OUR COMMITMENT

The impact of the coronavirus has touched us all, disrupting our lives, changing our work patterns, and driving us to take a closer look at how we collectively respond to crisis. NYLPI has created this resource page to easily connect our client communities and partners with valuable information related to COVID-19. 

OUR WORK ADDRESSING COVID-19

NYLPI focuses on health and disability justice and access to healthcare, responding to the emerging needs of clients and communities, including many who will be disproportionately impacted by the virus – because they can’t work from home, don’t have access to quality healthcare, already have higher rates and risk of respiratory disease due to environmental harm, are afraid to get treated because of their immigration status and fear of retaliation, or are individuals with disabilities who have serious underlying health conditions, are immunocompromised, or are seniors. All of these groups require targeted advocacy during the COVID-19 crisis. 

We will continue to support the efforts of our partners while we step up and advocate for our client communities. NYLPI will continue to advocate for the rights and safety of front-line workers, including those in the sanitation, healthcare, education, and transit sectors, who are vital to our City’s health and wellbeing.  

Our Pro Bono Clearinghouse is committed to connecting nonprofit organizations and our community partners impacted by the virus to resources available around the city. If you are a nonprofit or a service provider, you can find more resources on effective remote work practices, grant opportunities, and more here on our coronavirus nonprofit resource page. 

GET HELP

If you are a nonprofit organization seeking help, please click here.

If you are an individual or family needing assistance, please click here.

RESOURCES AND UPDATES ON COVID-19

• COVID-19 Self Test at Home Instructions (Massachusetts State) 
• Free Federally-Distributed At-Home COVID-19 Tests
• Receive 8 Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests for Free with Medicare

New York State Information and Updates 

• Latest New York State Updates (Department of Health)
• Paid Sick Leave for Impacted New Yorkers (NY State)
• Executive Order on Essential Services and Guidance
  
• Get involved- How Can You Help
• Get COVID-19 Exposure Alerts via COVID Alert NY App / Obtenga Alertas de Exposición a la COVID-19 con Aplicación COVID-19 Alert NY
• Vaccine Education for Office of Mental Health (OMH) & Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Service Recipients and Providers
  • Register for the May 10, 2021 session at 9:30 AM EDT to ask expert panelists your questions.
  • There will be more sessions offered throughout the spring and summer of 2021. 

New York City Information and Updates on Covid-19 

• NYC Guidance and Community Resources
  
• Information for Providers in NYC
  

United States Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Register for Disaster Assistance
• FEMA Funeral Assistance in English and Spanish

United States Department of State Information on Covid-19 

• Travel Advisory and Warnings on Covid-19

United States Internal Revenue Service

• People experiencing homelessness may qualify for an Economic Impact Payment

CDC Protocols 

• CDC Guidelines and Updates
  
• CDC Guidelines for Schools and Childcare Programs  
  
• CDC Guidance for Institutes of Higher Education    

World Health Organization Covid-19 Resources 

• Rolling Updates on Covid-19 from WHO  

Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Information 

• CIDRAP Medical and Scientific Research on Covid-19

United Nations Coronavirus News 

• Global Health Emergency News

GISAID Open Data on Covid-19 Pandemic 

• Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)

 

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY & ACCESSIBILITY

• Community-Based Pop-up Vaccination Sites- Vaccinations by Appointment Only
• Interest form for homebound New York City residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine those interested can also call 1-877-829-4692 to discuss the program, eligibility, and make an appointment
  • As of May 27, NYC will expand its in-home Coronavirus vaccinations to include both people with disabilities and people ages 75 and older. Call 877-VAX-4NYC or visit VAX4NYC.NYC.gov to sign up for the  in-home program.
• See if you may be Eligible to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine
  • As of Feb. 15, Monday, February 15th, individuals with “Comorbidities and Underlying Conditions” as defined by New York State are eligible to make an appointment for the COVID19 vaccine.
  • As of Feb. 25, Concepts of Independence has been offered approximately 200 slots by VNS of NY for consumers and their Personal Assistants to be given the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccinations will be given at the VNS offices. You must fill out this form and email [email protected] by 5:00 pm on 3/1/21.
  • As of March 30, New Yorkers age 30 or older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine! To learn more or to find out where to get vaccinated, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder.
    You can also call 1-877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692)
  • Starting April 6, New York residents age 16 and older will also become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine
• New York State Phased Distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccine
• Vaccine Location Finder & Tracker
• Vacúnese contra el COVID-19

