Housing & Family Services is a HSCP funded organization.
The Housing Stability Counseling Program
The Housing Stability Counseling Program provides resources for homeowners and renters who are dealing with loss of income, eviction, homelessness, or other serious issues. If you are a homeowner struggling with missed mortgage payments or forbearance, or a renter facing possible eviction, our agencies are here to help! Please contact us today.
Defending the elderly
Defending the rights of minorities
Defending the low-income
Our Consumer Advocates will be available to meet on Friday, March 21, 2025 to discuss options to manage your energy bill and help you find assistance, including:
• Energy Affordability Program (EAP)
• Payment Plans
• Budget Plan
• Special Protections
• Hope & Warmth Energy Fund
• Hearts Fighting Hunger
HEAP representatives are no longer at this location to assist with HEAP applications. Please call HEAP at 1-718-557-1399 for a list of locations where you can drop off your application.
If you are looking for assistance,
we’re here for you.
Follow these 3 tips to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and scams:
If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don’t respond. Don’t give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn’t get or a product you didn’t order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.
FYI – Consumer Reports is producing a series of short videos for social media featuring people who have been helped by the CFPB.
Please help amplify this first video featuring a consumer who was helped by the CFPB after she was harassed by a debt collector about a debt that wasn’t owed. Please share with others on any social media networks you engage with
Mark your calendars for New York State’s largest job fairs!
The 25th Annual Dr. King Career Fair is set for April 10 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. Whether you’re searching for your first job and ready for a career change, this fair offers invaluable opportunities.
Attendees will have the chance to connect with over 100 businesses, submit applications on-site, and take advantage of exclusive New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) services, including:
- Resume review
- Pop-up career center
- Professional headshot photo booth
- Virtual reality career exploration
- NYS DMV – REAL ID
Additionally, these live workshops will be available during the event:
- Learn about careers with New York State
- NYS cannabis career opportunities and market update
- Registered apprenticeship 101
Free event parking will be available at the MVP Arena Parking Garage for attendees.
Last year more than 170 area businesses participated, and we anticipate even more career opportunities this year!
For more details, visit the 2025 Dr. King Career Fair website, or email us at DrKingCareerFair@labor.ny.gov with any questions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
 As we begin Women’s History Month, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is recognizing March 25 as Equal Pay Day—a day that highlights how much longer the average woman must work to earn the same amount the average man made in the previous year. Women have played a vital role in shaping New York’s economy, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations. However, challenges such as the gender wage gape and underrepresentation in certain industries persist. That’s why NYSDOL remains committed to advancing equality, opportunity, and success for women in the workforce. NYSDOL offers a variety of career advancement resources, including: Additionally, NYSDOL partners with local businesses and organizations to connect women with employment opportunities that offer competitive wages and benefits. As a national leader in promoting Registered Apprenticeships, NYSDOL supports apprenticeships as a terrific career pathway for women. More women than ever are joining New York’s apprenticeship programs, gaining valuable skills and access to high-paying careers. Learn more about the New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program at: dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/ For further insight into the gender wage gap, explore our report on the Gender Pay Gap in the pandemic era. |
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by:
- Learning about the latest scams. Information can empower you to quickly recognize a scam. Signs of a scam include:
- An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or benefit increase,
- Pressure to act immediately, and
- A request for an unusual payment like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, and wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money “safe.”
- Reporting scams as soon as possible. Victims shouldn’t be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable.
- Sharing our Scam Alert fact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves.
Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The Young Women’s Leadership Development Initiative Event is scheduled for March, 8th 2025, and will take place at Grand Street Settlement, 80 Pitt Street, New York City, NY 10002.
We look forward to collaborating with our community partners to make this event a success and would love for you, and eight of your age 16-24, female participants to attend and be involved.
I’ve included registration details for the event below. We’re excited about the opportunities this event presents and hope you’ll be able to join us.
Thank you for your continued partnership, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Details:
Young Women’s Leadership Development Initiative
Join us for an inspiring and empowering event!
