Community Outreach Resources from Partners

The information and links set forth below are provided by third parties. While SUNY College of Optometry has made reasonable attempts to ensure that these sources are reliable, we cannot guarantee that the information provided is accurate. Links to any third-party websites are not intended to be an endorsement by the College of such site, nor of any products or services that may be promoted on the sites. Finally, any content or links to third-party sites are provided for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of your health care provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

 

Resources & Information During COVID-19

As a reminder, you may sign up to receive text updates from New York City by texting “COVID” to 692-692 or “COVIDESP” to 692-692 for updates in Spanish.

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Services for the Disabled
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Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY) – cidny.org

  • Provides help applying for Disability, benefits counseling, and more: (212) 674-2300

NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities – nyc.gov

Disability Rights New York – drny.org

  • Legal services for people with disabilities: 518-432-7861

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guide to Disability Rights Law – ada.gov

New York Public Library programs and services for those with disabilities – nypl.org

Brain Injury Association of New York State – bianys.org

  • Advocacy, resources, and helpline for those with brain injuries: (518) 459-7911
Supports for those with Vision Loss
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Lighthouse Guild

Tele-support groups for adults (35+years) with vision loss – lighthouseguild.org support for adults

Tele-support groups for young adults (20-34 years) with vision losslighthouseguild.org support for young adults.

  • Phone: 212-769-7833

Activities for low vision Children – pinterest.com games for children who are blind or visually impair

Golden Carers: 20 Activities For The Visually Impaired – goldencarers.com

Senior Services
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DFTA Aging Connect hotline

  • New York City hotline for seniors with information about resources, services, and other opportunities
  • 212-AGING-NYC (212) 244-6469

Well Connected (English and Spanish): – covia.org

  • Free phone-based support groups (and activity & education programs) for seniors over the age of 60.
  • Call for info or to enroll: (877) 797-7299

For LGBT elder’s communitysageusa.org

  • SAGE is a program for LGBT older adults. The SAGE Connect program links LGBT elders with their broader community: Register by dialing 929-484-4160.

Senior Planetseniorplanet.org

  • Seniors can learn new skills, save money, get in shape, make new friends & learn how to connect with friends and loved ones through Zoom video conferencing at Senior Planet.

Volunteers of Legal Service (VOLS)volsprobono.org

  • Serves low income New Yorkers age 60+ by partnering with pro bono attorneys to provide wills, powers of attorney, and other essential life planning documents free of charge.
Resources and Activities for Families
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Helpful Links for families – schools.nyc.gov

Physical Activity – schools.nyc.gov physical education and physical activity

Department of Youth and Community Development Virtual Resources Toolkitnyc.gov

  • Resources for summer activities for children of all ages

New York Public Library Online Summer Reading activitiesnypl.org

IncludeNYCincludenyc.org

  • Advocacy organization with resources and supports for families of children with developmental disabilities

Lincoln Center AT HOMElincolncenter.org

  • Performing arts and arts education offerings have moved to a digital platform accessible

East Harlem Asthma Center of Excellence (EHACE)nyc.gov

  • Provides asthma counselors to help children aged 17 and younger who reside in East and Central Harlem and have poorly controlled asthma
  • Contacts: Hector Correa at (646)877-4446 or hcorrea1@health.nyc.gov
Education
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PSS LIFE! University – pssusa.org/events/

  • A free community education portal that offers a vast array of webinars and online activities – from health information to legal planning to cultural activities. 

Internet / Wireless Access:

New York City Department of Education:

  • New York City Public Schools request form for parents whose kids need tablets to participate in remote learning – parents can fill out the form here.
  • For New York City parents whose students will be learning from home, here is a helpful portal for remote learning resources.
  • Families can still pick up grab-and-go breakfast and lunch from any New York City school building between 7:30am-1:30pm; schools.nyc.gov

Learning Tools and Online Programs:

Additional Resources for activities, books, art, and more:

Groceries, Meals, and Food
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Catholic Charitescatholiccharitiesny.org

402 East 152 Street, Bronx, NY 10455.

  • UCHC 2021 onsite Snap Facilitators: Taking Calls – No longer on site for now.
    • Katherine Morales: O: 718-292-9090 ext. 300 | 646.960.1551 Cell
    • Tomas Mendoza: O: 718-292-9090 ext. 43 | 845-519-4072 Cell

NY Common Pantrynycommonpantry.org

1209 Hoe Ave, Ground FL, Bronx, NY 10459

917-982-2700

  • Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 1st Time Registration Time: 10am – 2pm
  • Items to bring: Identification, Lease, Identification for everyone living in the household, proof of Address, proof of Income

True Tabernacle Gospel Church (Pantry)tgtchurch.org

1 West Tremont Ave, Bronx NY 10453

  • Tuesday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Davidson Community Centerwww.thedccsite.org

2038 Davidson Ave, Bronx NY 10453

718-901-2786

  • Food Pantry: Wed 10am – 12pm

NYC Department of Education Grab & Goschools.nyc.gov

For any student at the entrance of every DOE school building

  • From 7:30am – 1:30pm.

