[Para ver la versión en español visite aquí).

Dear Neighbors, 

Once again, we find ourselves mourning the loss of lives due to a mass shooting.

Our communities can not continue to withstand so much devastation. This week we lost at least 21 people, 19 of which were children, to senseless gun violence at an elementary school in Texas. The attack in the predominantly Latino town was the deadliest school shooting in the U.S. since a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012. The tragedy was the latest in a seemingly unending string of mass killings at churches, schools, stores, and other sites in the U.S. Just ten days earlier, ten Black people were shot to death in a racist rampage at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket. 

When will this end?

It is evil for someone to gun down children; it is unacceptable to continue to look the other way and not step up to promote policies that would prohibit these shootings from continuing. Texas has some of the most gun-friendly laws in the nation and has been the site of some of the deadliest shootings in the U.S. over the past five years. Gun dealers are getting away with selling ghost guns online to anyone regardless of age or past mental or criminal history. Then you have these iron pipelines that flood our urban cities with illegal weapons sold and bought in other states with lax gun laws. Repeated attempts over the years to expand background checks and enact further curbs have run into Republican opposition in Congress.

It is time for this nation’s leaders to step up and stand up to the gun lobby and enact stricter restrictions. Now more than ever is time to take bold action to prevent the senseless loss of more lives. We must end the idolatry of guns in this country. In the meantime, I am working hard to push and support state legislation that will protect New York State from further gun violence. Further down in this update you will find details for a community vigil and action event in response to gun violence scheduled for Friday, June 3rd.

This weekend we honor our military personnel who have died while serving in the armed forces. Many Americans will celebrate Memorial Day weekend with family and friends over a nice barbecue. Weather permitting, others will take time to enjoy our New York City public beaches that will officially reopen for swimming this weekend. On Memorial Day at 11 am, there is a parade marching from Dyckman Street & Broadway to the flagpole at Inwood Hill Park honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military.

I invite you to please continue reading this weekly update for information about valuable resources and don't forget to scroll to the end to see our community updates. I encourage everyone to enjoy the long weekend and to stay safe.

Peace & blessings, 

RJ

#CommunityFirst

Free At-Home testing Kit Giveaway Tour

My team & I were out on the streets with our covid-19 home testing kits and masks distribution tour on May 19th, May 20th, and May 26th and handed hundreds of testing kits in Inwood, West Harlem, and the Upper Westside. Keep an eye out for #TeamJackson as we will soon visit a neighborhood near you!

We say "Gay and Trans" Press Conference

This week I stood in unity at the New Pride Agenda and Equality NY press conference "We say Gay and Trans" supporting LGBTQ+ students. My office, Equality New York and the offices of Senator Brad Holyman, and Assemblymember Richard N. Gottfried hosted a press conference to gather advocates and elected officials to raise awareness of the importance of passing the LGBTQIA curriculum bill (S1929/ A808-B) and the Transgender & Non-Binary Anti-Discrimination Requirements in Schools bill (S369/ A840).

Given the current climate, wherein some states are purging books in an attempt to erase history and do away with critical thought, and while others are passing laws to target specific communities and strip many of rights, we need policies that confront discrimination against the advancing LGBTQIA+ rights here in New York State. 

Eid Celebration at Indian Consulate

I was honored to be invited to join the Indian Muslim community from across the tri-state area at the Indian Consulate in New York to celebrate Ramzan Eid on May 22. I congratulated the Consulate and the tri-state Muslim community on the occasion of the recently completed Ramadan month. And I paid tribute to the valuable contributions of the vast Indian community across New York.

1199SEIU Mandatory Overtime Bill Package Press Conference

On May 19th, I joined the 1199SEIU for their virtual press conference to garner exposure and support for the bills included in the mandatory overtime bill package.

This package includes my bill S1997A/A286(Gunther), which assesses an employer a civil penalty where an employer requires a nurse to work more than such nurse's regularly scheduled work hours; it provides that the employee shall receive an additional fifteen percent of the overtime payment from the employer for each violation.

The other two bills are S8063(Ramos)/A8874(Joyner), which relates to restrictions on consecutive hours of work for nurses; provides circumstances for the reinstatement of limitations on mandatory overtime; provide for civil penalties for employers who violate work hours limitations

And S4885(Savino)/A181(Gunther), which if passed will include home care services in certain requirements regarding restrictions on consecutive hours of work for nurses, and regarding nurses' refusal of overtime work.

Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. They work selflessly to provide quality health care to their patients. Every day, in every county of this state, exhausted nurses are still trying to provide the highest quality patient care they can, often in understaffed units. This jeopardizes their safety and the health of their patients. Force overtime is bad for all of us. My bill will provide justice after years of abuse of too many nurses.

Tier 6 Sucks!

This week I met with advocates and joined them in their demands for a change to Tier 6, an equitable retirement across the public workforce. 2022 marks a decade since the creation of Tier 6 within the New York public pension systems. During that time, new public employees entered service with a significantly decreased benefit compared to their co-workers in previous tiers. In the interest of fairness between employees, current employee retention, and new employee recruitment, Tiers 5 and 6 need to be fixed to provide an equitable retirement across the public workforce.

Women’s Chamber of Commerce State of the Women in Business event

I had the privilege of joining my colleagues as a panelist for dozens of  Women business owners at Alianza Dominicana for the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce State of the Women in Business event.

Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises ("MWBEs") have come to constitute a large percentage of businesses in New York. MWBEs, just like small businesses, are an increasingly crucial part of the State's economy and contribute vastly to our economy's growth. However, despite these increases, MWBEs continue to face barriers in government contracting.

That is why I introduce the "Eliminate Barriers for MWBEs Act," S4473-  this bill seeks to address and eliminate some of these barriers by enhancing Article 15-A provisions and increasing small business, Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises participation in state agency commodity and service procurement, and State public authority-assisted construction and rehabilitation project contracts and subcontracts.

Thank you for your leadership, Quenia Abreu, Kim Ramos, Marlene Cintron, Adrienne Harris, Huey-Ming Chuang, and Irene Dominguez. in guiding Women business owners in our community.

Shredding Event in West Harlem 

My team and I had a wonderful time on May 21st talking to our neighbors and friends from West Harlem with my colleague Assembly Member Danny O' Donnell and others at the Annual Free & Safe Paper Shred event.

Coogan's Way street Co-Naming Ceremony

I was honored to join the community and my colleagues for the Coogan's Way street co-naming ceremony at 169th and Broadway. There are very rare places that embody politics, family, and community, but Coogan's was that special place.

Coogan’s was the heartbeat of this Northern Manhattan by promoting unity and embracing the diversity in the steep multiethnic history of Washington Heights and Inwood. It thrived as an Irish pub in a predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood. It is only fitting to continue and cement Coogan’s legacy on the very street it opened its doors to all of us for decades.

My bill of the week

(This section highlights and explains my priority or otherwise noteworthy legislation for the 2022 legislative session.)

This week I will highlight multiple bills passed during last week’s state senate session. 

• My bill requiring transparency on the pricing of electricity services passed the senate. The purpose of this bill is to provide residents and businesses with information on their electricity costs giving them more control and lessening billing surprises. This level of transparency will allow residential and commercial customers to better understand their bills for energy consumption and will enable them to more accurately project costs over time. Bill Number: S1979A.
  
  
• The second bill is S8532. This bill allows the Comptroller to diversify investments in order to maximize returns for public employees that have their pensions invested through public retirement systems. It aims to increase the percentage of a pension fund's assets that may be allocated to investments authorized by subdivision 9 of Section 177 of the Retirement and Social Security Law.
  
  
• The following bill passed was S8685. Relates to the appointment and promotion of supervisors of the fire alarm dispatcher service; requires that a promotion be based on merit and fitness as determined by competitive examination, due weight being given to seniority.  

Last week's bills were S6089 which requires landlords and property managers to ensure their properties comply with safety and fire codes, and S2012A, which eliminates non-rent fees, like the surcharge for tenant-installed air conditioner units, which will help reduce the strain New Yorkers feel every day. And S2013A will protect tenants by prohibiting the imposition of any surcharge for installing a tenant-installed appliance (i.e. a washing machine) where the tenant pays for electric utility service. 

The Cannabis Corner

In case you missed last week, here it is again.