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Registration begins at 1:15 PM)
Location: Grand Street Settlement, 80 Pitt Street, New York City, NY 10002
This step will help us manage logistics and provide the best experience for all participants. Please complete the registration no later than Tuesday, February 25th
The cost of rent continues to rise, making stable housing feel out of reach for millions of people. Limited housing stock, outdated zoning laws and funding gaps only add to the challenge. But solutions exist.
In this episode of The Community Effect, NeighborWorks America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez sits down with Linda Mandolini, President of Eden Housing, to discuss real strategies for expanding rental housing. From preserving affordable homes to rethinking development approaches, they explore what it takes to create housing that works for everyone.
️ Tune in to hear about:
️ The biggest barriers to affordable rental housing and how to overcome them️ Why preserving existing homes is just as important as building new ones️ How local communities can help make rental housing more accessible
Affordable rental housing is essential for thriving communities. Listen now and join the conversation on creating more homes for the people who need them most.
Complete your New Year’s Resolution – get your NYC housing answers from Housing Information Classes. Presented by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) in partnership with NYC Public Schools’ Parent University.
All classes are free and taught over Zoom.
Live interpretation in Spanish, Chinese, and Bangla available for classes in bold below!
Learn from experts about housing resources you can access for free. From pest removal to responding to violations to navigating Housing Court. Our classes are taught by the housing experts that renters and homeowners need to work with.
We’re ready to help everyone with three sets of classes:
Dates in bold will have interpretation into Spanish, Mandarin, and Bangla.
General NYC Housing Classes:
- February 24 at 6pm – Housing Court: What to Expect – REGISTER HERE
- February 27 at 12pm – Pests: Eliminate Rodents, Bedbugs, and Roaches Using Integrated Pest Management – REGISTER HERE
- March 4 at 12pm – Financial Empowerment to Access Housing – REGISTER HERE
- March 5 at 6pm – Pests: Eliminate Rodents, Bedbugs, and Roaches Using Integrated Pest Management – REGISTER HERE
Tenants Classes:
- March 11 at 6pm – Rent Stabilized & Rent Control Tenants: Know Your Rights – REGISTER HERE
- March 13 at 12pm – Tenants: Know Your Rights – Market Rate Apartments and Good Cause Protections – REGISTER HERE
- March 18 at 6pm – Rental Housing Discrimination and Harassment – REGISTER HERE
- March 20 at 12pm – Rent Stabilized & Rent Control Tenants: Know Your Rights – REGISTER HERE
- March 25 at 6pm – Tenants: Know Your Rights – Market Rate Apartments and Good Cause Protections – REGISTER HERE
- March 27 at 12pm – Rental Housing Discrimination and Harassment – REGISTER HERE
Classes for Homeowners:
- April 2 at 6pm – Owning a Home in NYC – REGISTER HERE
- April 3 at 12pm – Department of Buildings: Rules, Permits, Summons, and More – REGISTER HERE
- April 8 at 12pm – Lead-Based Paint Basics for Homeowners – REGISTER HERE
- April 10 at 6pm – Avoiding Deed Theft: A Homeowner’s Guide – REGISTER HERE
- April 15 at 12pm – Avoiding Deed Theft: A Homeowner’s Guide – REGISTER HERE
- April 17 at 6pm – Department of Buildings: Rules, Permits, Summons, and More – REGISTER HERE
- April 22 at 12pm – Owning a Home in NYC – REGISTER HERE
- April 24 at 6pm – Energy Efficiency and Solar Power for Homeowners – REGISTER HERE
Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is proposing to terminate at least half of all HUD employees. Join us in demanding that the Trump administration halt any plans to further cut staffing.
NLIHC is calling on advocates to take action TODAY to protect vital HUD programs and staff. Without essential HUD resources, it will be significantly more difficult for states and communities to access the federal funding they need to build affordable housing, address homelessness, recover from disasters, and more.
Act NOW:
- Tell members of Congress why HUD resources are critical to low-income families and communities and urge representatives to protect HUD programs and staff.
