I want to continue to urge everyone to be mindful of wearing a face covering as we go about our daily travels and interaction with one another, all while practicing social distancing protocols. For further information on the latest guidance, please visit the NYC COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page .
The census self-response period ends September 30th and I cannot stress the importance of completing the Census 2020 form. The results help determine how federal funding impacts our communities each year. Getting a complete and accurate count in 2020 requires everyone's help. I implore everyone to not only respond today, but to help spread the word. If you still have not responded to the Census 2020, visit www.my2020census.gov .
Lastly, I want to inform all families of the recent announcement made by the Department of Education relating to in-person and remote learning. Children who are enrolled in fully remote programs will still begin full-day instruction on Monday, September 21. It is important to know that children in blended learning will begin learning remotely on Monday, September 21 until their in-person start date. Students in 3K, PreK and all grades in District 75 schools begin in-person learning on Monday, September 21st.
All Elementary Schools K-5 and K-8 including students in Grades 6-8 in K-8 schools will commence in-person learning on Tuesday, September 29. In-person learning for Middle Schools and High Schools student will begin on Thursday, October 1. For the latest updates please visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/alerts/important-update-on-in-person-learning-start-dates .
As always we are here to assist you. My office(s) are open Monday-Friday from 9-6pm and you may contact us at 212 828-9800 (East Harlem) or 347 287-4922 (South Bronx).
Querido Vecino,
Quiesiera seguir insistiendo a todos que tengan en cuenta que deben cubrirse la cara mientras realizamos nuestros viajes diarios y durante interacción entre nosotros, mientras practicamos los protocolos de distanciamiento social. Para obtener más información sobre la guía más reciente, visite el portal de información de la ciudad de NYC COVID-19 en https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page.
El período de auto-respuesta del censo finaliza el 30 de Septiembre y no puedo enfatizar la importancia de completar el formulario del Censo 2020. Los resultados ayudan a determinar cómo los fondos federales impactan a nuestras comunidades cada año. Obtener un recuento completo y preciso en 2020 requiere la ayuda de todos. Les imploro a todos que no solo respondan hoy, sino que ayuden a difundir el mensaje. Si aún no ha respondido al Censo 2020, visite www.my2020census.gov.
Por último, quiero informar a todas las familias del reciente anuncio realizado por el Departamento de Educación en relación con el aprendizaje presencial y remoto. Los niños que están inscritos en programas totalmente remotos aún comenzarán la instrucción de día completo el Lunes 21 de Septiembre. Es importante saber que los niños en aprendizaje mixto comenzarán a aprender de forma remota el Lunes 21 de Septiembre hasta la fecha de inicio en persona. Los estudiantes de 3K, PreK y todos los grados en las escuelas del Distrito 75 comienzan el aprendizaje en persona el Lunes 21 de Septiembre.
Todas las escuelas primarias K-5 y K-8, incluidos los estudiantes en los grados 6-8 en las escuelas K-8, comenzarán el aprendizaje en persona el Martes 29 de Septiembre. El aprendizaje en persona para los estudiantes de escuelas intermedias y secundarias comenzará el Jueves, 1 de octubre. Para obtener las últimas actualizaciones, visite https://www.schools.nyc.gov/alerts/important-update-on-in-person-learning-start-dates.
Como siempre, estamos aquí para ayudarlo. Mi (s) oficina (s) están abiertas de Lunes a Viernes de 9 a 6 pm y puede comunicarse con nosotros al 212 828-9800 (East Harlem) o al 347 287-4922 (South Bronx).
125th Community Clean Up
On September 5th, Council Member Ayala was excited to join Uptown Grand Central and their co-hosts Ginjan Cafe and Blkk for another community clean-up along East 125th Street. This corridor is home to a multitude of businesses who work hard every day to improve conditions in the area. The Council Member is always happy to join in these clean-up efforts!