New York has expunged more than 300,000 cannabis possession and sale convictions, and another 100,000 convictions are in the process of being expunged. Also, the Cannabis Control Board received over 150 applications for adult-use conditional cultivator licenses, and 52 were approved. The other applications are still being reviewed. Even though cannabis is prohibited under federal law, the state budget authorizes cannabis businesses in New York to deduct their normal business expenses from their New York state taxes.

The new conditional adult-use cultivator license allows hemp growers to apply for a license to grow cannabis containing over 0.3% THC for the adult-use market. The application period for this license will be from March 15, 2022, through June 30, 2022, and will allow cultivation for two years. To apply for this license, please visit the OCM’s application website here. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has posted a new website containing information on the excise tax for adult-use cannabis products. Cannabis businesses will be able to deduct their business expenses from state taxes.

The Medical Cannabis Home Cultivation Revised Regulations comment period will close on June 20th, 2022.

There is a lot of misinformation, so make sure to stay updated here with my office’s information memo for the latest about the MRTA.

National Gun Violence Awareness Evening of Vigil and Action

On June 3rd, my office and the Uptown Gun Violence Prevention Task Force will host a “National Gun Violence Awareness Evening of Vigil and Action.” The event will take place at the Inwood Hill Park Lawn (Entry point at 218th street) from 5 to 7 pm. We encourage all from Uptown and the Bronx to come out in solidarity with the families and wear the color orange in memory of the victims of gun violence.

Parent Action Conference

Join us on June 4th from 4-6 PM as Class Size Matter & NYC Kids PAC will host the virtual 2022 Parent Action Conference, titled “How Parent Advocacy can make a difference.” I’m honored to be one of the invited speakers, among a list that includes Congressman Jamaal Bowman and NYC Council Education Chair Rita Joseph. We will talk about the proposed budget cuts to schools, the capital plan, and what parents can do to prevent them, including workshops and more. Visit the eventbrite page here and register!

Youth Arts Showcase & Gun Violence Prevention 

My office and the Uptown Gun Violence Prevention Task Force are seeking local youth and artists to participate in its 1st Annual Youth Arts Showcase voluntarily. Our theme is "Art and Gun Violence Prevention," highlighting the importance of how art, movement, and interventions led by youth can influence the public's thinking and action on the issue of gun violence.

We are currently in need of actors, writers, musicians, dancers, and visual artists. Local youth may also submit their artwork and photography for the showcase's contest. Interested youth from 6th to 12th grade are encouraged to email gvptaskforce@gmail.com. 

The deadline for Monologues/ Essays is June 10, 2022. And the deadline for Art is July 1, 2022.

Event Date & Location: July 12, 2022 at the Shabazz Center in Washington Heights.

To learn more and make submissions visit the QR code on the flyer. High School and Middle School Students are encouraged to submit today!

Shredding Event

Help prevent identity theft!

On June 11, 12- 3 pm, I will join Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell and State Senator Cordell Cleare at a Free & Safe Paper Shred Event. This event will take place at Amsterdam Avenue & 109th street. Please email odonnelld@nyassembly.gov with any questions or to RSVP (optional).

Please visit my resource page here for the latest information on Vaccines and Covid testing.

Quick Updates

COVID update (data as 5/26): 

• Cases Per 100k: 46.93

• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k: 42.81

• New Cases: 9,172

• % Positive: 6.59%   

• 7-Day Average % Positive: 7.68%   

• Hospitalizations: 2,518 (-135)

• New Deaths: 16

  Full data is available here.

MTA LIRR Career Fair

MTA LIRR is holding a career fair on June 14. Submit your resume to LIRRjobfair@lirr.org with the position you are applying for in the subject line. Your resume will be reviewed to determine your eligibility to attend the Career Fair. If selected, you will receive an invitation to attend this in‑person event.

Please see attached flyer and please share with your contacts.

BHC Front Desk Manager Job Positing

Founded in 1983, Broadway Housing Communities (BHC) is committed to addressing the challenges of poverty and homelessness for adults, children, families, and communities in Upper Manhattan. 

BHC is looking to hire 10 Front Desk Managers by 07/01/2022; the position is Part-time and pays $16 per hour. 