 

RESOURCES FOR IMPACTED COMMUNITIES

Education Resources

• Special Education Remote Learning Information/Contacts/Resources/Links
• Free Online Resources for Families (School Choice Week
  
• Free Online Education Resources for students impacted by Covid-19
• Remote Learning Resources for Kids and Teens

Resources for People with Disabilities 

If you need help accessing a COVID vaccine, test, or other resources, the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is available to help people with disabilities get vaccinated and access COVID-19 tests. The DIAL’s trained staff can help find local vaccination locations, assist with making vaccination appointments, help connect to available testing options (including help with ordering free at-home test kits), and connect callers to local services – such as accessible transportation – to overcome barriers to vaccination and testing. To contact DIAL, Call 888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can reach DIAL using the 711/Video Relay Service (VRS). To use this free service, simply dial 711 and you will be connected with a communications assistant with whom you can text. For people who do not communicate through speech, sign language or VRS, email is the best option to communicate with DIAL.

• COVID-19 testing for people who are blind or have low-vision.
• Rationing Healthcare away from People with Disabilities
  • If you believed that you or someone you know has been discriminated against, please contact NYLPI. We may be able to help you file a complaint and/or get needed healthcare.
• Health Advisory from the New York State Department of Health
  • Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updated Guidance for Hospital Operators Regarding Visitation
• Home and Community Healthcare Worker Guidance
  • Important information on Emergency Planning, Support Services and Home-care Workers amid COVID-19, please visit the Independent Care System’s Facebook Page or Community News Website
  • Information on COVID-19 related legislation, HCBS Waivers, Medical rationing and more, visit The Center for Public Representation.
• Information for people helping others
  • For anyone who could assist another person with accessing Social Security’s programs and services.
• NYC Food Resources
  • For a layout of all of the city’s food efforts visit nyc.gov/getfood. You can get information on the City’s soup kitchen, food pantries, DOE grab and go options and others. You can also sign up for home delivery if you cannot go out and get food, no one can bring you food, and you are not able to use private delivery options. 
    • Phone: 311
    • Text: 311-692
    • Website: nyc.gov/getfood

• Food for Service Animals
  • NYC Grants for Service Animal Food Assistance: Grants in NYC that can assist in paying for food for a service animal.
    • In order to qualify you must:
      • Reside in New York City.
      • Be determined eligible for or in receipt of SSI benefits or additional State payments.
      • Have a vision, hearing or other disability. 
      • Not have any earned income exempted for maintenance of a guide dog pursuant to Federal law or regulations.
      • Maintain a guide, hearing or service dog.
      • To apply call HRA’s Project for Guide Dogs Program at 929 – 221 – 6692
• ASPCA Food Assistance for Pets
  • The ASPCA is giving free food for cats and dogs and other supplies like cat litter in the NYC area.
  • Call the help line, 1-800-738-9437.
• Mutual Aid NYC
  • A network of groups organizing to provide aid and support to New Yorkers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Redirecting people and resources to those at the frontlines who are providing mutual aid, advocacy and services to the hardest-hit communities. Mutual Aid NYC Website
• COVID-19 Advice from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
  • The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has launched a new webpage full of resources for New Yorkers with Disabilities during COVID-19. 
• COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities
  • This new page contains information on:
    • Food and Supplies
    • Social Services/Medicaid Benefits
    • Home Health Care Providers
    • Transportation
    • Housing
    • Utilities
    • Education
    • Employment
    • Businesses
    • Finance
    • Pets and Service Animals
    • Mental Health Resources

Social Services and Resources Around New York City  

• ACCESS HRA COVID-19 Response and Updates
• Updated list of Resources for Individuals Struggling due to Covid-19 Crisis
• Summer 2020 Air Conditioning Assistance
• Outreach Materials for Vulnerable Populations

Face Covering Pickup Sites

New York City will be distributing over 100,000 face coverings in parks across the city free of charge from Saturday, May 2nd – Tuesday, May 5th. Use the map below to find the closest distribution location, date, and time. For a list of Face Covering Pickup Sites:

Healthcare and Public Charge Rule Information for Immigrants Who Are Not Citizens

• Information on Emergency Medicaid and Coverage for Covid-19 Testing, Evaluation and Treatments for All Low-Income New Yorkers, Regardless of Immigration Status. 
• Covid-19 What You Need To Know
• USCIS Statement on Public Charge Rule
  

