Dear Constituents,

Thank you for taking the time to tune into this week’s newsletter as we provide updates for our wonderful district. It is my hope that you will share this information with your neighbors and friends. As always, we welcome your input in all our affairs, as we are here to serve you. 

- Senator Roxanne J. Persaud

Quote of the Week

"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."

– Desmond Tutu.

SNAP HOT MEALS LEGISLATION SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR

On Monday, October 4, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed S.64 (Persaud) /A. 1524 (Reyes) which, once New York State’s plan is approved by the USDA, will result in more prepared and hot meal options for certain elderly, disabled or displaced New Yorkers who either lack basic cooking facilities or are physically unable to prepare food. 

I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation and also for deploying the $25 million Restaurant Resiliency Program funded in this year’s budget. COVID-19 imperiled food service establishments across New York State; this program will help restaurants help our neighbors facing hunger.

Read more here.

Earlier this week, the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets deployed the $25 million grant program that will pay food service establishments that distribute prepared meals and food-related products to food-insecure New Yorkers in distressed and underrepresented communities.  Restaurant owners are strongly encouraged to visit www.agriculture.ny.gov/restaurantresiliency for more information and to download an application. 

The NYS Department of Public Service would like to hear from YOU regarding broadband.  Part of the Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act passed by The Legislature and enacted in May requires the Department of Public Service to fully study broadband availability, reliability and costs across the state.  Lack of access to broadband is not just an issue in rural areas; some areas in the 19th District lack reliable broadband needed by New Yorkers of all ages.  To provide feedback on this important survey, visit www.empirestatebroadband.com

Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York?

Domestic violence consists of abusive and coercive behaviors that one person uses to establish and maintain power and control over another person in a relationship. This can happen to anyone, and does happen to people of every age, race, gender, sexual orientation, income and occupation.

Senator Persaud sponsored Senate Reso. J848 with the New York State
Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which seeks to eradicate domestic violence and to ensure the provision of effective and appropriate services to
victims of domestic violence through community outreach, education, training, technical assistance and policy development.

Has your home or business been damaged or destroyed by a declared federal disaster? You may be eligible for a disaster assistance loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help you recover. These low-interest
loans are available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace uninsured/underinsured disaster damaged property.

For more information or to find a local disaster center,
contact SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
(TTY: 1-800-877-8339).

For required documents, go to: 

https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/article/Paper-Forms

Governor Hochul urges New Yorkers to apply to state's Emergency Rental Assistance Program - More Than $1.2 Billion in Funding Obligated or Disbursed through ERAP.

This new law expands the rental assistance program and accompanying eviction protections to localities that had previously opted out and enacts foreclosure protections for landlords and homeowners. New York now boasts the strongest eviction protections in the nation for those facing hardship due to COVID-19.

"The legislation places a moratorium on residential foreclosure proceedings so that homeowners and small landlords who own 10 or fewer residential dwellings can file hardship declarations with their mortgage lender, other foreclosing party, or a court that would prevent a foreclosure".

For more information contact the OTDA ERAP Hotline: (844) NY1 - RENT or (844) 691-7368 or visit www.otda.ny.gov/ERAP

If you plan to apply for ERAP, but have not done so already, there are a number of ERAP Enroller Organizations across all five Boroughs that can assist you with the application process.  If you live in Brooklyn, you can contact any of these organizations:

• Good Shepherd Services
• Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc.
  
• Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty
• RiseBoro Community Partnership

Please note that because ERAP is administered by New York State OTDA, NYC Human Resources Administration clients and other NYC residents may not apply for ERAP via HRA HomeBase or AccessHRA. Applications must be submitted to OTDA. 

It’s now much easier for NYCHA residents to apply for New York State’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). ERAP provides rental assistance for eligible New Yorkers who are behind in rent and have suffered financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

NYCHA worked with the State to set up a process that ensures public housing residents no longer have to fill out the State’s full online ERAP application – instead, they can simply provide the Authority with a consent form to share their information with the State so NYCHA can apply for ERAP on their behalf. 

For NYCHA residents who meet the eligibility requirements, the State may pay up to 12 months of a resident’s unpaid rent accrued on or after March 13, 2020. The State of New York will make the final determination as to whether residents are eligible for ERAP once an application has been submitted. Funds are limited and subject to program eligibility, so residents should act soon! 

NYCHA residents who have not yet applied for ERAP can provide NYCHA with consent to apply on their behalf via the Authority’s Self-Service Portal (see detailed instructions below). Residents who need assistance with completing the consent form on the Self-Service Portal can contact their property management office. 