• Position Summary - Reporting to the Operations Front Desk Site Supervisor, this position will provide the full range of tenant services to all children and families living in Broadway Housing Community Properties. The Front Desk Manager oversees dialing operation of the building along with Facilities and Tenant Services staff. The manager’s duties include documenting maintenance requests, incidents reports, receiving packages, conducting wellness checks on vulnerable tenants, and ensuring the reception area/lobby are aesthetically maintained.  Must be available some nights and weekends.

To apply for this position, please email your resume and cover letter to resumes@bhc.org. Applicant review will continue until the position is filled. Please indicate your last name and "Front Desk Manager" in the subject line. No phone calls, please -- we will respond to those candidates whose qualifications are best aligned with the components of this job description.

NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board Job Posting

New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board is hiring for the entry-level Investigator role. A CCRB investigator (Level I) is responsible for investigating civilian complaints against the NYPD alleging police misconduct. A large percentage of this career opportunity includes extensive writing, interviewing witnesses and police personnel, researching, juggling competing priorities, working independently, and drafting compelling closing reports. The minimum qualification requirements are a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 

For more details, please take a moment to review the job posting. If you have any questions regarding the hiring process, please email careers@ccrb.nyc.gov.

PAID Professional Development Opportunity for Local Public School Teachers

Barnard College has pioneered a program called STEAM in the City, an education professional development fellowship aimed at pre-K through 8th-grade teachers working at schools in the Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods. 

They are recruiting educators for their next cohort. Any teacher who works with students in Upper Manhattan on STEAM-related coursework is eligible to join; participants will participate in paid professional development sessions about hands-on STEAM learning and receive materials and support to enact STEAM projects. The commitment includes a mandatory professional development week this summer and opportunities for monthly extension workshops and project staffing, and material support throughout the 2022-2023 school year. 

Visit here to learn more and email Program Coordinator Yuval Dinoor at ydinoor@barnard.edu with questions.

Columbia's Free Student Summer Program

Columbia is offering a free, online summer enrichment program at Columbia’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. Students who complete the program will get a certificate from Columbia and will learn about cancer research and professional development. Click here to register for Scientific Enrichment Month!

Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion. If you have any questions, please contact Ivorie Farley-Cook at iaf2113@cumc.columbia.edu. Please see attached for the flyer and below for more information about the program.

Federal student loan pause extended to Summer

The student loan moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic has been extended once again. The Biden administration announced that it is extending the pause on federal student loan payments thru August 31, 2022. The repayment freeze, which began at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, was scheduled to expire next month. Visit here for more information.

Financial Literacy Survey for Harlem Residents 

Columbia Law School students from our Center for Institutional and Social Change Center are looking to develop a financial literacy program for Harlem residents. In an effort to build an equitable and sustainable program, they'd like input directly from Harlem residents.

Visit here to participate and fill out the two-question survey. The survey is completely anonymous, and responses will be used to shape the program's structure only.

Summer Youth Employment Program application

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s most extensive youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.

Who is Eligible?

• Young people age 14 to 24
  
• Must be a resident of one of the five NYC boroughs
  
• Legally allowed to work in the US.  
  

For more information, please visit here.

Civil Service Exams

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) represents the largest local government in the U.S., with more than 400,000 employees and 80 agencies. They are providing plenty of career opportunities with great benefits.

The City Jobs and Civil Service announcements for upcoming exams can be found here. Fee waivers are available for UI recipients and New York City residents and receiving full benefits (Cash, Medicaid, and Food Stamps).

New Fare Offerings for New York City Transit

To encourage New Yorkers to get back on subways, buses, and trains and to reduce the cost and worry surrounding everyday travel, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a pilot fare program that is more affordable, more flexible, and fairer. The pilot will last for at least four months.

Visit here for details and more information.

 Apply Online for Reduced Fare MetroCards

For the first time, seniors and people with qualifying disabilities can apply online for a reduced fare MetroCard. Until now, customers could only apply by mail or in person. This is the MTA's latest effort to bring their services online and eliminate barriers to accessing transit services. To apply, visit here and make sure to click the "interested in OMNY" box at the end to stay up to date with the OMNY rollout.