The Relief Bus Mobile Soup Kitchennewyorkcityrelief.org

South Bronx Outreach, Brooke Ave (Btwn 147th & 148th St), Bronx, Ny 10455

1 800-736-2773

  • Saturday, 10am-2pm

St. Jerome H.A.N.D. Community Centerjeromehands.com

330 E 138th Street, Bronx NY 10454

  • Food Pantry: Wednesday 4pm – 6pm. Registration and ID required, must live in 10454

Coronavirus NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides – nycfoodpolicy.org

  • Thorough guide by neighborhood, with info about where to get free meals, supermarkets with senior hours or delivery, food pantries, and other community programs

Websites discussing all delivery optionsafb.org

  • Article from Association for the Blind about grocery & food delivery during COVID

NYC Food delivery assistancecityofnewyork.us

  • A city program to deliver meals to New Yorkers who can’t access food themselves during the pandemic

Food Bank – foodbanknyc.org

Meals on Wheelsmealsonwheelsnys.org

  • Program for seniors to apply for free meals

Free deliveryinvisiblehandsdeliver.org

  • Invisible Hands mutual aid group for grocery delivery for English and Spanish speakers
Housing
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Section 8 Recipients & NYCHA Tenants: New York City will automatically extend any section 8 vouchers that are set to expire. Holders do not need to reach out to the City for an extension. Additionally, all subsidy terminations in process will be suspended. Any New Yorkers who hold HPD Section 8 vouchers and are facing hardship paying their rent due to lost income should contact HPD. NYCHA tenants experiencing a loss of income should visit the NYCHA Self-Service Portal here.

Mortgage Relief: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced 90 days of relief on mortgage payments for New Yorkers experiencing financial hardship. All New York mortgage servicers will be required to waive mortgage payments for individuals facing financial hardship, and may not make negative reports to credit bureaus, or charge late or online payment fees.

Tenants’ Rights: If tenants need assistance, call the Met Council’s Tenants’ Right Hotline on Monday and Wednesday between 1:30-8:00pm, Tuesday between 5:30-8:00pm or Friday between 1:30-5:00pm for assistance in English and Spanish at 212-979-0611.

Homebasenyc.gov

  • A homeless prevention program through NYC

Coalition for the Homelesscoalitionforthehomeless.org

  • Advocacy and direct service organization helping the unhoused in NYC
  • Phone: (212) 776-2177
Financial
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Catholic Charitiescatholiccharitiesny.org

  • Help with avoiding eviction, help for immigrants, and more

Cash Assistance NYCnyc.gov

  • Information about how to apply for Temporary Cash Assistance and/or SNAP (food stamps)

Information on how to apply for unemploymentlabor.ny.gov

Website for unemployment assistance from NYny.gov

  • This line is open 24/7.

Small Business

COVID-19 Assistance & Guidance for Businessesnyc.gov

Columbia Emergency Loan Fund for Small Businessescolumbia.edu

  • By Columbia University Business relief program
Banking
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  • Department of Financial Services to require all state-chartered banks to waive all ATM fees, late fees, overdraft fees, or fees for credit cards.
  • American Banking Association: aba.com
  • Federal Reserve Bank of New York: newyorkfed.org
Transportation
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MTA

Ferry

Access-A-Ridenew.mta.info

  • Door-to-door paratransit Service for eligible customers with disabilities
  • Phone: (877)337-2017
Covid-19 Resources
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NYC: Text ‘COVID Test’ 855-48 to find COVID testing sites nearby.

COVID resources by neighborhoodnyc.gov

Free Testing COVID-19nyc.gov

  • You insert your zip code and you can find one closest to you

Phone-a-Clinician hotline free tele-medicine consultation for those with COVID-19 related medical concerns

  • Call (844) NYC-4NYC to connect to a medical provider free of charge 9 am – 9 pm

Free mask give away in NYCnyc.gov

A Mask for Every Americandhvani.com

How to make your own face maskcnn.com

  • (whether you know how to sew or not)

COVID Pet Hotlinecnn.com

  • For those who have a COVID-related pet concern
  • Phone: 1-877-204-8821
  • Working hours: (8 am – 8 pm, 7 days/week)
Self-Care Practices and Programs
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Self-Care Stress Management Toolkitnyc.gov

  • From Official Website of the City of New York

Meditationuclahealth

  • UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center: free meditations in English and Spanish

Links for audio meditation videos from the Daily Calmaudio meditation

Breathing Exercisedrweil.com

  • Breathing pattern developed by Dr. Andrew Weil (Easy but helpful)

Limit News ConsumptionHow to stop compulsively checking the news

  • Link understanding why and how to limit news consumption from a Brown University Mindfulness Center psychiatrist & neuroscientist