- Register for NLIHC’s national HoUSed campaign call on Tuesday, February 25 at 4 pm ET, to learn more about how advocates can stop these harmful cuts to vital services.
Background
Termination of HUD employees will diminish access to key federal resources used to:
- Provide rental assistance to help low-income households afford their homes.
- Build and preserve affordable rental housing for low-income households.
- Address and prevent homelessness, which has reached its highest level on record.
- Operate and maintain public housing and other affordable housing for millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children.
- Revitalize neighborhoods, promote economic development, and improve community facilities, including infrastructure and services in low-income communities.
- Reform restrictive zoning and land use regulations that inflate housing costs.
- Investigate and enforce fair housing and civil rights laws.
- Rebuild housing and infrastructure after major disasters and mitigate future harm.
As a direct consequence of the proposed cuts, homeless shelters will close their doors, communities will stop construction on new projects to build housing and community centers, households receiving rental assistance will face immediate rent increases and evictions, and communities, families, and small businesses impacted by disasters will be unable to rebuild.
At a time when housing costs are far out of reach for renters and homelessness has reached an all-time high, now is the time to strengthen federal investments in affordable housing and homelessness solutions.
Take Action
Advocates must act urgently to protect against the Trump administration’s attempt to decimate HUD, undermine housing justice, exacerbate racial and social inequities, and worsen America’s housing and homelessness crisis.
Alert — the FCC warns that a robocaller is calling homeowners across the country and posing as the homeowner’s mortgage provider. Oftentimes, the homeowner has previously sought relief from their actual mortgage lender and may expect to be contacted. The callers frequently know details regarding the homeowner’s name, address, and their current or former mortgage lending institution. These callers are spoofing their caller-ID to appear to be the homeowner’s actual mortgage lending institution.
As the FCC points out, these callers frequently threaten foreclosure, but then offer relief if the homeowner makes specified payments, which – unbeknownst to the homeowner – are directed to Green Mirage’s agents and not to the homeowner’s lender. This company — Green Mirage — has impersonated over 400 mortgage institutions and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars of losses to deceived homeowners. Many victims only learned of the fraud when their actual lender initiated foreclosure proceedings.
If you have received a possible scam robocall or call using a spoofed telephone number:
- Do not share any personal or financial information.
- If you’re not sure, hang up and call the institution using their publicly available, legitimate phone number.
Alys Cohen (she/her)
(pronounced əˈlis)
Senior Attorney
National Consumer Law Center®
1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 595-7852(direct)-(202) 452-6252 (main)
www.nclc.org
CFTSS Offers:
- Crisis Intervention
- Family Peer Support
- Therapy
- Rehabilitative Services
- Identify mental health and/or substance use issues early
- Prevent emergency room visits, hospital stays, or out-of-home placement
- Be provided in the community, in schools, or at home
- Provide tools for youth to improve health, well-being, and quality of life
Download the “ICL Treatment Referral Form” here.
East New York Health HUB
2581 Atlantic Ave., Second Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Phone: (844) ICL-HOPE
Email: ICLHOPE@ICLINC.ORG
Last week, it became clear the state Legislature is going to prioritize the passage of the Housing Access Voucher Program in this year’s budget. Known as HAVP, this will be a state-based voucher that is very similar to Section 8. Tenants will be able to take the voucher with them if they move to a new place, which is something you can’t do with CityFHEPS vouchers and other programs. We love vouchers. They have proven throughout history to be the most effective and efficient way for the government to provide housing assistance to low income families and we support this measure.
Find out more on this week’s episode of Housing New York.
Source: Instagram Post
We look forward to working with you to ensure that parents, guardians, and community members across the city have the opportunity to make their voices heard in shaping the future of New York City’s public schools. Please view this short YouTube video about the CCEC elections: Community and Citywide Education Councils (CCECs): Your Community, Your Voice.
Email Elections2025@schools.nyc.gov with any questions.
