The guide organizes the information organizations need about the impact of COVID-19 to inform practice and policy. Its intent is to ensure that as each of our individual organizations consider what questions to ask or information to seek from our participants, we have a common foundation of the universe of possible questions and information. The guide is broken out in two areas: Basic Living Needs and Educational Needs. For each area, we outline important topics to consider collecting information about. Explore below or use this Guide Summary to help navigate.
What do we need to know?
Do our participants have enough food?
Are the available resources working?
Are participants and families able to access them?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families access food?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for more/better food resources? Ability to outline how many of our participants are food insecure.
Fundraising - Do we need to raise $ to provide food?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
Do you anticipate having enough food until the end of the semester? Yes/No [Options Survey, April 2020]
What resources can we direct participants to?
CUNY students can visit any CUNY Food Pantry during distance learning.
Pandemic EBT Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families of children eligible for free or reduced priced lunch in NYC’s public school and private schools are eligible for Pandemic EBT food benefits. The total benefit amount is $420 for each eligible child. This payment represents the value of school meals for the period of time from March when the schools closed until the end of the school year on June 26th. Payments will be issued for each eligible school-aged child between the ages of 5 and 18 living in the household. New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is issuing these payments. Click here for more information.
Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311. Participants can find a local pantry or kitchen. Everyone is eligible for emergency food assistance, regardless of immigration status or how much money you have.
FoodHelp NYC maps food pantries, which provide groceries you can cook at home, and community kitchens, which provide hot meals. GetFoodNYC maps free food resources across the city. Food Bank for NYC maps emergency food providers that have switched to “grab and go” meals and pantry bags.
Free Grab and Go Meals from the New York City Department of Education. Three meals a day available to ALL New Yorkers at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.
My Red Rabbit creates made from scratch, nutritious meals, delivered daily across the NYC area and encouraging exploration with food that will last a lifetime.
National Action Network has partnered with World Central Kitchen to deliver thousands of hot and cold meals daily to those in need. NAN is distributing meals from Harlem, the Bronx, Newark, and Irvington (NJ), between 12:00pm and 4:00pm Monday-Saturday.
NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) for home-delivered meals for seniors ages 60 and older. Call 212-244-6469 or 311 to sign up for home-delivered meals.
NYC Food Delivery Assistance: The City of New York is providing assistance to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves.
SNAP Online Purchasing: Retailers currently accepting SNAP EBT online include Amazon, ShopRite, & Walmart. Learn more about SNAP and how to apply on ACCESS NYC.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Free healthy food and services to low-income women and children. Learn more about WIC and how to apply on ACCESS NYC.
World Central Kitchen distributes fresh, individually packaged grab-and-go meals to local families in the Bronx, Queens, Harlem and Brooklyn.
What do we need to know?
Do our participants have a safe stable place to live (particularly students coming home from campus, young people already housing insecure before COVID)?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to have more referrals to help participants secure stable housing?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for more/better housing conditions and availability?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise money for additional housing or emergency relief grants?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
Where are you residing for the rest of the school year (at home, with friends, staying on campus/abroad, unsure, etc.)?
Do you have access to a living space? [Options Survey, April 2020]
What resources can I direct participants to?
All residential and commercial evictions are suspended until August 20th. Utility shut-offs have also been suspended. All New Yorkers, regardless of income or immigration status are eligible. It is illegal for your landlord to change your locks, shut off your utilities, or physically remove your belongings without a court order of eviction. Call 311 for free legal advice and counsel.
NYS Home Community and Renewal (HCR) will begin accepting applications for NY State's Covid Rent Relief Program (RRP) tomorrow, July 16th. The application period will run for only two weeks. The RRP provides up to four months of rent assistance for eligible applicants. Households must meet the following criteria:
Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income must have been below 80% of the area median income, adjusted for household size. You can find your county’s area median income, based on your household size: www.hcr.ny.gov/eligible-income-limits-80-ami-county
Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been paying more than 30% of gross monthly income towards rent. Gross income includes wages as well as any cash grants, child support, social security, unemployment benefits, etc.)
Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020. For more information, please go to: https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP
ACCESS NYC: Housing benefits and services including domestic violence hotline, eviction protection, money for utilities, emergency rent assistance, Section 8 housing, cash assistance to pay rent arrears, NYCHA rent hardship program, rent freeze for seniors and people with disabilities, and Ready to Rent --financial counseling and assistance with affordable housing applications.
DYCD: Programs and services for youth who are experiencing homelessness
COVID-19 Rent Strike Toolkit: What is a rent strike? How can you use one for maximal impact? Find out from this Right to Council NYC / Housing 4 All NY guide.
What do we need to know?
Have our participants lost their jobs (full-time, part-time, work study, reduced hours)?
Have members of our participants’ (immediate) families lost their jobs?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for jobs? Ability to outline how many of our participants are impacted by unemployment.
Fundraising - Do we need to raise money to provide emergency relief?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
Did you lose your job due to COVID-19?
Did any family members lose their job due to COVID-19?
Have you or your family received money from the federal government/unemployment due to COVID-19?
What resources can we direct participants to?
SYEP Summer Bridge 2020 will be a 5-week virtual program that will offer youth ages 14-24 opportunities to learn new skills and explore potential careers while getting paid. Applications are available July 9-15 on the NYCSYEP site.
Summer Youth Podcast Academy In partnership with Gimlet Media, The Bell is looking for young people ages 15-21 who want to dive into the world of podcasting and tell stories about their lives in New York City. The two week-long (Aug 17-28) summer podcasting academy will give you hands-on training that you will quickly put to use to create your own 4-6 minute episode! You will have the exciting opportunity to work alongside professional storytellers, editors, and producers from Gimlet, an award-winning narrative podcasting company. Application — Due July 24, 2020. Apply here.
Federal Work-Study students are allowed to continue working, especially telecommuting where possible. Speak to your supervisor or your college’s Federal Work-Study Coordinator for any questions or issues.
NYC Workforce1 Career Center: Virtual Center to help New Yorkers prepare for, and connect to, jobs.
NYC Small Business Services: Online Job Training for in-demand occupations, plus job postings
New York State Department of Labor: Immediate Hiring Opportunities and Unemployment Assistance
What do we currently know?
Most NYC students and staff travel by public transportation to commute to schools and campuses.
NYC's current MTA fare is $2.75--and is expected to increase post-COVID.
Many live in transit deserts and too many rely on multiple buses because of limited subway stations, and are in multi-fare zones.
Many rely on dollar vans, NYC’s other transit system.
Many live in areas in need of more accessible service.
All too often, students have to choose between paying for a textbook, a MetroCard, or a meal.
Students are often faced with the challenge and choice of fare evasion because they're simply trying to make it to school, campus or the library.
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families with transportation costs to and from campuses?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for students with disabilities? Others for whom support services are critical?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. As we learn about survey questions or tools organizations have used, we will add them here.
What resources can we direct participants to?
The Fair Fares NYC program allows eligible New York City residents to receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares.
Access-A-Ride Accepting Fair Fares Discount Starting in July 2020 your enrollment in Fair Fares can provide you with 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride (AAR) paratransit trips. If you are an Access-A-Ride customer and you are currently enrolled in Fair Fares NYC, complete the online form by 7/6 to link your accounts.
What do we need to know?
Are students experiencing increased mental illness (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.) as a result of the impacts of COVID-19?
Do they have access to mental health supports?
Have they lost access to support to manage their mental health?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for mental health services?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise money to provide more mental health services?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. As we learn about survey questions or tools organizations have used, we will add them here.
What resources can we direct participants to?
Healthy CUNY: Campus Counseling Centers
NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors, providing counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text “WELL” to 65173, or chat at NYC.gov/nycwell.
NYC Well App Library: wellbeing and emotional support apps that can help you cope.