CaringKind Programs and Services

CaringKind is an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving organization that works directly with community partners to develop the information, tools, and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia. They provide a helpline staffed by Dementia Care Specialists trained to provide you with the most up-to-date information, education, and support regarding dementia. To access their services, please visit their updated CKConnection form available online here. For more information on any of CaringKind’s Programs and Services, please call the CaringKind Helpline: 646-744-2900 or visit us at www.caringkindnyc.org.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Applying for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will provide protection from evictions and rent increases. If you have missed even one rent payment or only paid partial rent, you may be eligible to get rental assistance. Applying for the ERAP program doesn't guarantee funds will be available. It allows the constituent to reserve a spot on the waiting list should federal funds be available.

                                              What you need to apply:

• Personal identification
• Proof of rental amount
• Proof of residency and occupancy
• Proof of income to document income eligibility
  

Apply today at: otda.ny.gov/erap. If you need additional information or assistance, please call our office: 212.544.017.

Housing Justice Workshops

Housing Court Answers offers training, workshops, and meetings on important housing and housing court issues throughout the year. To check out their events and, for event registration and more information visit here today.

Gun Violence Prevention Initiative  

New York State has launched a long-term jobs program that will serve unemployed, underemployed, and out-of-school young New Yorkers ages 18-24 in areas impacted by high rates of gun violence.

Youth can sign up to participate in our partnership with the Consortium for Worker Education, the workforce development arm of the NYC Central Labor Council. If you’re between 18 and 24 and are interested in job training and placement services, please register here to obtain job training and placement in good, long-term jobs. Please note that youth enrolled in college or university will not be eligible. For more information, please visit this link.

W. 79th Street Intermittent Lane Closure

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) will conduct the following intermittent lane closure on W. 79th Street between May 31st to June 24th, 2022, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in order to conduct utility work on W. 79th Street west of Riverside Drive.

Escalator Work at the 181st ST A-train Station

Beginning this week, through February 2023, the three escalators at 181 Street A station will be simultaneously out of service for much-needed repairs. Due to the mechanics of the escalators, all repair work must be undertaken at the same time as they all work through one motor room.

During this time, there will still be access to three elevators available for customers at the 181 St station. All are operating normally and are available at 184 St and Fort Washington Ave at the north end of the station.

Good Neighbor Awards!

Goddard Riverside is accepting nominations for the Good Neighbor Awards, which will honor volunteers making a difference in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Harlem, East Harlem, or Yorkville. Nominations are due by May 31, 2022. A committee of past awardees will meet to choose the winners in June and they will be announced at a celebratory event in July. 

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their role in the community? Submit your nomination here or go to goddard.org/neighbor. 

Uptown Arts Stroll Opening & More!

Don’t miss the 20th Uptown Arts Stroll opening Wednesday, June 1st, from 6 -8:30 pm at the Harlem School of the Arts. Scores of events, exhibitions & open studios happen in June from West 135-220th St. Stay informed! Info & calendar here.

Inwood Film Festival 

The Inwood Film Festival opening night gala is on Thursday, June 2nd, at 6:30 pm, at the Campbell Sports Center. Celebrate the triumphant return of the Inwood Film Festival, which continues through June 5th. For tickets visit www.inwoodartworks.nyc.

BEING THERE Comes to Inwood

Buunni Coffee will host BEING THERE, a multi-disciplinary project by Maaji Newbold, Marcus Moore, Michael Deegan, and Yael Ben-Zion. BEING THERE reflects on the notion of homelessness from the unique perspective of artists who have experienced it first-hand. The project includes a visual art exhibition and a series of live performances and video screenings accompanied by public talks.

The project will be on exhibit from June 1 to 30th, with public programming on June 5th (3 pm), June 12th (3 pm), and June 26th (3pm).

Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam Festival 2022 Uptown!

Jazz Power Initiative is proud to present their inaugural Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam Festival 2022, a 4-part jazz music performance series of family-friendly concerts in Northern Manhattan during June 2022.

The event schedule and line-up for our 2022 Intergenerational Jazz Power Jam Festival 2022 is:

• June 10, 2022, 5:00 PM - Why We Matter, a musical story presented by students of Jazz Power Prep at the Duke Ellington School, written and directed by PS4 music teacher Jose Cantu, in collaboration with Mickey Davidson (co-director/choreographer), and Annette A. Aguilar (music director), Antoinette Montague and Sofia Tosello (voice teaching artists). Location: P.S. 4 Duke Ellington, 500 W 160th St, NY, NY 10032.
  