Homeownership shouldn’t be out of reach. In Seattle, where the median home price soars above $950,000, HomeSight is working to change that.
In this episode of The Community Effect, NeighborWorks America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez sits down with HomeSight executive director Darryl Smith to discuss his unconventional path from the performing arts to community development.
Darryl shares how HomeSight is tackling affordability challenges with down payment assistance, CDFI lending solutions and a groundbreaking limited equity cooperative that makes homeownership accessible to more families.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Weeksville Heritage Center
158 Buffalo Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
3-K provides free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for three-year-olds. |
Pre-K programs help children get a strong start in school and life. All NYC children born in 2021 can enroll for the 2025-2026 school year. |
HEAP helps eligible households meet the cost of heating their homes. |
Save 50% on public transportation including subway fares, eligible bus fares, and Access-A-Ride paratransit trips.
Get help paying for groceries with SNAP, previously known as food stamps. You’ll get money on a debit card that can be used at many grocery stores and farmers markets. |
The HIV/AIDS Services Administration connects people to help so they can live healthier and independent lives.
NYC Well is your connection to free, private mental health support. Get help from a counselor or peer support specialist about stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use.
Screen for your eligibility for over 30 City, State, and Federal level benefits. It only takes a couple of minutes.
Pay It Off is a time-limited program from March 1 – 15 that allows noncustodial parents to pay off child support debt owed to the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) twice as fast. Make a minimum payment of $500 toward your DSS child support debt and receive $1,000 or more in total debt reduction. |
The EITC is a tax credit for qualifying families, noncustodial parents, and individuals who work full time or part time or are self-employed. File your 2023 tax return by April 15, 2024 to claim this credit.
When filing taxes for 2023, families can claim this tax credit worth up to $2,000 for each qualifying child under 17 years old. File your 2023 tax return by April 15, 2024 to claim this credit.
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit reimburses 50% of costs for caring for a child or adult dependent. On your 2023 tax return, you can claim up to $3,000 for the cost of care for one qualifying person and $6,000 for care for two or more qualifying persons. File your 2023 tax return by April 15, 2024 to claim this credit.
NYCHA residents without existing home internet will be able to sign up for Big Apple Connect with either Optimum or Spectrum (service provider will depend on where you live). |
Lifeline is a federal program that gives up to a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service.
Free food is available at pantries and food kitchens near you. Everyone is eligible for food assistance, regardless of immigration status or income.
ActionNYC offers free and safe immigration legal help regardless of immigration status. Services are offered by trusted legal service providers at community-based organizations, hospitals, and schools. |
Awesome Foundation – Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees”. Awarded monthly – https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en
Canva Pro For Nonprofits – If you are a nonprofit, you can register now to get Canva’s premium features for free. – https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/
Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program – The Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is a two-month, cost-covered training program that gives a small cohort of talented people from all over the world everything they need to launch a field-leading charity. $200,000 in seed funding is available. Apply by 9/30/2023 – https://www.charityentrepreneurship.com/incubation-program
Mama Ladder Grant – Since 2018, The Mama Ladder has helped mom business owners climb higher with the #HighFiveGrant. This grant is exclusively for women caregivers with human child(ren) of all ages in any country. Must have generated revenue in the past 12 months. Grant up to $5000. Apply by 9/30/23 – https://themamaladder.com/grant
CCWC Women of Color Entrepreneur Grant – Corporate Counsel Women of Color will award 5 grants to Women of Color entrepreneurs. Your for-profit business much be established as of January 1, 2020 and have over $25,000 in revenue. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 9/30/2023 – https://form.jotform.com/Laurie_info/5000-grant
Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition – A celebration of women who are making their mark on the food, beverage, and CPG industries. Five entrepreneurs pitch their business live in New York City in front of a panel of industry experts. November 9 is the Pitch Competition at Helen Mills Theater in New York City. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 10/2/2023 – https://www.enthusefoundation.org/pitch-competition
Pure Leaf “No” Grants – “No” grants (grants are $2000 and open to US residents – concept is that women have to say “yes” to so much – what would an additional $2K enable you to say “no” to?) Winners receive the $ and access to a support community and resources through SeekHer’s Community Care Program. Funding of $2,000. Apply by 10/31/23 – https://www.pureleaf.com/NoGrants/
Literacy Opportunity Fund – The Literacy Opportunity Fund is offering grants up to $6,000 to nonprofit organizations general operating expenses who provide literacy services and programs to youth in the community. Funding up to $6000. Apply by 10/1/2023 – https://www.proliteracy.org/Literacy-Opportunity-Fund
McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund in Food and Wine – SHE CAN Fund invests in the professional advancement and career growth of high-potential, professional women, with a particular focus on women of color. Our mission is to close the gender and race gap in leadership positions in wine & spirits, hospitality, and finance industries by providing professional development – https://www.mcbridesistersfund.org/
Truist NonProfit Grant – The Truist Foundation supports nonprofits with grants that target leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Quarterly deadlines – https://www.truist.com/purpose/truist-foundation/grant-application
Vela Educaion Fund Grants – ELA supports thousands of independent operators who facilitate learning outside the traditional bounds of ‘school.’ Must be US based and serve K-12 learners or programs outside of traditional public, private, or charter schools. Funding up to $10,000. Apply by 10/6/23 – https://velaedfund.org/microgrants/
Veterans Business Outreach Center – The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans who are interested in starting or growing a small business. There are 22 locations (soon expanding to 35) and they offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities. – https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program
Warrior Rising Grant – Warrior Rising strives to accept and assist veterans at any point in the process of starting their own business, whether it is only a concept or if they have actual operations. Funding of $20,000 – https://www.warriorrising.org/apply/
Wish Local Empowerment Program – You must be a Black-owned business with a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States and less than 20 employees. If selected for the program, you must join Wish Local (which is free). Grants for up to $2000 – https://www.wish.com/local/empowerment
Savvy Fellowship – Savvy is a 12-week virtual Fellowship program for young professionals seeking to be part of the new generation of impact entrepreneurs. Applicants should be 40 or younger – https://savvyfellows.com/team/
She Loves Tech Global Startup Challenge – All startups must be technology-based startups and for the avoidance of doubt, technology is defined as the use of science and innovation to invent useful things or to solve problems. This extends beyond digital, information or internet-based technology and covers everything from hardware to the creation of new products and solutions to existing problems. Apply by 9/21/2023 – https://www.shelovestech.org/competition
Novae Grants Database – Novae Grants database are intended for small businesses with 6-100 employees, though some are also intended for larger businesses and sole proprietor startups – https://grants.novaegrants.com/
14 Funding Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in 2023 https://www.incfile.com/blog/funding-opportunities-for-entrepreneurs
Incfile Fresh Start Business Grant – Whether you’re starting over or starting from scratch, entrepreneurs 20 years or older can apply to receive $2,500 to put toward business startup costs and will also receive free formation services from Incfile. Apply by 9/30/23 – https://www.incfile.com/entrepreneur-grant https://form.jotform.com/220125354267147
Pre-Seed and Seed Matching Fund Program – Program will offer early-stage businesses growth assistance from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level. Company must be registered to do business in New York – https://esd.ny.gov/pre-seed-and-seed-matching-fund-program
Please note, when seeking research funding, it’s essential to explore various grant search engines to identify suitable opportunities. While some may have subscription fees, it’s wise to check with your local library, research library, or neighboring library first. Some libraries provide free access to grant databases and resources, which can make your search more cost-effective.
