UAWNYC COVID-19 RESPONSE EFFORTS
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Union of Arab Women is partnering with the Women's Empowerment Coalition of NYC to distribute food to families affected by COVID-19. For food assistance, please call +1(516) 441-2083
ASSIST FAMILIES IMPACTED BY COVID-19
COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone, some more drastically than others. Union of Arab Women is doing its part to help ensure the health, safety, and food security of our communities. Union of Arab Women is helping families and individuals most affected by Covid-19.
MASK THE FRONTLINERS
A group of community organizers in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn led by the Union of Arab Women are providing protective face masks to healthcare providers, first responders, grocery personnel and other essential workers. COVID-19 is affecting everyone around the globe; we are trying to do our part by working locally in support of our community.
NYC RESOURCES
INFORMATION HOTLINE & TEXT UPDATES
Call the state's COVID-19 Hotline. Available 24/7 at 1-888-364-3065
Text NEW YORK to 813-36 for updates from the state government.
Text COVID to 692-692 for updates from New York City's local government.
HEALTHCARE
If you are sick, call your doctor or local health department before going to an emergency room.
COVID-19 tests are in short supply. Click here to learn more about who can get tested, how to make an appointment, and drive-through testing in New York State. NEW: New York expanded criteria to allow all first responders, health care workers and essential employees to be tested for COVID-19 even if they aren't symptomatic.
If you have recovered from COVID19, please consider Mt. Sinai’s Plasma Donation. Your blood may contain antibodies that fight the virus and can help critically ill people. Mount Sinai is looking to screen you as a volunteer.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Visit NYC.gov/GetFood for COVID-19 food assistance resources.
FoodHelp NYC to find a locations near your home distributing meals for free, including food pantries and Grab & Go meals at NYC Schools, available for all children or adults in need.
Visit ACCESS HRA to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
NYC Department for the Aging provides home-delivered meals are available for seniors ages 60 years and older who may have disabilities, access, or functional needs.
HungerFree NYC and Hunter College Food Policy Center publish neighborhood-based food resource guides. These guides covers all neighborhoods in NYC by ZIP code and are available in multiple languages.
City Harvest Mobile Markets distribute fresh produce in all five boroughs.
Emergency food delivery assistance is available to you if you:
Are unable to go out and get food for yourself, AND
Do not have someone else in your household who can get food for you, AND
Do not have a family member, friend, or neighbor who lives nearby who can get food for you, AND
Do not receive food from Meals on Wheels, God's Love We Deliver or a similar service, AND
Are not able to afford food delivery from a restaurant or grocery store.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
If you are in need or help or assistance, text 844-997-2121 at any time. You can also go to a new confidential website to reach a professional. Both services will be staffed 24/7 by New York State's Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence who are experts in domestic violence.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
All New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
New York City residents can call NYC WELL, a 24/7 confidential mental health & substance use hotline at 1-888-NYC-Well, or text text WELL to 65173.
All New Yorkers can access free meditation and mindfulness resources for free at headspace.com/ny.
UTILITIES, HOUSING, & FINANCES
Utilities
Gas, electricity, & water providers will not shut off service during the coronavirus crisis. Previously scheduled rate increases have been delayed.Residential Mortgages
Mortgage payments waived without penalty until June 20th. Call your mortgage holder to arrange pause or decrease in payment. Read more here.Residential Rents
Rent payments have not been waived or cancelled.
Eviction & hearings in housing court are suspended. Bronx residents who get an eviction notice can report it to the Bureau of City Marshals within the Department of Investigation at (212) 825-5953.
NYCHA residents who have lost income due to coronavirus may be eligible for a rent reduction. NYCHA residents can request income recertification here.
Banks & Credit Cards
ATM, overdraft, late, & credit card fees waived until 6/20.
Student Loans
Federally held loans (not private loans) suspended until September 30th and will not accrue interest. Call your lender to suspend auto-payments.
Nonpayment can’t be used to affect credit score or qualification for loan forgiveness. Wages will not be garnished; tax refunds will not be reduced if you default.
Car & Other Payments
Call the company and tell them that you cannot make your payment specifically because of coronavirus. You may be able to make an arrangement.
Retirement Accounts
There are no required minimum distributions to IRA or 401k accounts. You can withdraw up to $100,000 without penalty as long as its because of the virus.
You can spread out income taxes owed on the distribution over 3 years from the date you took take it out, & you can put money back into account before those 3 years are up.
You can borrow twice the usual amount from your 401K or other workplace retirement account