  
• June 11, 2022, 3:00 PM - Hear My Voice, highlights of jazz musicals by Eli Yamin and Clifford Carlson, directed by Mickey Davidson, Antoinette Montague and Eli Yamin and featuring students from Jazz Power Youth Performance Workshop, and Listen To The People, a premiere presentation by Eli Yamin and Zah! Jazz Power Singers featuring Jazz Power Emerging Artist in Residence, Joie St. Hubert. Location: Hispanic Society Museum and Library, 613 W 155th St, NY, NY 10032.
  
  
• June 15, 2022, 7:00 PM - Swinging Into Summer with dancer/choreographer Mickey Davidson and Friends, and the Jazz Power Swingtet with Eli Yamin, James Zollar, Claire Daly, Jason Curry, Michael Blake, Michael Rorby, Jason Clotter, and David F. Gibson, in collaboration with Jazzmobile. Location: The Interchurch Center, 61 Claremont Ave, NY, NY 10115.
  
  
• June 25, 3:00 PM – Uptown!, the 19-piece Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra (SOLJO) celebrate the living legacy of the Palladium Ballroom, and JPI Emerging Artist-in-Residence Jason Clotter and his quintet salute Sam (Jones) and Cedar (Walton). Location: Hispanic Society Museum and Library, 613 W 155th St, NY, NY 10032.
  

Seating is limited. Please send your requests to Program Event Contact Arlene Rodriguez Martinez at arlene@jazzpower.org. For more information, please see the flyer below. 

CaringKind Hispanic Conference

CaringKind, an organization that supports caregivers of people living with dementia, will host a Hispanic Conference for Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month on June 22, 2022, 9 am to 12 pm at their midtown office at 360 Lexington Avenue, 3rd floor, NY, NY. The conference, conducted in Spanish, is open to caregivers and others interested in the topic.

The conference will be conducted in Spanish with on-site simultaneous translation available for English-speaking persons. This event will also be available virtually. You can RSVP by calling 646-744-2900 or visiting here.

Uptown Stories

Based in upper Manhattan, Uptown Stories is a small group led by master teachers and professional authors that provide young writers ages 8-18 the tools to tell their own stories. Classes meet once a week for ten weeks—all in person—providing our students with the space to explore the craft of writing, engage their imaginations, and connect with a community of writers. To ensure their workshops are accessible to all children, tuition is pay-what-you-can. Please view the flyer below for additional information or scan the QR code on it.

To register  email info@uptownstories.org / or call (929) 27STORY (929.277.8679).

June 2022 at NAMI-NYC

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy. Please visit here to view their calendar of events for June.

June at Lincoln Center

Explore all that Lincoln Center has to offer for family and friends, both virtually or in-person in the month of June. Please visit their events calendar here.

Morris-Jumel Mansion in June

As Manhattan’s oldest surviving residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion, built-in 1765, preserves, collects and interprets history, culture, and the arts to explore inclusive narratives that engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Visit here to see what's happening in June at the Mansion.

Met Council on Housing Mutual Aid Tenants’ Rights Hotline

Met Council on Housing seeks bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers for their Mutual Aid Tenants’ Rights Hotline team. The hotline serves thousands of tenants all over the city every year. Hotline Team Members answer questions on common tenant issues, inform callers of their rights and help them determine the best course of action to assert those rights. As part of their hotline team, you will be directly assisting tenants in need fight against their predatory, abusive landlords and stay in their homes.

If you’re interested in joining the hotline team, please email katee@metcouncilonhousing.org include any questions you may have about the position.

Food Pantry, Clothing, and Other Supplies in Chelsea & Hell’s Kitchen

If you see someone who you believe is homeless or in need of food, clothing, or other supplies, please direct them to the following providers in either Chelsea or Hell’s Kitchen below:

• Holy Apostle Soup Kitchen - 212-924-0167 296 9th Avenue
• Metro Baptist Church – 212-594-4464 410 West 40th Street

Donate Blood Today!

The teams at Columbia, New York-Presbyterian, and Weill Cornell Medicine would like to encourage you to donate your blood today and help save lives.

For more information on who is eligible to donate, or to sign up, please visit here and click on “Schedule Appointment” or call 1-800-933-2566.

In solidarity, 

RJ