Candid (formerly Foundation Center: The leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide, Candid lists literally millions of grants and information on all levels of funders from foundations to corporations to organizations. It is a subscription service but you can pay monthly and gather all of the research you need for one low fee or subscribe annually for ongoing research needs. The grant research portal is the Foundation Center Online and the link is below to both sites. Links: www.candid.org https://fconline.foundationcenter.org
GetEdFunding.com: GetEdFunding.com is a grant-finding resource for helping educators, schools, and institutions identify the funding. Link: www.getedfunding.com
GrantGopher: GrantGopher claims to be an underground connection to available grants for nonprofits, schools, and municipalities! Link: www.grantgopher.com
Grantwatch: A smaller grant search engine but one of my favorite sites. It is economical and they list grants available by subject, i.e. education, youth, medical. Grantwatch also list last minute grant opportunities so be ready to apply if a grant of interest is available. Link: www.grantwatch.com
GrantStation: GrantStation provides in-depth information on funders and offers planning tools, and tutorials. Link: www.grantstation.com
HelloAlice: HelloAlice has several funding opportunities that you can apply to help you launch and grow your woman-owned small business. Link: www.helloalice.com
Instrumentl: Instrumentl aggregates private, corporate, and government grants for nonprofits that span several topics. Link: www.instrumentl.com
Urban Awareness: Urban Awareness offers up-to-date information on grants as well as training and research. They often provide information on little-known funding opportunities or funding for minority-led organizations. It is a fee-based service but affordable. Link: https://urbanawarenessusa.org/
Federal Government Grants: Grants.gov is the single best source for Federal grants. Over 900 grant programs from 26 agencies are listed. Link: www.grants.gov
Nonprofit Information: Guidestar.org provides complete data on funders and 990 forms. It is a free service. Link: www.guidestar.org
Networking: Keep in mind that almost 90% of foundations don’t have websites. I recommend networking and joining grant writing associations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals or the American Grant Writers Association. Links: www.afpglobal.org www.agwa.us
Esperanza Immigration Legal Services hosted the 2023 Celebrating Hope for Immigrants fundraiser. Listen to Yeraldyn’s story to learn more about EILS’s impact.
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan. Benefits are provided on a first come, first served basis or until August 31, 2023.
Don’t fall for scams. Here’s what to know.
Criminals are impersonating Con Edison to get money or your personal information.
Know how to recognize a scam and protect yourself:
1. Con Edison doesn’t accept payments via Venmo, Zelle, CashApp or Bitcoin. Hang up on anyone calling and asking for Con Edison payments by these methods.
2. Asking for ID isn’t rude, it’s safe. If someone comes to your door, claiming to be from Con Edison, call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633) and confirm the employee’s name and ID number.
3. Make payments safely. We accept online payments through conEd.com and conEd.com/GuestPayment.
4. We will never ask to see your bill. Never share your account number or show your bill to someone at your door.
5. If you’re not sure an email is really from Con Edison, don’t click on any links.
Suspect a Scammer?
Call the police. Then call us: 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).
Apply for up to $20,000 in debt relief for undergraduate loans, graduate loans, spousal loans, Parent PLUS & Grad PLUS loans. Filling out the application is easy and takes 5 minutes.
Apply today (but no later than December 31st, 2023).
A limited-time program called Pay It Off may help you lower the amount you owe in child support. Pay a minimum of $500 towards the Department of Social Services (DSS), and Pay It Off will match that amount. This doubles the value of the payment and reduces your debt owed to DSS.
Apply by October 30th.
If you work for a government organization or 501(c)(3) non-profit and have federal student loans, then you may be eligible for complete forgiveness on your remaining balance. You must:
- have completed 120 qualifying monthly payments
- work or have worked for a qualifying employer who must certify your employment. Qualifying employers include:
- U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government (includes U.S. military service)
- Not-for-profit organization
- consolidate other loans by, and apply by October 31st.
You may also be able to get credit for payments that did not qualify for PSLF in the past.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)|NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) |
Free food is available at pantries and food kitchens near you. Everyone is eligible for emergency food assistance, regardless of immigration status or income.
We have exciting news to share! Our latest redesign of your personal my Social Security account now makes it easier to conduct business with us and find the information you need with us online.
With the new design, people receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income are now able to update their telephone number online. We are also providing more information under the Benefits and Payments section. In addition, people receiving Social Security benefits can change their address and direct deposit information under the My Profile tab.
