Dear Constituents:

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s e-newsletter.

This past week our city suffered another devastating tragedy when two NYPD officers were killed in the line of duty. I offer my condolences to the families and colleagues of NYPD Police Officers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to curb violence, particularly gun violence across our communities.

Covid-19 remains and continues to prevent us from many activities. Please note that wearing of face mask is still required. Our office continues to offer constituent services virtually. Please continue to contact us as we are here for you. I ask everyone to follow all established guidelines to emerge from the pandemic and return to some normalcy in our daily lives.

The e-newsletter is one way to share updates from around the district and state. Please follow our activities and updates via Facebook, Twitter, or my Senate web page. I thank you in advance for reading and sharing with others.

I welcome your input on the issues that impact you, and I will continue to be your advocate. “You Deserve To Be Served,” and my staff and I are here to assist you.

Sincerely,

Senator Roxanne J. Persaud

Quote of the Week

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

–Mahatma Gandhi

The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

January Resolutions

Did you know that January 28, 2022 is Human Data Privacy Day in the State of New York?

Senator Persaud sponsored Senate Reso. J1393 to raise awareness among families, consumers, and businesses about the importance of protecting the privacy of their personal information online, particularly in the context of social networking.

Human Data Privacy Day promotes events and activities that stimulate the development of technology tools that promote individual control over personally identifiable information; encourages compliance with privacy laws and regulations; and creates dialogue among stakeholders interested in advancing data protection and privacy.

To Register, click here.

Important Note for New ERAP Applicants: The portal has reopened.

Total requests for assistance exceed available federal funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Applications for ERAP will be accepted statewide. There is currently no federal funding available to provide assistance in most areas of the State. Therefore, applications will only be reviewed and considered for funding if additional funds become available.

For more information, see here.

Visit the website below for details: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/#emergency

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) enrollment for 2021-2022

Eligible New York City applicants must mail a completed and signed application to:

NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, PO Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008.

Information & application: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/

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 result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Designed and administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), NYS HAF will target low- to moderate-income homeowners impacted by COVID who are behind on mortgage payments, property taxes, water or sewer bills, as well as shareholders in cooperative or condominium unit owners behind on maintenance fees, and manufactured homeowners behind on chattel loans or retail installment contracts.

Please review the Application Guide which includes a list of documents you may need when you are ready to submit your application.

For more information visit: https://www.nyhomeownerfund.org/

Are you a homeowner that is experiencing financial hardship?

Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is a federally funded program dedicated to assisting homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure or displacement as a result of financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A (Brooklyn A) is available to help you fill out your application and answer questions around your housing stability, as well as scams, deed theft and predatory lending.

You can reach them at 718.487.2300 or homes@bka.org.

Food Resources

-If you or someone you know qualifies, you may apply for SNAP (food stamps), Cash Assistance, and Medicaid renewal all at the same time here.

-To find the nearest food pantries and community kitchens, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777.

-WIC2Go is a mobile app for New York State WIC recipients. For more information on WIC support, please visit their site or call 844-540-3031.

-For seniors aged 60+ NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) provides home delivered meals. You can access them online or call 311 for support, you also can call 212-244-6469 to see if you qualify direct delivery.

-If you are not currently receiving any food benefit (such as Meals on Wheels or SNAP), are unable to get to a grocery store, and do not have anyone to help you, you may qualify for NYC Food Delivery Assistance.

-CityHarvest offers free food every other week across NYC, you can find a location near you here.

The Sisters With Purpose Organization will be having an open food pantry this Saturday, 1/29 from 9-10am at the Brooklyn Sports Club, located at 1540 Van Siclen Avenue. Please view the flyer above for additional details.

Zoom Link visit here.

Updated Key to NYC guidance

The Key to NYC mandate was first announced in August 2021 and has been recently expanded. Please find updated guidance below and on nyc.gov/keytonyc.

Indoor Dining, Indoor Fitness, and Indoor Entertainment and Certain Meeting Spaces.

Children: Children ages 5 to 11 are required to have proof of at least one dose of a vaccine for the public indoor activities described here.

Children ages 5-11 only need a single dose up until January 28, 2022.

Beginning January 29, 2022, 5-11 year old's will need to show proof of a full regimen of a COVID-19 vaccine, just like individuals who are 12 and older.

For additional NY State information, go to: https://www.health.ny.gov/

Updated Hospital Visitor Policy

All hospital visitors are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of their visit.

