Below, we have compiled a list of resources to address the impact of coronavirus.

To find out what specific BCS Programs are doing to protect the safety of our clients and staff, email info@wearebcs.org.

NYC Resources

General Updates and Hotlines: 

• Get up to date and accurate info about COVID-19. 
• COVID-19 Fact Sheet 
• The New York Department of Health’s Coronavirus Hotline is 888-364-3065
• For the latest and most up to date information from the Mayor’s Office via NotifyNYC, text COVID to 692-692.

Coronavirus Myths vs. Facts: World Health Organization Facts and Advice 

Face masks: Masks are required in NYC. Find out here where to buy them. 

Testing: Find out accurate info on why, how and where to get tested in NY State. 

Shop for Groceries Safely: Shopping Tips

Vaccine Resources 

The COVID-19 Vaccine has now become available to certain groups in NYC. 

• General Info on the Vaccine
• Learn more about the mechanics of this type of vaccine (mRNA)
• Understand the plan to distribute the vaccine to underserved communities
• Find out if you’re eligible for a vaccination
• Search for a vaccination location near you

NYC Public School Resources

Blended Learning: Currently, NYC Schools are participating in Blended Learning, a combination of remote and in-person learning. 

• Find resources for this transition here. 
• Set up your DOE Student Accounts

Conversation: Tips to Talk to your Students and Kids about Coronavirus

Questions: FAQ about COVID-19 for NYC Schools and Families

How to Keep Your Kids Busy:

• 100 best Cartoons to stream: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/film/the-100-best-animated-movies
• Free audio books for young readers: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
• Workouts for kids: https://www.grouphiit.com/collections/free-kids-workouts
• Take the BCS Good Health Pledge with the whole family: https://wearebcs.org/goodhealthpledge/ 
• Virtual Field Trips Resources: https://bit.ly/2UXsH4v
• 4 Ways to Help Anxious Kids: https://nyti.ms/3c6LM9U
• Remote learning resources from the DOE: https://on.nyc.gov/39Xk91R
• Scholastics learn from home: https://bit.ly/2JWmtLC

Financial Assistance Resources

New paid leave benefits: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/covid19

Apply for SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps):  Download the AccessHRA app to apply or apply online.

Apply for Cash Assistance: Access Emergency Cash benefits here.

Apply for Unemployment Benefits: File a Claim for Unemployment insurance here.

Housing Resources

Rental Subsidy Programs: Learn more about the measures NYC has taken to help keep you safe, alleviate hardships, and stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Moratorium on Evictions: Governor Cuomo signed into law the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 which prohibits residents in New York State from being evicted due to financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic until at least May 1, 2021. 

• FAQ Sheet on Foreclosures and Evictions in COVID-19

Food Resources

Find Food in Your Community: NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guide

NYC “grab and go” meals for all New Yorkers: No one will be turned away. The hours are 7:30 – 11:30 am for families and children, 11:30 – 1:30 for adults. 

• Find locations here.
• Text “NYCFOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877.

NYC Home-Delivered Meals Program: If you don’t have a means of accessing food, apply for food delivery assistance here.  

World Central Kitchen: Chefs of America is providing food in Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem and the Bronx.

Nutrition Kitchen Food Pantry: Extended hours found here. 

Mental Health Resources

Coping with Stress During Infections Disease Outbreaks: NYC Health

Manage Anxiety and Stress: CDC

Headspace:  Headspace wants to be here for you — to help you find some time and space as you weather this storm.

Accessing tele-therapy and managing stress and anxiety: Resource Page

Need to talk to a Crisis Counselor? Text HOME to 741741 or visit: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Some Light-Hearted Fun:

• 35 Best Netflix movies: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/movies/best-movies-on-netflix
• Virtually visit NYC’s best street art: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/you-can-now-take-a-virtual-tour-of-nycs-best-street-art-032320
• Check in on some of your favorite animals:  https://explore.org/livecams 

Resources for Business Owners

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce: Resource List 

COVID-19 Assistance and Guidance for NYC Businesses 

NYC Small Business Mailing List: Sign up for updated info on how to prepare your business and important news from NYC

Sustain your Business During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Business Continuity Planning Checklist

Business Pandemic Preparedness: Planning Checklist 

Resources for Freelancers and Hospitality Workers

This list of resources for Freelance and Hospitality workers includes emergency relief funds, cash assistance, special hospitality grants, rent assistance, and more. 

Nonprofit Resources

Brooklyn Community Foundation Resource Page: List of low-cost resources to help nonprofits navigate the impact of Coronavirus. 

Ways To Give Back

Donate: Help BCS adjust to situational changes by making an unrestricted gift today. Consider a recurring gift so we’ll have funds to adapt to this crisis as it evolves. Click here to donate.  

Stay Connected: Mitigate the impact of social isolation by checking in on your friends and neighbors, especially those with chronic health conditions or the elderly. Stay in touch via video chats, phone calls or text message.

Volunteer: 

• Help your community and volunteer with BCS.
• If you’re willing to purchase and deliver groceries and other supplies, please contact volunteer@wearebcs.org. 

Stay Civically Engaged: Register to vote, here. 

Disrupt bias and xenophobia: Love your neighbors.  Xenophobia has no residence in Brooklyn. If you witness a hate crime, call 311 immediately. Learn about bystander intervention.

Join an Initiative: This new initiative in New York City called Invisible Hands connects people with opportunities to shop and perform other tasks for their neighbors.