More information about ERAP, including eligibility requirements, is available at otda.ny.gov/ERAP or by calling the ERAP hotline at 1-844-691-7368.  

Click here for more detailed instructions on how NYCHA residents can apply for ERAP.  

Child care providers should visit the OCFS website to ascertain eligibility and details about the application process.  Per OCFS: the deadline for stabilization grant application submission is Tuesday November 30, 2021 at 11:59 PM. Any applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed. Applicants can call the OCFS Stabilization Grant Help Line - (844) 863-9319 with any questions.

SNAP benefit levels are increasing October 1, 2021.  Beneficiaries of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a net increase in SNAP benefits beginning October 1, 2021.  With a temporary increase to the maximum SNAP benefit level set to expire on September 31, 2021, the US Department of Agriculture will increase maximum benefit levels by approximately $36.24 per person, per month over pre-pandemic benefit levels. This is a welcomed increase for struggling families and is one of many improvements that Senator Persaud and colleagues have been advocating for.  

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits are currently being transferred to households of eligible enrolled students receiving free school lunches as part of the National School Lunch Program.  While P-EBT is not the same as SNAP, funds can only be used for purchases of SNAP-approved food items. P-EBT is a federal benefit being administered by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), not by local social services district offices such as NYC HRA. If you have questions about eligibility, benefit levels, obtaining or replacing an EBT or P-EBT card, etc., read the OTDA FAQ here.  If the OTDA guidance does not answer your specific question, call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-(833)452-0096 or submit your question online.

The Sisters With Purpose Organization will be having an open food pantry this Saturday, 10/16 from 9-10am at the Brooklyn Sports Club, located at 1540 Van Siclen Avenue. Please view the flyer above for additional details.

Other 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.

-For those looking for ways to donate food, cash, or supplies to those in need please find information here about ways you can help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise. NYC Test & Trace continues to operate multiple WALK-IN testing sites throughout Brooklyn including:

1) A mobile testing truck at the corner of Glenwood Road & East 100th Street open 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days per week.

2) 1279 Pennsylvania Avenue (Starrett City), open from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., 7 days per week.

Both sites offer PCR and rapid tests.

For more information visit: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/covid-19-testing-sites/

On Monday, 10/4, Senator Persaud was in attendance as Governor Hochul signed S.64/A. 1524, which will ultimately result in more hot meal options for elderly, disabled or homeless New Yorkers who either lack basic cooking facilities or are physically unable to prepare food.

Senator would like to thank Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation and also for deploying the $25 million Restaurant Resiliency Program to provide relief to the restaurant industry, which continues to face severe challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, see here.

On Monday, 10/4, Senator Persaud and staff attended the ribbon cutting to mark the completion and opening of The Fountains development in East New York. 

Senator would like to thank: The Arker Companies, New York State Empire State Development Corporation, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, New York City Department for Housing Preservation and Development, and State and City local officials for this milestone in the affordable housing industry.

On Sunday, 10/3, Senator Persaud joined Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Assembly member Jaime Williams, Council member Farah N. Louis, NYS Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, clergy, community leaders and constituents at a "Hope for Haiti" benefit event held at the Beraca Baptist Church.

The proceeds from the event will benefit the people of Haiti who were displaced by the earthquake that devastated the island in August. Tents, tarps and other much needed items will be purchased and taken to the island.

Senator would like to thank Pastor Mullery Jean Pierre and the Beraca Baptist Church family for hosting us and to Assembly member Jaime Williams for coordinating the event.

On Saturday, 10/2, Senator Persaud attended the first annual Healthier Futures Wellness Expo presented by Emblem Health at Dr. Green Playground in Brownsville.

Senator would like to say thank you to Emblem Health for their continued commitment to the community and partnership.

#SD19

On Saturday, 10/2, Senator Persaud and staff participated in the 1st Annual Yemeni American Heritage day organized by the Yemeni American Merchants Association -YAMA.

The Yemeni flag was raised at Brooklyn Borough Hall in honor of the celebration.
SD19 is home to several Yemeni American businesses, including Saba Live Poultry the largest providers of halal poultry and livestock in Brooklyn and Queens.

NYPD 69th Precinct Yemeni American officers were also in attendance.

On Saturday, 10/2, Mill Basin Civic Association held their October meeting outdoor at Mary Queen of Heaven Church.

Senator would like to say thank you to the residents who attended and listened to various speakers, voiced their opinions as well as asked their questions.

On Saturday, 10/2, Senator Persaud and staff attended the East NY 5K Walk/Run & Family Day.

There were many enthusiastic participants and attendees present on that beautiful morning that received health information and other resources as well as face masks.

The many vendors also distributed important resources to the attendees and runners.