First Look at Sendero Verde
On September 9th, Council Member Ayala joined Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer for a look at the first phase of construction of Sendero Verde. Phase one of this Project is well underway and starting to give life to what will ultimately become home to 360 units of low income housing. The site, will feature a new school, a new community space for Union Settlement Association’s Youth and Senior Programs, and house 11, 500 Square Feet of garden space.
RESO 1387
On September 10th, Council Member Ayala joined the NYC Council Committee on Finance where Res. 1387 - By Council Members Adams, Yeger, Brannan, Koo, Chin, Rose, Maisel, Grodenchik, Rosenthal, Miller, Ampry-Samuel, Moya, Rivera, Louis, Ayala, King, Menchaca, Reynoso, Eugene, Cumbo and Gibson was heard.
This Resolution calls upon the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.8921, which relates to postponing the New York City 2020 tax lien sale until one year after the COVID-19 state of emergency has been lifted.
World Suicide Prevention Day
In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, Council Member Ayala joined Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center at this year’s Virtual Town Hall & Rally. The Council Member had an opportunity to talk about the work she is doing through the NYC Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addictions. The Council Member was also able to share some of her personal experiences, and to hear from others on the call about their experiences as well. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to call someone.
Samaritans Suicide Prevention hotline is available 24/7 at 1-212-673-3000
Census Final Weeks Planning
On September 10th, Council Member Ayala called a meeting of Community Groups working on Census outreach in an effort to organize a final push leading into the last weeks of this year’s count. See below for a calendar of events, and please feel free to reach out to us should you be interested in volunteering at any of the referenced activities listed below.
Census Week of Action
Please feel free to join us at any of the following events for the Census 2020 week of action.
DATE
Monday, September 21st, 2020 TIME
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM Both locations LOCATIONS (2)
Northwest corner of 110th Street and Lexington Avenue adjacent to the subway station
Northwest corner of 116th Street and Lexington Avenue adjacent to the subway station
DATE
Thursday, September 24th, 2020 TIME
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM LOCATION:
Curbside outside City Fresh Supermarket, 235 East 106th Street, New York, NY 10029
DATE
Thursday, September 24th TIME
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM LOCATION:
Northwest corner of 103rd Street and Lexington Avenue adjacent to the subway station
Community Board 4
On September 10th, Council Member Ayala joined Community Board 4 at this month’s Executive Committee meeting where the Board invited the NYC Department of Homeless Services to discuss the oversaturation of shelters.
As of today, Community Board 4 is home to 30+ shelters and an additional 13 stop gap locations making this one of the highest shelter populated communities in the City. Having resided in shelters twice in her lifetime, the Council Member is supportive of and understands the need to house families, but the oversaturation of shelters without the supportive services that should accompany them has created pockets of severe poverty in concentrated areas. This, in turn is a disservice to both the local community and the shelter clients who desperately depend on these services to get back on their feet.
Pulaski Park Renovation Underway
Council Member Ayala is excited to announce that renovation of Pulaski Park is finally underway. The Council Member has been advocating for the renovation of the park since her tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff to then Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who funded this renovation. Pulaski Park is located in a growing residential community that is highly impacted by traffic fumes and the addition of green space, new trees and family friendly amenities, will help transform this space into the hidden gem we’ve always known it to be. Renovation on this project is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2021. We look forward to seeing you all at the ribbon cutting.
El Museo Del Barrio Reopening
Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on our community. It has impacted families, students, small businesses and our beloved cultural institutions. It takes a community to come together to support each other through the good and bad times, and this is why the Council Member could not pass up the opportunity to join El Museo Del Barrio as they opened their doors to the public for the first time since the pandemic.
El Museo celebrated the occasion by featuring an exhibit of El Barrios own “El Taller Boricua”, highlighting the work of artist such as Nitza Tufiño, Fernando Salicrup, and Marcos Dimas. This was a wonderful comeback and the Council Member was happy to be a part of this celebration!
Food Distribution at La Cuevita
On September 15th, Council Member Ayala visited La Cuevita Community Garden for their most recent food distribution event at the garden. This week, they partnered with the office of Assembly Member Robert J. Rodriguez to serve hundreds of East Harlem families a hot meal, a box of fresh produce, and a gallon of milk.