By selecting the appropriate links on the homepage, you can:
- Get an instant Benefit Verification or proof of income letter.
- Request a replacement Social Security card.
- Replace your SSA-1099/SSA-1042S tax forms, if applicable.
- Get your Social Security Statement.
988 is the new, three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). 988 is now available nation-wide.
988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number. It is a direct connection to caring support for anyone in mental health distress. This may include:
- thoughts of suicide
- substance use crisis
- emotional distress
988 is a free service available to everyone.
HOW TO CONTACT 988
You can contact 988 by chat, text, or phone.
Call or text 988 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. When you call, you can access support in Spanish by pressing 2. Interpretation services are available in over 150 languages.
To access 988 via chat, visit 988lifeline.org.
NYC has many great programs to support New Yorkers with food, money, work and much more.
$35 Million To Avoid Foreclosure!
Thank you NY legislature for approving $35 Million to help struggling NY homeowners to avoid foreclosure!
We need to thank a lot of people so please do the following TODAY:
1. Please tweet thank you’s on your organizations’ twitter accounts to our champions and leaders. Graphic attached, as well as tweets and the handles to tag:
Tier 1 ‘thank you’ Tweet
A huge win for NY homeowners w/ historic $35M in funding for #HOPP program in this year’s budget! THANK YOU @HeleneWeinstein @BrianKavanaghNY @SteveCym @LizKrueger @CarlHeastie @AndreaSCousins for championing this crucial funding to protect families against foreclosure.
Tier 2 ‘thank you’ tweet
The NY state budget includes historic funding for the #HOPP program! Struggling NY homeowners hit hard by COVID now have access to free help to protect them from foreclosure THANKS to @JeffreyDinowitz @CharlesLavineNY @SolagesNY @bradhoylman!
Hochul ‘thank you’ tweet
THANK YOU @GovKathyHochul for including historic relief to homeowners in budget w/ #HOPP program funding! HOPP will help preserve housing & prevent foreclosure for the thousands of struggling NY homeowners hit by COVID by providing them w/ free counseling & legal representation.
2. Tweet a variation of one of the above tweets and tag your members. The twitter handles for members are on the main spreadsheet we used for tracking meetings.
3. Send a personal email to your members and their staff with whom you met. It can be short and sweet. Here’s some sample copy, and don’t forget to remind them about your services!: Thank you to Assemblymember/Senator X for their continued support of the NYS Office of the Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP). We are grateful for the inclusion of $35 million in the final budget this year for HOPP. This funding will allow us to serve more homeowners who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are facing mortgage and tax default and foreclosure.
NYC still offers no-cost COVID-19 testing across the city (no insurance required).
Find a test site near you: nyc.gov/covidtest
A Brooklyn doctor embarked Monday night on a humanitarian mission to Ukraine, where he’ll join a 10-person team to provide medical equipment and training at a vulnerable spot on the country’s border.
“We need to neutralize hatred from the oppressor with humanitarian love,” Dr. Conrad Fischer, a Brookdale University Hospital infectious disease specialist, told Brooklyn Paper …
Never hesitate to contact us about emergencies.
Safety Starts in Your Home
Signs: Natural gas smells like rotten eggs. May sound like hissing. You might see bubbles in water, blowing dust, or dying plants.
Don’t: Flip a switch, light a match, or touch appliances or electronics, including cell phones. Doing so can cause an explosion if gas is in the air.
Do: Get away and take others with you.
Call: At a safe distance, call 911 or Con Edison at 1-800-75-CONED(1-800-752-6633) or National Grid at 1-718-643-4050.
Never assume someone else has already called. You can report leaks anonymously and don’t have to be nearby when help arrives.
More Safety Tips
- Check that all burners are turned completely off when you’re done cooking
- Make sure your pilot light is always on.
Take 30 Seconds to Be Safer
Fire Marshal Reports
Do you need a report from the Fire Marshal? You can visit the NYC OpenRecords Portal and requests that report as well as many other documents.
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