School Mental Health Program: Children and families can get remote mental health services during these difficult times from community providers. These tele-health services use health insurance, Medicaid, or offer a sliding scale for billing. Reach out by phone or email for more information.
Thrive NYC: Free mental health services New Yorkers can access from home.
In partnership with New York State, Headspace is offering a collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises to support New Yorkers through these stressful and challenging times.
Free Headspace Plus for the unemployed: The current state of unemployment in the US has become an alarming crisis. To help those affected, we’re offering a full year of Headspace Plus for free.
What do we need to know?
Do students feel well?
Are students exercising?
Would they be interested in tips and resources to help them increase their physical fitness while home-bound?
Do students have access to health care that they are willing to use?
Have students been ill?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to share more resources on exercise and its importance? Should we run more exercise "events"?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for more resources to improve/sustain our participants physical health?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise money to support participants to access health care and participate in physical activity?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. As we learn about survey questions or tools organizations have used, we will add them here.
What resources can we direct participants to?
If you need a health care provider, contact NYC Health + Hospitals at 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692- 4692) or 311. You can get care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
GetCoveredNYC: Low-cost and free health insurance plans. Options are available for all New Yorkers, even if you are not a citizen.
Healthy CUNY: Health insurance options and sexual health resources for CUNY students
NYC Care provides primary care, specialty, and emergency services (including hospital stays) to all New York City residents regardless of immigration status. Call the 24-hour NYC Care service at 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-3373) to enroll and make an appointment.
Community health centers provide medical care (including telehealth) on a sliding-fee basis, regardless of immigration status.
Test and Trace: Getting tested in safe, confidential, and free. All New Yorkers should get tested, even those who do not have symptoms or are unsure if they were exposed to COVID-19. For those who have been exposed or have symptoms, or who are planning to visit a loved one who is at risk, free COVID-19 swab tests are available. Most results are returned in about 48 hours.
New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a call from the Test & Trace Corps to make sure that they receive care and can safely separate to prevent the spread. New Yorkers testing (+) for COVID-19 can expect a call from @nychealthsystem Test & Trace Corps to make sure you can safely separate to prevent spread & get the care you need. If you get a call from (212)-540-**** or (212)-242-****, pick up to get free resources & support.
Locations of testing sites can be found here www.nyc.gov/COVIDtest or by texting “COVID TEST” to 855-48. Learn more about how New York City is here to help with testing and tracing at www.testandtrace.nyc.
YMCA @ Home: virtual workouts
What do we need to know?
Do students and their families have enough resources to pay for basic utilities, housing and food for the next few months?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for jobs/income for families? Ability to outline how many of our participants are impacted by unemployment
Fundraising - Do we need to raise money to provide emergency relief?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
What resources do you or your family need during this time? [Check all the apply]
What resources can we direct participants to?
ACCESS NYC: Unemployment insurance, relief for federal or state student loan borrowers, financial counseling, and more.
Apply for Cash Assistance Click here to submit an application for Cash Assistance online or through the ACCESS HRA mobile app.
Relief for Federal Student Loan Borrowers: Federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making monthly loan payments until Sept. 30, 2020. New Yorkers with privately-held loans who are impacted by COVID-19 should contact their student loan servicer to request relief. Learn more from about Federal and Private Student Loan Debt from NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
Get help paying your heating and utility bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The enrollment period is extended until June 30, 2020. Learn about HEAP on ACCESS NYC.
Get help paying for the cost and installation of air conditioning units and fans through the Cooling Assistance Benefit. Application opens May 1, 2020. Learn about Cooling Assistance Benefit on ACCESS NYC.
What do we need to know?
Are students being pulled away from school by the need to contribute to their families economically or otherwise?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out how to support students to support their families while continuing their education?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for something here?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise $ to provide emergency relief?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
Are you taking care of family member(s) during this time as a result of COVID-19?
What resources can we direct participants to?
WorkersNeedChildcare.org: Submit a request to be matched with a safe, low-cost childcare option for your family.
