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

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

– Jackie Robinson.

Did you know that September 2021, is Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects 10 million people, yet it is under diagnosed and under treated; many people believe pain in the legs or lower extremities is just another sign of aging, not realizing that it may be a warning sign for this serious disease.

Senator Persaud sponsored Senate Reso. J838 to show that it is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at local, State and National levels.

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

FEMA Relief

New Yorkers can now get disaster assistance and report damage to FEMA. In order for your constituents to apply for disaster assistance and report damage to their property:

Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Call 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, 7 days a week:
1-800-621-3362 (711 or VRS available)
TTY: 1-800-462-7585

Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from an unidentified number.

Post-Storm Resources 

Visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/ida.page

This site contains a growing collection of resources including:

Get disaster assistance and report damage to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Get free emergency alerts and updates from Notify NYC
Find a service center near you
Transportation to service centers
Services offered
Cleaning after a flood
How to prevent mold growth
Rumor control

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.  

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. To apply or receive additional information, visit www.otda.ny.gov/ERAP.

If you require assistance with your application, contact the OTDA ERAP Hotline: (844) NY1 - RENT or (844) 691-7368 or visit www.otda.ny.gov/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.

*UPDATE: New Food Benefits Coming to Families: P-EBT

All NYC public school students regardless of family income or immigration status will be receiving new funds for food, through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT).

P-EBT is a temporary federal food benefit program for families to buy food to make up for school meals that were missed while students were enrolled in remote/blended learning.

It can be used anywhere EBT/SNAP are accepted, including most retail food stores and farmers markets and applies to all children attending NYC’s public schools (including public charters).

P-EBT is automatically issued, there is no application. If families lost their cards, they can call the NYS Customer Service Helpline at 1-888-328-6399.

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, 10/2 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 Sunday, 9/26, The New Hope Worship Center had its 31st Anniversary Celebration and Prayer for Children-Book Bag Distribution and it was a huge success.
Staffer Jennifer Viechweg-Horsford represented #SD19 Office.

On Friday, 9/24, I.S. 211 culminated their Spirit Week activities  with a "Rep your Grade" event.

The students were able to play tennis, laser tag, and basketball. There was popcorn, cotton candy, and Subway sandwiches. Students also received a book bag filled with school supplies.

Senator would like to send congratulations to Principal Carolyn James in partnership with NYJTL's CEO Jen Wohl and Director of School-Based Operations and Compliance, Yolette Charles for organizing the fun-filled event.

#SD19

On Thursday, 9/23, Bayview Houses Residents Association resumed in-person meetings. Despite the inclement weather, there were robust discussions between tenants and management.

Senator would like to say thank you to NYPD PSA 1 for showing up in large numbers for the meeting.

#SD19

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 2, 12 - 4pm: Petco Sheepshead Bay, 1610 Avenue Y, Brooklyn, NY 11209

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.

A Message from NY State Parks:

Shirley Chisholm State Park Free Bike Library is open for the season! In partnership with NY State Parks, Natural Heritage Trust, Con Edison and Bloomberg Philanthropies, bikes are offered until October 31, Thursday through Sunday with the first ride out at 10AM and the last ride in at 4PM or one hour before the park closes.

Reservations required - learn more at "Hours of Operation" tab here.

#SD19

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that its five Special Waste Drop-Off Sites have reopened. The sites, which had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, give residents a place to bring potentially harmful household items for proper disposal. The sites will be open from 10AM to 5PM every Saturday and the last Friday of the month. Sites are closed on legal holidays and may be closed during severe weather.

There is one Special Waste Drop-Off site in each borough. See Brooklyn site below.

Brooklyn: 459 North Henry Street in Greenpoint

The Department’s Special Waste Drop-Off Sites are only for non-commercial materials from City residents.

For more information, visit the safe disposal site and download the checklist for acceptable items.

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/

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

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.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is interviewing candidates for a Merchant Outreach and Recovery Coordinator. This position will have a local impact right in Canarsie. Learn more here. 

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.