Food Security Resources 

• Coronavirus NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides
  • The Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center has created a series of 59 Coronavirus NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides to help connect NYC residents in need with food resources. Each resource guide includes information related to food access within the community, such as meals for students and seniors during this time, delivery services for people with disabilities, and resources for immigrants. Resource guides will be published and updated as rapidly as possible, in order of the NYC neighborhoods most impacted by poverty and food insecurity.
• NYC Emergency Food Assistance Program  
• Free Meals for New York City School Children
• Food Assistance for Seniors 60 years or older
  

Housing Information 

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• Governor Directs 90-Day Moratorium on Any Residential or Commercial Evictions
• NYCHA halts residential evictions for as long as the City is under a state of emergency
• Support and Assistance for individuals at risk of becoming homeless

Healthy Housing

• Copy of COVID-19 and LL55 FAQ Sheet
• Ley Local 55 Preguntas Frecuentes (Español)

Financial Resources  

• Excluded workers in New York State who lost income due to COVID-19 and didn’t receive Unemployment or Federal covid-related relief could be eligible to receive up to $15,600.
  • Find out if you qualify and prepare for your application here: bit.ly/FEWchecklist
  • Apply here: https://dol.ny.gov/EWF
  • If you need assistance with the Fund, email Brayan Pagoada ([email protected]), and/or join CUFFH for the Excluded Workers Fund Launch Fair on Saturday August 14th, from 12-6PM at Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
• Los neoyorquinos que perdieron ingresos debido a COVID-19 y no recibieron ayuda por desempleo o ayuda federal relacionada con el COVID-19 podrían ser elegibles para recibir hasta $15,600.
  • Averigüe si califica y prepárese para su solicitud aquí: bit.ly/FEWchecklist
  • Aplicar aquí: https://dol.ny.gov/EWF
  • Si necesita ayuda con el Fondo, envíe un correo electrónico a Brayan Pagoada ([email protected]) y / o únase a nosotros para la Feria de Lanzamiento del Fondo para Trabajadores Excluidos el sábado 14 de agosto, de 12 a 6 p.m. en el Parque María Hernández en Bushwick, Brooklyn!

• Financial Relief Fund for Impacted Restaurant, Delivery and Service Workers: 

• • https://rocunited.org/relief/application/ 
  • https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVux3kSHcwms1h-qCotlq1sVqvdxaf_gdrcoHttAKEw0MAgg/viewform 
  • https://ofwemergencyfund.org/ayuda 

• Cash Assistance/Emergency Grants
• Financial Relief Funds for Domestic Workers
• Unemployment Resources
• Retroactive COVID-19 Financial Assistance for Funeral Costs
  • The DSS/HRA issued an emergency rule that similarly provides a burial assistance allowance
• NYC residents may be eligible to receive a temporary discount for current or new monthly internet service subscriptions through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program by the FCC

Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19 Resources

• Immigrant Workers’ Rights and COVID-19—A Resource for Workers and Their Advocates
  • This 17-page document is designed to answer frequently asked questions from immigrant workers – many of whom are in front line jobs – and their advocates on a range of subjects related to COVID-19, including: 
    • Safety and Health on the Job
    • Using Collective Action to Improve Workplace Safety and Health
    • Paid and Unpaid Time Off from Work
    • Employer Actions Regarding Workers’ Health
    • Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment
    • Unemployment Insurance
    • Workers’ Compensation
    • Worksite Immigration Enforcement & Employment Eligibility Verification
    • Economic Stimulus Payments / Access to Health Care

Mental Health & Wellness Resources 

• For Free Confidential Mental Health Support: 
  • Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or Text “WELL” to 65173  
• NYS Emotional Support Hotline: 1-844-863-9314
• MOPD Mental Health Resource Listing
• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective   
• Free mindfulness meditations from Calm  
• 16 Directories for Therapists of Color  
• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color  
• Free Online Guided Meditation  
• A Guide to Caring for your Coronavirus Anxiety 
• Children’s Mental Health & Outdoor Safety Guide

WARNINGS & INFORMATION ON SCAM ALERTS

NYLPI is committed to informing our impacted and vulnerable communities about the resources available to them and warnings about potential consumer scams related to COVID-19. Scammers commonly exploit real public health concerns and use heightened public fear to prey on consumers and profit from frauds related to those health fears. For more information on how to protect yourself from scammers, please click on the links below. 

• Scam Alert from Con Edison- 5 Things to Know Today and Tomorrow
• Warning to New Yorkers from Attorney General James About Scams Related to Federal Relief for COVID-19