First responders, health care workers, key transit employees, grocery, restaurant, food, takeout and delivery workers, and residential and commercial building staff, can apply for Regional Enrichment Centers.
The CARES Child Care Scholarship is available for essential workers using licensed or registered child care providers while New York state is on PAUSE and the funds to support the scholarship are available. Apply online: English, Spanish, Chinese.
If you or someone in your family has a disability, schedule a free and confidential financial counseling appointment. EmpoweredNYC counselors are trained on disability benefits and accessibility.
Paid safe and sick leave: You can take unpaid and paid leave, depending on your circumstances and the type of employer you work for, to care for yourself or family members impacted by COVID-19.
What do we need to know?
Are students losing their connection to others?
Losing their sense of celebration, joy, fun?
How is this impacting their lives and their education?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - What does this mean for how we support students?
Advocacy - What does this mean for how re-opening policy is rolling out?
Fundraising - Do we need to find more resources if our services are impacted by what we learn in this area?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. As we learn about survey questions or tools organizations have used, we will add them here.
What resources can we direct participants to?
DoSomething.org: Volunteer, advocate, and access resources.
DYCD at Home: Bringing dance, music, art, filmmaking, and more right to you! Check out the opportunities here, and sign up for the activities that interest you. Text (347) 349-4361 to get updates directly to your phone. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter at @NYCyouth to get the most up-to-date announcements via social media.
Generation NYC: Fun at Home (For Teens)
What do we need to know?
Do our students have access to laptops/computers?
Do our students have access to other tech - printer/scanner/headphones - they need?
Do our students have internet access?
Do students need to share their equipment with others in the family?
Are the programs to distribute tech working?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for better implementation of current distribution efforts?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise $ to provide technology?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
What device, /if any, do you use to log in to classes?
Do you share it with others in your household?
What resources can we direct participants to?
Access Cell Service and Internet - Information from NYC government on accessing free or low-cost cell service and internet.
CUNY: New laptops and tablets are now available. If you are a student in need of a device, request one through your school.
NYC Department of Education is helping families that need remote learning devices. Request a remote learning device online or call 718-935-5100 (press 5)
What do we need to know?
Do students have a quiet/distraction-free place to study?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for pausing school/giving time and flexibility to students?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
Do you have access to a learning space (quiet/study area)? Yes/No
What resources can we direct participants to?
Help students access noise cancelling head phones.
What do we need to know?
Are students able to learn remotely?
Is it working for them? If not, what are the barriers?
What is needed to make remote learning work?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for more effective online learning/support? Ensuring students are not adversely affected? More resources to help support them?
Fundraising - Are there funding strategies that would be helpful?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
How are you feeling about attending school online? [Answers from a feeling wheel. Please select up to three feelings from the chart below and type them in]
What are some challenges that have come up for you when school went online? (Check all that apply)
Are teachers/instructors responsive to you and your needs?
Are you learning as much as before?
What resources can we direct participants to?
Distance Learning Tips from CUNY
Information on Remote Learning from the New York City Department of Education
What resources can we direct staff to?
CRE Hub offers educators actionable strategies grounded in research for approaching distance learning with a culturally responsive lens
What do we need to know?
Are students receiving social and emotional support?
Are adults who work with students receiving social and emotional support?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - How can adults continue to provide students with SEL supports while practicing physical distancing? How can organizations support staff social and emotional needs?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for remote social-emotional learning support?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise money to provide SEL training and support for staff? Do we need to raise money to provide remote SEL support for students?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
What resources can we direct participants to?
CASEL CARES: SEL Resources During COVID-19
NYC Department of Education: Students and families can access remote social-emotional learning tools for all age groups.
Student Success Network: Adults who work with youth can consider how to apply Foundations for Youth SEL Development While Practicing Physical Distancing
What do we need to know?
Do students have access to supportive service per their IEP?
Can these services effectively be provided online?
Do students have access to counseling services?