Visit: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/

COVID-19 Vaccine Buses in NYC

To better meet New Yorkers where they live, work, go to school, and play, NYC has deployed temporary, roaming vaccination sites across the City. There are two versions of these temporary sites: mobile and pop-up.

Appointments are not required, but you can book an appointment at many of these sites in advance online or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC.

The FTC warns the public: "Don’t buy fake COVID-19 vaccine cards or negative test results. Here’s why..."

More and more places are requiring proof that you’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine or have recently tested negative before giving you access.

Scammers see this as an opportunity to profit by selling fake verification tools or products, like fake vaccination cards, certificates, and test results.

However doing so could get you fined, or even jailed!

For more information, see here.

COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline

NY Project Hope has launched a New York’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. They can be reached at 1-844-863-9314.

For more information, visit their site here.

Albany in Pictures

Senator Persaud greets Cardinal Dolan before he gives the invocation at the beginning of Senate session on Monday.

Senator Persaud presiding over the Senate.

Recent Events in SD19

Congratulations to New York City Council member Mercedes Narcisse (CD 46), who hosted a community swearing-in ceremony on Saturday, January 22. Senator Persaud was pleased to attend the event, offer good wishes, and looks forward to working in partnership to serve the community.

On Friday, 1/21, Senator Persaud and staffer Jennifer Viechweg-Horsford attended the “Enough NO More Violence Rally” at the corner of Rockaway Parkway and Flatlands Avenue.

Elected Officials/representatives, including the New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, members of the clergy, community activists and other stakeholders braved the weather to denounce the scourge of gun violence.

We cannot allow violence to affect our quality of life. Senator Persaud is continuing to amplify this issue.

Visit Senator Persaud's Facebook page to see more photos from SD19 events.

Beware of Email Scams

NYCHA Is Now Recycling Mattresses at Dozens of Developments

Since July 2021, NYCHA has collected and recycled more than 2,800 old mattresses (150 tons worth) from 27 developments in all five boroughs through its mattress recycling program.

Instead of taking up to 90 years to decompose in landfills, 80 percent of the collected mattresses were recycled or repurposed, creating carpet padding and soundproofing materials.

The program has also created employment opportunities for NYCHA residents.

Mattresses should never be left in hallways – doing so is a fire hazard. Instead, residents can either request assistance from development staff or place them in the designated bulk drop-off areas.

Participating Brooklyn Developments in SD19: Bay View and Breukelen

For more information click here.

Message from the New York City Department of
Transportation (DOT)

A new rule goes into effect in NYC today which requires drivers to stop, rather than yield, for pedestrians in intersections when traffic controls are not in place.

Drivers must remain stopped until such pedestrians cross the roadway.

For more information, see here.

Attention NYCHA Residents

Are you having an issue with heat or hot water?

Call the Customer Contact Center CCC at 718-707-7771 or report the issue via the MyNYCHA mobile app or web version.

You should also contact NYCHA when:

➢ Your temperature is out of range: The temperature in your apartment should never fall below 68 degrees during the day or 62 degrees at night. When you call, tell us what your temperature reading is, and in which room.
➢ You have hot pipes and cold radiators: If the riser pipes are hot and your radiator is cold, first make sure the hand valve is open (to the left). If the valve is open and the radiator is still cold, tell NYCHA staff and ask them to change your radiator trap.
➢ Your window is not closing properly: Request window repair if your window is not closing all the way or if you feel air coming in above, below, or between the sashes.
➢ Steam is leaking into your apartment: Ask NYCHA staff to fix all steam leaks immediately.
➢ Your building’s front entrance door does not fully close.

#HeatSeason #WeatherTips

On the morning of January 9, 2022, a high-rise fire killed 17 people, including 8 children, at the Twin Parks North West, Site 4, high-rise apartment building in the Bronx, NY. An electric space heater sparked a fire in a duplex unit, flooding the 19-story apartment building.

Make sure your apartment is fire safe by reviewing these five ways to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Report issues to your property owner, and if they are not corrected, register a complaint with NYC 311.

Learn more: on.nyc.gov/3rjnBP4

Want to nominate a SD19 Constituent?

The New York State Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a Member of the New York State Senate upon a resident of New York State. Liberty Medals are adopted by resolution and remain on file in the Secretary of the Senate’s office. For more information, click here.