Senator would like to send congratulations to the organizers on a successful event!

See photos here.

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

Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) has several Brooklyn mobile adoption events coming up this month! 

Locations and dates below:

Saturday, October 23, 12 - 4pm: My Natural Pet, 8318 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209

These and events in other boroughs are posted on: https://www.nycacc.org/adoptionevents, and also on our free mobile app, ACC of NYC (https://www.nycacc.org/app).

For those who aren't in a position to adopt but would love to temporarily care for a dog in need, fostering may be a perfect fit!

More on fostering: https://www.nycacc.org/foster.

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.

National Grid is partnering with Ascend Long Island on their residential weatherization program, the Total Home Comfort Program (THCP).

The goal of the program is to encourage the installation of weatherization measures and building envelope improvements, such as insulation, air sealing, and window improvements by residential natural gas heating customers.
Apply at : www.Ascendli.com

The Advisement Center offers many services to students that assist with balancing school life. Advisors are available to help students with their academic, personal, and professional development.

Reach out to your advisors, and get to know how they can assist you while enrolled at BEOC:

Please visit: https://www.sunybeoc.org/beoc-today-newsletter/2/

BEOC is offering an opportunity for individuals to earn their high school equivalency diploma and/or prepare for a new career or college. Classes are currently being offered on-line with limited in-person instruction for the Medical Assisting and Direct Support Professional students. Students attending in-person classes will be required to be vaccinated, and social distancing guidelines will apply.

Visit BEOC here for more information about eligibility requirements, programs, and services.

Attention Small Business Owners:

Many New York Small Business District Centers (NYSBDCs) are hosting webinars to help small business owners across the state recover and re-build their businesses. These are free and registration is open to anyone statewide. Click here for more information and/or sign up. 

UPDATE: NYS Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program

Governor Hochul announces expanded eligibility for the $800 Million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program!

• Small Businesses with Revenues Up to $2.5 Million and Experiencing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19 Are Encouraged to Apply for Grants of Up to $50,000.
• Additionally, the limitation for businesses that received Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans has been increased from $100,000 to $250,000.
• For more information, see here.

The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is NOW OPEN. 

For eligibility requirements and more information, feel free to visit the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program site.

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is hosting workshops on how you may qualify for the New York State Small Business Recovery Grant Program. 

If you or someone you know may be interested in attending these workshops, click here to RSVP.

Brooklyn EXCELerate Loan Fund

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

Applications for the Excluded Workers Fund (EWF) are now being accepted. 

The $2.1 billion dollar fund was created to support New Yorkers who could not receive unemployment, pandemic, or other federal relief benefits.

Program Information

Multi-lingual FAQs are available at dol.ny.gov/ewf, with additional program information. The FAQs include information on qualification requirements, benefit amounts, and documents needed for applicants to verify identity, residency, and work history. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so those eligible are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Application Assistance

NYS DOL has resources available to assist individuals with the application process:

Step-by-step videos are available that go through the application in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

A virtual assistant is available on the DOL website and phone to answer frequently asked questions and help walk applicants through the process.

Individuals can also schedule a call back to receive help in their native language from a live representative.

Avoiding Fraud

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply only on the Excluded Workers Fund website or with the help of trusted community-based organizations. 

Fraudulent activity can be reported to the Attorney General’s Office at (800) 771-7755.

For more information, visit the EWF homepage.

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 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.

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. 

Community Resources

Click the button under each graphic for more information.

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

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. Simply click on the topic name in bold below.

COVID-19 Vaccine, Saturday, 01/23/2021, sponsored in conjunction with NYC DOHMH and NYC Test & Trace.

Rank Choice Voting, Saturday, 02/27/2021, and Monday 5/17/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Rank the Vote NYC. 

Citizens NYC Grant Information Session, Monday, 03/15/2021, featuring Citizens Committee for New York City. Click here for Citizens NYC All-In Neighborhood Grants Application.

Tenant’s Rights, Tuesday, 03/16/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Brooklyn Legal Services Corp. A. 

New Pathways to Homeownership, Thursday, 6/24/2021, sponsored in conjunction with the Governor's office of Faith and Community Development Services and SONYMA.

Know Your Rights for Immigrant Communities, Wednesday, 5/19/2021, sponsored in conjunction with the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Affairs. 

Menstrual Inequality & Period Poverty, Tuesday 6/15/2021, sponsored in conjunction with U by Kotex. 

Backwater Valves for Homeowners, Monday, 03/22/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Center for NYC Neighborhoods and NHS Brooklyn.  An additional session was held on Thursday, 5/6/2021. 

Financial Literacy, Thursday, 03/18/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Center for the Women of New York. 

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.