Addressing 110th Street Concerns
On September 15th, Council Member Ayala met with local residents and stakeholders to discuss quality of life concerns affecting 110th Street and Lexington Avenue. During the last few months, our office has received numerous emails and calls of concern over the growing number of improperly disposed of needles in the area, public drug use, the lack of garbage cans, better lighting as well as ongoing harassment of train users at the 110th Street station. The Council Member wanted to offer an opportunity for public discourse in order to come up with a plan to address growing concerns.
Visiting The South Bronx
On September 16th, Council Member Ayala Joined Eastside House at Mitchel and Patterson Houses in the South Bronx and Bridge Builders in High bridge at their meal distribution events. The Council Member took the opportunity to hand out PPE and talk to community members about the importance of completing this year’s census.
Uptown Grand Central Census Day of Action
On September 16th, Council Member Ayala joined the NYC Census at Uptown Grand Central’s Food Market to encourage participants and local community residents to complete the Census. We are happy to report that in just two hours, Census staff was able to complete the form for 20 + individuals. Nice work! With just under two weeks to go- EVERY BODY COUNTS!
25th Precinct Community Council Monthly Meeting
On September 16th, Council Member Ayala joined the 25th Pct at their monthly Community Council Meeting via ZOOM. The Council Member announced that her district office is open for Constituent Services Monday-Friday between 9:00a.m-6:00p.m., that demolition of the old Pathmark site was happening with a new commercial building coming in its place sometime in the near future, and discussed ongoing efforts to address increase in public drug use, homeless encampments and the importance of addressing these issues with the help and support of existing community based groups.
125th Street Working Group
On September 17th, Council Member Ayala called a follow up meeting of the 125th Street Working group. The Council Member announced that additional supplemental cleaning services seemed to be going well. The group also heard from the local Precinct who reported on several arrests of individuals coming to East Harlem to sell large quantities of synthetic marijuana. The new Support and Connections Center also reported that the center will be re-opening in October, and working with the NYPD to identify individuals in need of housing and or behavioral health services.
Betances Back to School
On September 18th, Council Member Ayala stopped by Betances Houses for this year’s Back to School event sponsored in partnership with Catholic Charities. The Council Member has hosted or co-sponsored many of these events this summer with the hope that they help bring a little joy to the youngest of our constituents while taking away a little of the burden of having to purchase back to school gear at a time when so many families are struggling financially.
South Bronx Community and Census Outreach
On September 18th, Council Member partnered with the Millbrook Houses Resident Association, Eastside Houses, and JOBS Plus, CENSUS 2020, and Healthy People for a Community Outreach Day where residents were treated to onsite COVID testing, completed the Census and received a new book bag.
Crain's New York Business Article
City must invest in affordable housing to stem the coming wave of pandemic evictions.
OpEd by Council Member Diana Ayala
If you’re a city resident, the color of your skin all but determines how you and your family have fared in the pandemic.
Now in the sixth month of the Covid-19 crisis, a heartbreaking but unsurprising pattern has emerged: While wealthier, whiter neighborhoods emptied out to flee to suburban and rural safe havens, Black and brown families have stayed behind and endured disproportionately higher rates of job losses, loss of life and illness. Many find themselves teetering on the edge of homelessness. Even before the pandemic, 94% of families in city shelters were headed by a Black or Latinx woman.
As a tidal wave of evictions looms at the start of 2021, New York is at a critical juncture in the homelessness crisis. The crisis was already at a tipping point before the pandemic plunged hundreds of thousands of its residents into uncertainty. If the city and state don’t act now, the situation will only escalate further.
One million city residents have lost their jobs since the pandemic shut down the city in March. As of July, unemployment across the five boroughs surged to 20%, and as high as 24% in the Bronx, which I help represent on the City Council and where the vast majority of residents are Black and Latinx.
