COVID-19 Community Care
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The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities that already existed in our community. A just recovery must address the root causes of the health crises we experience, including the city’s economic, housing, and education policies, while also ensuring quality and accessible care for all. As we continue to fight for a city that cares for everybody, we encourage you to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and access available resources. We have come through crises before in the Bronx. The strength of our community will see us through once again.
For the latest trusted information on the coronavirus (in multiple languages), please visit:
- New York City COVID Updates
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- New York State Department of Health
- Westchester County Department of Health
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
New York City residents can sign up to receive text alerts in real time from the Mayor’s office. Sign-up by texting “COVID” to 692-692. To receive updates in Spanish, text “COVIDESP” to 692-692.
- Find your nearest COVID-19 vaccination location on the NYC Vaccine Finder.
- Consult the NYC Vaccine List, a volunteer-led effort to help residents find a COVID-19 vaccine in and around New York City.
- Read New York State’s guide on “What You Need to Know about the COVID-19 Vaccine” to learn more about vaccine eligibility and availability and the process to get vaccinated.
- Part of the Solution (POTS) offers free groceries, prepared meals, and assistance filling out SNAP applications. Contact them at 718-220-4892 ext. 101 or at 2759 Webster Ave. between E. 197 and E. 198th Streets.
- New York City schools offer free food daily to all New Yorkers. To find a location near you, text “NYC FOOD” or “NYC COMIDA” to 877-877 or visit https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx
- If you need emergency food assistance, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen. There is no income limit for emergency food. Learn more about emergency food.
- For seniors 60 years and older who have disabilities or functional needs, the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) provides home-delivered meals. Call 311 to learn more.
- To find a soup kitchen, food bank, or food pantry near you, visit:
- Housing Court Answers can answer your questions about Housing Court, housing law, rent arrears assistance, and homeless prevention guidance. Call 212-962-4795. Calls are answered directly in English, Spanish, and French, and interpreters are available for other languages.
- The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition forms tenants associations building by building and takes collective action to end landlord harassment, win repairs, and live together in dignity. Contact them at info@northwestbronx.org or via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
- Community Action for Safe Apartments forms tenants associations to organize to win repairs, stop landlord harassment, and prevent displacement. Call 718-716-8000.
- The Legal Aid Society offers legal assistance for those facing eviction or foreclosure. To find out if you quality for free legal assistance, call 718-722-3100 or visit their website.
- The Centers for Disease Control has issued an eviction freeze that protects tenants and residents who meet certain criteria and who send a written declaration to their landlords.
- The Legal Aid Society has a CDC eviction moratorium Q&A for tenants with more information about who is protected and how to determine if a declaration is the best option for you.
Text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 or visit nyc.gov/covidtest to find your nearest testing site.
- NYC Shelters Crisis Intervention Hotline is there to answer any question about accessing shelter or other services, including if you have been denied access to shelter, please call 212-776-2177, the Crisis intervention emergency hotline, and leave a detailed message, including your phone number.
- Homebase will help you develop a plan to overcome an immediate housing crisis and achieve housing stability. Call 311 to find out how Homebase can help and learn more from HRA.
- Programs and services for youth who are experiencing homelessness are continuing to provide basic services. Learn more here
- NYC WELL is a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.
Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)Text “WELL” to 65173
Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell
- For the latest information about, and to apply for, unemployment insurance or pandemic unemployment assistance, visit the New York State Department of Labor website.
- Find step-by-step instructions for filing an unemployment insurance claim here.
- Apply to the New York City Restaurant Worker Relief Fund for a one-time $500 grant for unemployed restaurant workers.
- In an emergency, dial 911. Call the NYC Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-621-4673 (TTY 866-604-5350 if you’re hearing impaired) to speak with a counselor.
- Safe Horizon emergency domestic violence shelters are still operating. Their Domestic Violence Hotline number is 1-800-621-HOPE (4673). Learn more here.