Here are Some City Resources for Free Meals, Counseling and Dealing With Isolation

Police precincts have sent around the following list of city resources to help out in tough times. Thanks to Robert for the links.

Grab and Go Meals for All New Yorkers: In this time of historic high unemployment, we understand more New Yorkers are experiencing food insecurity for the first time. To this end, grab and go meals are available for all New Yorkers. No one is turned away, and participants are able to pick up three meals. To find a location, text “NYCFOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877 or visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/free-meal

One Week of Free Groceries: The Department of Probation, Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) Nutrition Kitchens, in partnership with the Food Bank of NYC and the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) have opened five kitchens — one in each borough — to distribute free food, available to any New Yorker who needs it:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/neon/programs/nutrition-kitchen.page

Active NYS COAD Entities: Organized in 60% of New York’s 62 counties, COADs serve as the county-level network through which organizations can most efficiently help during a disaster. By coordinating efforts, reducing duplication of services and working with NYVOAD to deploy State Members, COADs are a critical component of a whole community approach that leverage existing assets, ensures recovery efforts meet the community’s actual needs and builds resilience through New York State. For more information visit: https://nyvoad.communityos.org/cms/home

Mental Health Resources: This is a stressful time for New Yorkers.  Resources are available for New Yorkers by contacting 1-888-NYC-WELL or Texting “WELL” to 65173.  For more information visit: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us

We’re also connecting older New Yorkers who are feeling isolated with friendly volunteers to talk with over the phone. Tell your constituents about the Friendly Visiting Program — they can call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469). For other mental health resources, including for veterans and caregivers, visit: https://thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/mental_health_support_while_home

Family Justice Centers: While the centers are physically closed, anyone can call any of our borough centers for help with safety planning, mental health and planning, legal help, or help in connecting to law enforcement agencies. For more information please visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ocdv/get-help/covid-19-update.page or call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-4673.

COVID-19 Resource Guide for Immigrants: We’ve put out a resource guide specifically for immigrant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page Please help by passing it along. In case you missed it, we also announced emergency relief along with the Open Society Foundation to get relief to those immigrants ineligible for stimulus relief.

311 Call Volume: 311 is experiencing high call volume. We want to make sure the highest priority calls are answered as quickly as possible. We urge you to tell your constituents who are not calling to be connected to a COVID-19 related resource, or with an urgent request, to please submit a service request online by visiting NYC.gov/311 or by using the 311 app. Or, if they cannot submit a request online, to consider calling after 7PM or during weekend hours.