Are they using them?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for students with disabilities? ELLs? Others for whom support services are critical?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. As we learn about survey questions or tools organizations have used, we will add them here.
What resources can we direct participants to?
Advocates for Children is an organization that advocates for students and families that are not receiving the services/supports they need.
IncludeNYC is an organization that supports students with disabilities and their families. Contact them for support on individual cases and read their COVID-19 Policy Agenda.
Access-A-Ride Accepting Fair Fares Discount Starting in July 2020 your enrollment in Fair Fares can provide you with 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride (AAR) paratransit trips. If you are an Access-A-Ride customer and you are currently enrolled in Fair Fares NYC, complete the online form by 7/6 to link your accounts.
Disability Unite To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has created Disability Unite to highlight a variety of programming offered in July. Through this new platform, the disability community can gather virtually to celebrate community events.
Rose F. Kennedy Resource Guide The Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation & Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC) through the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has created a COVID-19 Resource Guide. The RFK CERC is an interdisciplinary services program that helps children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their guide contains resources for special education tools, tips to keep everyone healthy, meal programs for those who are homebound, and more.
What do we need to know?
Given the economic impacts of COVID-19, do students/families anticipate being able to pay for school?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for federal, state, college level response?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise $ to provide emergency relief?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. As we learn about survey questions or tools organizations have used, we will add them here.
What resources can we direct participants to?
College Board "Complete Your Journey" Scholarship The College Board wants as many students as possible in the running for their $40K "Complete Your Journey" scholarship next March! But the deadline for completing the first step is July 31, and students must complete all 6 steps to be eligible.
NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program NYCHA is offering scholarships to support residents as they increase their income and assets through higher education. All scholarships award one-time $1,000 grants to eligible residents who are pursuing undergraduate degrees at a City University of New York (CUNY) college. Eligibility requirements include: Authorized NYCHA public housing residents; enrolled undergraduate CUNY students; 30 or more credits; minimum 3.0 GPA. Learn more and apply here. Applications close on July 23, 2020.
Emergency aid at their college or university: Links to CUNY and SUNY funds.
Financial Aid: Circumstances such as income loss or death of a parent may qualify students for additional Financial Aid in the current 2019-2020 academic year as well as for 2020-2021. After completing the FAFSA form and/or NYS Aid application listing your school code, contact your college’s financial aid office to discuss available options.
uAspire's accurate and timely guide to help navigate financial aid and higher education NEW!
The Hope Center: Surviving COVID-19: A #RealCollege Guide for Students
NYC Financial Empowerment Center: Book a free financial counseling appointment.
What do we need to know?
How are the economic impacts of COVID-19 impacting students’ ability to pay educational debts?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out more resources to help participants and families?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for federal, state, college level response?
Fundraising - Do we need to raise $ to provide emergency relief?
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
What resources can we direct participants to?
NYC Consumer Affairs: Student Loan Debt Tips During COVID-19
NYC Financial Empowerment Center: Visit nyc.gov/TalkMoney to make a free financial counseling appointment.
NYS Department of Financial Services: Coronavirus: Information for Student Borrowers
Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC): Visit protectborrowers.org or click SBPC Information & Resources for Borrowers During the Coronavirus Pandemic
U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid: Visit studentaid.gov or click Federal Student Aid Frequently Asked Questions for coronavirus and forbearance information.
What do we need to know?
Are students still able to connect with Admissions Officers?
Are students able to virtually “tour” colleges? Is this an effective way of seeing a school?
Why do we need to know?
Programmatically - Do we need to figure out new ways of supporting decision making and communication?
Advocacy - Do we need to advocate for federal, state, college level response?
Fundraising -
How can we find out?
Several organizations have conducted surveys. Below are questions that organizations have used or are using. You can find links to full surveys above in "surveys."
What resources can we direct participants to?
New Visions for Public Schools: Learn how colleges across the country are making changes to college admission events, deposit dates, and more as a result of the coronavirus outbreak using these College Access Resources.