Inc.
602 East 9th Street New York, NY 10009
Soup Kitchen program operating hours MTWRF: 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Food Pantry program operating hours MTWRF: 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Please call 212-228-5254 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Educational Alliance (Project ORE) 
331 E. 12th Street New York, NY 10003
Food Pantry program operating hours:
MTWRF: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Please call 212-780-5436 to confirm latest operating hours. 

P.S. 019 Asher Levy 
185 1 AVENUE.
Food Distribution program operating hours:
MTWRF: 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Halal meals available!
This site is No Accessibility

Lillian Wald Food Pantry
12 Avenue D New York, NY 10009
MoTuWeTh: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Fr: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Please call 212-260-2731 to confirm latest operating hours.  

Our Lady of Sorrows 
213 Stanton Street New York, NY 10002
Food Pantry program operating hours:
Tu: 10:00AM – 11:30AM and Th: 9:30AM – 10:30AM
Please call 212-673-0900 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Primitive Christian Church 
207-209 East Broadway New York, NY 10002
Food Pantry programs.
Please call  212-673-7868 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Cabrini Immigrant Services 
139 Henry Street New York, NY 10002
Food Pantry program operating hours:
Tu: 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Please call 212-791-4590 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Dewitt Reformed Church
280 Rivington Street New York, NY 10002
Food Pantry program operating hours:
MoTu: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Please call 212-674-3341 to confirm latest operating hours.

Hope for the Future Ministries
Tompkins Square Park
Food Pantry program operating hours:
Sa: 2:00PM – 7:00PM (third Saturdays of month)
Please call 631-752-5771 to confirm latest operating hours.

UJC of the East Side
15-17 Bialystoker Place New York, NY 10002
Food Pantry program operating hours:
MoTuTh: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Fr: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Please call 212-673-9328 to confirm latest operating hours. 

Bowery Mission/Christian Herald Association 
227 Bowery New York, NY 10002
Food Pantry program operating hours:
Mo: 9:00AM – 11:00AM and 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Tu: 8:00AM – 2:00PM
We: 9:00AM – 11:00AM and 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Th: 8:00AM – 11:00AM
Fr: 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Sa: 8:00AM – 11:00AM
Please call 212-674-3456 to confirm latest operating hours. 

GetFoodNYC: Free Food Locations
Get a map of food resources across the city:

  • Free food pantries 
  • Grocery stores and farmer’s markets locations 
  • Grab & go meals at NYC Schools, available for all children or adults in need.

P-EBT
Learn about P-EBT, $420 per child in money for groceries coming to all NYC public school families. Multiple languages available.

AccessNYC
Find out if you may be eligible for food benefits including SNAP and WIC, and learn how to apply.

Emergency Home Food Delivery
If you cannot go out to get food, no one can bring you food, and you are not able to use private delivery options, New York City will deliver emergency meals to you in the coming days. Check your eligibility and sign up.