COVID-19 Update #37

We hope that this has reached you in good health. Thank you for your commitment in serving the residents and employees of NYCHA. Together, we can support our communities in need. This issue will highlight the following topics: 

• Newsletter Schedule Update
• Money for Groceries  
• Free Mental Health Services
• Financial Resources and Tools

Newsletter Schedule Update 

NYCHA thanks you for being an avid reader of the Intergovernmental Relations newsletter! Moving forward, the Intergovernmental newsletter will be shifting to a two-day schedule, dedicated to keeping you informed you every Tuesday and Thursday. Please feel free to reach out to Intergov@nycha.nyc.gov with any topics you would like the newsletter to cover. Thank you and stay well! 

Money for Groceries 

• No sign-up is required. All families of NYC public school children, regardless of your immigration status, income, or employment, will receive this money.
• If you already have an EBT card or a Medicaid card, the money will automatically be added to your card.
• If you do not have an EBT card, you will receive one in the mail. If you are concerned that the State of New York may not have your correct address, please call 1-888-328-6399.

Families of non-public school students should contact the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to learn if they are eligible.

Learn more here or call New York State’sEBT Customer Service Center at 1-888-328-6399.

Free Mental Health Services

NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance misuse support, information and referral. You can reach the toll-free help line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text and online chat. Mental health professionals there can link you to the services you need.

To contact NYC Well, call:

• 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)
• 1-888-692-9355 (Español) 
• 1-888-692-9355 (中文) 
• 711 (TTY for hearing impaired)

You can also reach NYC Well by texting “WELL” to 651-73, or visit their web site for more information.

NYC Well counselors are available 24/7. They can provide bilingual help in Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese. Additionally, NYC Well offers translation services in more than 200 languages.

Health insurance is not required. Depending on your phone/text service, you may be charged a fee.

Financial Resources and Tools

Student Loan Debt Tips

• Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, federal student loan payments are automatically suspended, without interest or penalties, for six months. No action is required by borrowers. For more information on what you need to know click here. 

Unemployment Benefits FAQ 

• If you still have questions concerning the unemployment benefit process-- How to apply, if you are eligible or what information you need to apply, click here. 

Job Opportunities in the Healthcare Field: 

•  Fund for Public Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. Come join their team, there are job opportunities from Evaluation Interns to Laboratory Directors available! Click here for more information.