For the families who cannot avoid entering a shelter, state and city leaders must invest in robust rental subsidies and support services. Access to affordable housing must be a priority now and into the future.
In Mott Haven, a neighborhood within my 8th Council District, I have heard countless heartbreaking stories from families facing impossible choices. Many have been unable to pay their rent since June because of coronavirus-related layoffs and fear they will become homeless when the eviction moratorium lifts and they are unable to pay back thousands of dollars in rent.
This year, before the pandemic hit, Mott Haven was one of the greatest rent-burdened neighborhoods in the city. That means that families there pay more than 50% of their monthly income on rent, a key indicator for housing instability. The neighborhood is rated as “highest risk” for housing insecurity, according to the Citizens’ Committee for Children Child and Family Well-Being Index. As the virus raged on, this community faced some of the highest rates of coronavirus in the city.
It’s unacceptable that in a city as progressive as New York, race continues to be the greatest determinant of health and economic status. Black and brown families here and nationwide need every economic tool available to make it through this unprecedented crisis.
Without immediate relief, this perfect storm of housing instability, job losses and infection rates threatens to push thousands of Black and brown families in the Bronx and beyond to the precipice of homelessness. Leaders at every level of government have the obligation and opportunity to enact policies right now that will help our most vulnerable neighbors.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and my colleagues on the City Council must invest in affordable housing and aftercare supports that ensure families remain stably housed after leaving a shelter. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature must make affordable housing a long-term priority that includes investing in rental vouchers that now fall woefully short of the city's market rents.
If no action is taken, our leaders will plunge hundreds of thousands of Black and brown American families into homelessness.
Diana Ayala represents New York City's Council District 8, which includes Mott Have, Highbridge, Longwood, Port Morris and Randall's Island.
Enacted Bills
On Wednesday, September 16th The New York City Council passed legislation that would prohibit use of certain credit information in the rental or leasing of affordable units by a developer. Council Member Ayala is a proud co-sponsor of this bill.
Enacted
1603 – 2019 - A
This bill would prohibit a developer from using or considering any credit score, consumer debt judgment, collection account, medical debt or student loan debt in the rental or lease of an affordable housing unit that receives city financial assistance. In addition, this bill would prohibit a developer, in the rental or lease of an affordable housing unit that receives city financial assistance, from (i) using the consumer credit history of anyone other than the designated representative of a household or (ii) failing to disclose the process and criteria by which the consumer credit history of the designated representative will be evaluated.
Council Member Ayala is a proud sponsor of Int. 1339, legislation aimed at eliminating discrimination on the basis of a person’s income.
Int 1339
This bill would require the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) to arrange for the provision of a written notice to applicants who are found potentially eligible for rental assistance programs administered by DSS. The notice would provide information about protections under the New York City Human Rights Law related to discrimination on the basis of a person’s lawful source of income.1603 – 2019 - A
This bill would prohibit a developer from using or considering any credit score, consumer debt judgment, collection account, medical debt or student loan debt in the rental or lease of an affordable housing unit that receives city financial assistance. In addition, this bill would prohibit a developer, in the rental or lease of an affordable housing unit that receives city financial assistance, from (i) using the consumer credit history of anyone other than the designated representative of a household or (ii) failing to disclose the process and criteria by which the consumer credit history of the designated representative will be evaluated.
Letter to Mayor Bill DeBlasio concerning the Human Rights of families living in the Harmonia hotel.
Important Resources & Information
Census
The census closes on September 30 and only just over half of all New York City residents have completed the census. In 2010 the City’s self-response rate was only 62% compared with a national average of 76%. An under-count jeopardizes our fair share of Federal funds and political representation. It is critical that we help dispel myths and encourage all New York City residents to complete the census. Please help the City reinforce to neighbors, family, friends, clients and constituents the critical importance of completing the 2020 census. Visit my2020census.govor call 844-330-2020 to learn more. More information about how to get involved/volunteer can be found here.