More Self Care routinesncoa.org

  • Link to self care routines from the National Council on Aging during COVID-19

VNYS Choice Virtual Exercise Series! Every Tuesday and Thursdayvnsnychoice.org

Mental Health Care
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OMH Emotional Support Line for COVID-related stressomh.ny.gov

  • Helpline: 1-844-863-9314

NYC WELL, 24/7 crisis hotline in many languagenycwell.cityofnewyork.us

  • The program will also connect people to long-term mental health treatment in their community.
  • Call: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
  • Text: WELL to 65173

Mental Health Service Finder Betamaps.nyc.gov

  • You can put in your insurance and your location and it will direct you to the nearest mental health facility within your vicinity

Service Program for Older People (SPOP)spop.org

  • Mental health providers for older adults (55+)
  • Phone: (212) 787-7120 x514

Lighthouse Guildlighthouseguild.org

  • Mental health providers for those with vision impairments and traumatic brain injuries
  • Phone: 1-800-284-4422

Mental Health.GOVmentalhealth.gov

  • Resource for mental health

Teen Mental Heathteenmentalhealth.org

  • Mental health information and resources for teens and families
Domestic Violence
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NYS domestic violence supportopdv.ny.gov

  • Hotline: 1-800-942-6906

Support for Domestic Violence Survivors:

  • The Mayor’s Office to End Domestic Violence has temporarily closed their NYC Family Justice Centers, including their center in the Bronx.
  • Survivors can still receive support by calling 718-508-1220 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).
  • During evenings and weekends, survivors can access help by calling New York City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline (800-621-4673) or by visiting the NYC HOPE Resources Directory at nyc.gov.
  • Survivors can also reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting “LOVEIS” to 22522, or visiting thehotline.org.
Other Resources
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Price Gouging Updates:

In addition to reporting price gouging within New York City by calling 311 or filing a complaint online, you can also submit complaints to the Office of the New York State Attorney General. You can file complaints about sudden increases in cost of essential items like food or consumer medical supplies here.

Mutual Aid Group

Mutual Aid NYCmutualaid.com

  • Info about what mutual aid is, how to get resources, how to support, and how to start a mutual aid program.
  • Hotline: 646-437-8080 (Multiple language choice)

Pharmacy

Medly Pharmacymedlypharmacy.com

  • Medly Pharmacy In-Home Delivery Service | (718) 782-7539

Health Insurance

NY State of Healthnystateofhealth.ny.gov

  • Information about enrolling in health insurance through the NY State marketplace
  • Help Line: 855-355-5777

Community Health Advocatescommunityhealadvocates.org

  • Free program to help New Yorkers understand their insurance, access insurance, resolve medical debt, and more.
  • Phone: (888) 614-5400

Resources about Civic Rights

Census 20202020census.gov

  • complete the census online or by phone (by 10/31/20)
  • English: 844-330-2020
  • Spanish: 844-468-2020

Voting

Absentee Voting in New York – elections.ny.gov

  • Information about voting by mails in NYS
  • Oct 27th, Last day to postmark an application or letter of application by mail for an absentee ballot.

Vote.org – vote.org

  • Information about Absentee Ballot rules by state.

Board of Election in the City of New York – vote.nyc

  • For Voter registration, outreach and processing.

Business Improvement Districts

These groups offer resources specific to their communities. Click on link to see the list of BID groups in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. nyc.gov

Webinars / Online Events

Brain Injury Association Virtual March On for Brain Injury 2020 – bianys.org

  • Day of awareness about brain injuries
  • Date: Saturday, September 12, 2020

ManyOne Can. Walk with Us to Cure Lupus – Registration lupusresearch.org

  • By Lupus Research Alliance
  • Date: Saturday, September 12, 2020
Other Helpful Websites and Resources
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Reminder: These websites are from 3rd parties and were shared by various partners. We have attempted to streamline the information as much as possible but cannot verify the information is accurate. This is for information purposes only.

 

Who What
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene nyc.gov
NYS Unemployment labor.ny.gov
NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission nyc.gov
NYC Pets and Service Animals nyc.gov
New York City Department of Small Business Services Pre-application for Small Business Continuity Loan Fund Employee
NYC Employee Retention Grant Program
New York City Economic Development Corporation COVID-19 Emergency Supply Sourcing & Manufacturing
New York State Procurement Form
US Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
US Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance
US Housing Urban Development Foreclosure Moratorium for Homeowners
US IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief
Columbia University Retail Assistance
American Health Insurance Providers ahip.org
New York State of Health – Healthcare Marketplace nystateofhealth.ny.gov
ConEd coned.com
National Grid nationalgridus.com
New York State Guidance on Essential Services Under The ‘New York State on PAUSE’ Executive Order
New York State Essential Business Classification
New York State Department of Labor – Cares Act labor.ny.gov
New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer Economic Impact of COVID-19 on New York City
125th Street BID – COVID-19 Updates 125thstreet.nyc
Federal Reserve Bank federalreserve.gov