The NYS Senate Commendation Award recognizes exceptional people who
have made a lasting contribution to their community. For more information, click here.

The NYS Senate Empire Award recognizes excellence in business in Senate District 19. For more information, click here.

Open positions at CAMBA

There are many open positions at CAMBA right now, including job openings for essential workers to help us provide critical services.

For more information, please visit: https://camba.org/careers/

Attention parents, students & teachers- Please share widely:

Intrepid Museum's: GOALS for Girls Summer 2022

The GOALS (Greater Opportunities Advancing Leadership and Science) for Girls Summer Intensive is a FREE 6-week STEM-based program for current 8th and 9th-grade girls from New York City that offers female students the opportunity to learn about, be engaged in, and share their passions for STEM and youth empowerment.

In compliance with the COVID-19 health and safety protocol, the summer program will be in-person, starting Monday, July 11, and ending Friday, August 19, 2022. We especially want to support and encourage more Black, Hispanic, and Native American female students to apply and follow through with the application process.

Application deadline: March 14, 2022
https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/education/goals-for-girls

Attention all IT professionals!

Get your professional certifications for free!

For more information, email here:
itgprogrambklynwf1@grantassociatesinc.com

New York University’s College & Career Lab (CCL) is an exciting, free, non-credit summer and yearlong Exploratory Stage for rising 8th and 9th graders (current 7th and 8th graders) who attend school in NYC.

Students participate in college-level introductory courses, engage in interactive activities and games, and practice skill-building exercises designed to discover their passions.

Students are grouped with CCL advisors who facilitate college and career exploration, mentorship, and continued soft skill development throughout the summer and subsequent academic year.

Register now for our upcoming spring 2022 information sessions offered in English and Spanish to learn more about the program, six year model, steps to apply and more.

When: Tuesday, March 1 at 6:30pm

Click Link To Register for Informational Session: https://connect.nyu.edu/register/?id=bf0db2d1-e644-4763-a8ba-c48ddf83161f

Spanish Information Session: https://connect.nyu.edu/register/?id=0f385427-9b38-4e7d-8a94-0048bc783760

The OBT is having OPEN REGISTRATION for SPRING 2022 CLASSES!!

Apply for :
Medical Administrative Assistant
Digital Marketing
Young Professional Institute
and much more training/classes available.

If you are between the ages of 18-27 apply today!

To view all programs available visit: https://obtjobs.org/all-programs/
To Apply, visit: https://obtjobs.org/student-registration/

Citizens Committee for New York City Grants Programs

CitizensNYC awards micro-grants to community groups and small businesses focused on improving neighborhood life and strengthening local leadership.

Two funding opportunities are currently available:

The All In Neighborhood Grant Program awards up to $5,000 for community-building projects, and the Neighborhood Business Grant Program distributes up to $10,000 for payroll and operations.

CitizensNYC gives priority to innovative projects that address critical needs in underserved communities.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; eligible Brooklyn stakeholders are encouraged to apply as soon as possible!

To attend an info session and apply click here: https://www.citizensnyc.org/grantmaking

No-Cost Training Opportunities: The HOPE Program

THE HOPE PROGRAM is looking for jobseekers for their upcoming HOPEworks, Intervine, YouthBuild, and brand new HVAC trainings.

How to Apply:

Virtual information sessions are held every Tuesday & Thursday at 1PM via zoom:

https://bit.ly/HOPE_info

OR applicants can dial-in to the session via telephone by calling:

646-558-8656, entering Meeting ID: 718-838-9842, and entering Password: 0.

Brooklyn EXCELerate Loan Fund

Visit the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce site to find out more and how to apply.

Community Resources

Click the button under each graphic for more information.

Brooklyn Public Library Online Resources

Senator Persaud would like to hear from you! Press the button to leave any and all inquiries/suggestions you may have.

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE

Community Conversations, Workshops & Town Halls

Senator Persaud continues to host timely informational workshops and townhall discussions on various topics of importance to constituents. If you haven't had a chance to participate or watch on Facebook Live, the archived recordings are still available as a resource to you. View via Facebook or nysenate.gov.

About Us

As your State Senator in the 19th Senatorial District: Senator Persaud proudly serves constituents in the communities of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill and Starrett City.

For more information, click the logos below for Senator Persaud's official website, Facebook or Twitter.

Albany Office:
409 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
518-455-2788

District Office:
1222 East 96th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11236
718-649-7653