Voter registration
The deadline for voter registration is October 9, 2020. Please help remind everyone of this important deadline. Individuals can sign up to vote here. To confirm voter registration, call 866-868-3692. All New York voters are eligible to vote by mail this November. Individuals can sign up to vote by mail, online here or by calling 866-VOTE-NYC. Early voting is also available between October 24 and November 1.
Current Status of Waivers
Extension request have been granted for some critical waivers. This will enable service towards the increased demand for benefits as safely as possible without anyone having to physically go to a center. Below are waivers that have been extended through December 31, 2020:
Cash Assistance telephone interview waiver
Drug/alcohol and DV screenings by telephone
Extension of DV waivers set to expire between March 7 and August 4– September 4, 2020
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Medicaid Only Recipients
All inquiries regarding the State’s Pandemic EBT benefit program must be referred to the State’s P-EBT Helpline at 1-833-452-0096 or by email at otda.sm.eisp.pebt@otda.ny.gov. As a reminder, Medicaid-only individuals are to create a pin number by calling 1-888-328-6399 to access the Pandemic -EBT benefit with their Medicaid CBIC. To do so, you will need to enter thezip code on record in WMS for your case and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. If you are not sure what zip code is on record or are unable to set up a PIN due to entering the wrong zip code, contact the Medicaid Helpline at 1-888-692-6116 to confirm the information.
NYC Department of Social Services and Human Resource Administration Updates
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Eviction Moratorium
On September 4, 2020 the CDC issued an order under the Public Health Service Act to temporarily halt residential evictions in an effort to prevent the further spread of Covid-19. This order is effective September 4 – December 31, 2020. This is a temporary eviction moratorium and does not relieve any individual of the obligation to pay rent, make a housing payment, or comply with any other obligation that the individual may have under tenancy, lease or similar contract. The order does not preclude the charging of fees, penalties or interest as a result of failure to pay rent or other housing payments in a timely manner under the terms of the lease.
Individuals may invoke their right to halt eviction proceedings by declaring in writing to the landlord the following:
They have made every effort to avail themselves of all government assistance for rent or housing
They have an individual income of less than $99,000 annually ($198,000 for married couples); or are not required to report income in 2019 to the IRS; or have received an Economic Impact Payment under the CARES Act
They are unable to make full rent/housing payments due to substantial loss of income or costly medical bills
They are making every effort to make partial payments
Eviction would likely render the individual/family homeless or forced to live in overcrowded conditions
New York City tenants with questions can access free legal assistance through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice by contacting the City’s Tenant Helpline via 311.
*Note that the current administrative order suspending all evictions in New York City remains in effect until October 1, 2020.*
Lost Wages Assistance Program – Unemployment Benefits Supplement
The Lost Wage Assistance (LWA) Program provides an additional $300 per week to individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits through the Stat. According to Federal guidelines the LWA $300 weekly supplement should continue until one of the following:
· The federal disaster relief fund falls below $25 billion, or
· The LWA funds of $44M are depleted, or
· Congress enacts a replacement relief program, or
· On December 27, 2020, if none of the above happens first.
The USDA issued the following notice on September 10, 2020 to protect SNAP participants, after receiving reports of several possible SNAP Fraud attempts:
Be aware of a scam using texting to obtain your personal information. The text might say you were chosen to receive food stamps or SNAP. If you do not know if a request for information about SNAP is real or not, contact your local SNAP office.
Never share personal information with individuals or organizations that you do not know. Personal information includes your social security number, bank information, or SNAP electronic benefits transfer card or PIN number.
If you think the text is a scam, do not reply at all. Just delete.
MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR CARRANZA, UFT AND CSA ANNOUNCE SCHOOL REOPENING SCHEDULE AND STAFFING PLAN
NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, UFT President Michael Mulgrew and CSA President Mark Cannizzaro today announced a phased schedule and additional staffing plan to ensure all schools and all educators are best positioned to deliver a strong, safe, and healthy start to the 2020-2021 school year.
“For months, teachers, principals and school staff have been working hard to make sure our students have the education they deserve while putting health and safety first,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Today, we are announcing the latest in our larger plan to re-open schools the right way and give working class families the in-person education they’ve asked us to deliver.”
“Our students, staff, and families have demonstrated tremendous resilience over the last six months, and we’re going to continue to build on all the work we’ve done as we move forward,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza . “We are giving our schools more staff, more time, and more support to have the strongest possible start to the most unprecedented school year.”
“The safety of students and staff is always the first priority,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “Our buildings must be ready, and testing and tracing procedures must be in place. A phased re-opening — and making sure, despite budget challenges, that we have enough staff — can help ensure that safety.”
“Nothing is more important to school leaders than protecting the health, safety, and well-being of their students and staff,” said CSA President Mark Cannizzaro. “Although we are extremely disappointed that the start of in-person learning must be delayed again, it is simply not safe to open buildings to children without a teacher for every class. Our principals have communicated their staffing needs to their superintendents, and the Mayor has committed to providing these much-needed resources.”
Teachers and students this week have been remotely engaging in preparations and orientations for the school year. As remote learning continues, in-person learning for blended learning students will be phased-in across the next two weeks, beginning with:
· Monday, September 21st: Blended learning students in grades 3-K and Pre-K, as well as all grades in District 75
· Tuesday, September 29th: Blended learning students enrolled in K-5 and K-8 schools
· Thursday, October 1st: Blended learning students enrolled in middle schools, high schools, secondary schools (schools spanning grades 6-12), and transfer schools/adult education
All students in full remote programs will continue as planned starting full-day instruction on Monday, September 21. As students begin in-person learning according to the above timeline, they will do so according to the blended learning schedules their schools have provided them (e.g., coming in person on Tuesday and Wednesday).
Adding to the 2,000 additional teaching staff to be deployed to schools that the Mayor announced on Monday, the City will also bring on 2,500 additional educators to fulfill staffing needs at 3-K, Pre-K, District 75, K-5 and K-8 schools. These educators will help fill key gaps for in-person learning in schools to make sure that all students have a rigorous learning experience in a safe, healthy environment. The DOE is continuing to engage middle and high schools as well to establish their needs for additional staffing, and will announce additional staff capacity for those schools in the coming weeks.
Health and safety continues to lead all reopening plans. The City will not reopen schools if the citywide infection rate exceeds 3.0%. The citywide infection rate is currently 0.63%.
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New York Legal Assistance Group’s (NYLAG) NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline
helps New York City residents impacted by
COVID-19 (coronavirus)
get answers to their legal questions.
The goal of this portal is to help tenants across the city find the resources they need in one place. We understand these are uncertain and stressful times and the City is here to help you maintain stable housing.
This eviction prevention tool was designed by the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) and the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit's (PEU) Tenant Support Unit (TSU) to help renters navigate public and private resources that can stabilize their housing situation. A tenant seeking help will be taken through a series of questions and directed to the most useful resources based on their responses. MOPT and PEU have included resources from multiple city agencies, Legal Service Providers, and Community Based Organizations.
Supports for Students with Individualized Education Programs
The DOE will provide students with disabilities access to in-person instruction during blended learning. If your child's IEP recommends related services, you will soon receive a survey where you will be asked to express your preference for in-person or remote therapy. Upon school opening, your child's school will contact you to discuss your child's specific schedule and make every effort to align your request to available services. The DOE will release additional guidance and information for families of students with disabilities shortly.
East Harlem Virtual Census Phone Bank
with Assemblymember Rodriguez
Join NYC Census and Assemblymember Robert J. Rodriguez to encourage residents in East Harlem to fill out the census! Using our predictive dialer tool, you will be able to call hundreds of New Yorkers and patch them through directly to the U.S. Census Bureau so they can fill out the census over the phone.
All you will need is a phone and a computer to participate. Sign up here and we will get you all set up to “Get Out The Count”!
Thank you for ensuring all New Yorkers get counted, and that our communities get the resources and representation they deserve.
