Resources For Survivors (COVID-19 Related)

For Survivors (Personal Safety, Food and Cash Assistance, Housing, Health and Mental Health, Employment and Finances)
For Survivors With Children
LGBTQ+ Specific Resources
Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic
For Persons Living with Disabilities
For Seniors
For Youth
For the Community at Large
For DV Programs/Non Profits
Other Resources for Survivors
For Those Seeking to Contribute to NYC's Effort

What You Need to Know

General Resources

New Yorkers who have symptoms of COVID-19 can call 844-NYC-4NYC to connect with services and schedule testing from NYC Health + Hospitals (NYC H+H).

Text 'COVID' to 692-692 to get important COVID-19 related updates
sent straight to your phone. You can text 'COVIDESP' to get updates in Spanish.

For those in eligible groups, you can make appointments to get a COVID-19 vaccine at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder

For the latest public health information regarding COVID-19 in NYC, visit www.nyc.gov/coronavirus

Use the ACCESS NYC online screening tool to determine the City, State, and Federal health and human service benefit programs you may be eligible for.

For Survivors

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Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.

Personal Safety

NYC Family Justice Centers (FJCs) are open and available by phone and in person with guidance on immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and community resources. Reach out on Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with questions or to make an appointment, or for support accessing Family Court virtually for an order of protection or to file an emergency custody or visitation petition. FJCs can also connect you to a partner agency for a legal consultation or advocacy.
Learn how FJCs can help you

You can also locate nearby resources online using NYC HOPE, the City's Resource Directory for services for survivors

Safety Tips for Survivors...
- Tips for When Staying Home Isn't the Safest Plan (Courtesy of the Anti-Violence Project)
- A Guide for Survivors of Sex Trafficking During COVID-19 (Courtesy of Sanctuary for Families)
- A Know Your Rights Guide for Transgender New Yorkers Navigating COVID-19 (Courtesy of Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund)

Learn more about virtual appearances and re-entering protocols for NYS State Courts

If you had a case pending in Family Court before the NYS on PAUSE order went into effect in mid -March, please continue to check for updates regarding Family Court re-calendaring your case, or contact the NYC Family Court at NYFCInquiry@nycourts.gov or by phone at 646-386-5299.

The New York State Address Confidentiality Program can help victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence—such as stalking, sexual offenses, and human trafficking—protect the privacy of their home, school, and/or work addresses. Learn more and apply online.

Food and Cash Assistance

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 authorized the payment of Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Food Benefits to households with children who would have received free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Act, if not for a school closure. These temporary food benefits are to help cover the cost of meals children would otherwise would have received at school. Learn more about P-EBT

Legal Services of New York City (LSNYC) is offering free, confidential assessments for public benefits such as cash assistance, SNAP and Medicaid. Call LSNYC's Access Line (917-661-4500) to be connected to an eligibility and application expert.

Grab and Go meals are now for all New Yorkers. No one will be turned away. Participants will be able to pick up three meals. To find a meal hub, text "NYCFOOD" or "COMIDA" to 877-877. Learn more about free meals

One week of free groceries are available to all New Yorkers in five boroughs at the Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) Nutrition Kitchens, in partnership with the Food Bank of NYC and the NYC Young Men's Initiative (YMI). Learn more about free groceries

Many NYC food pantries are working on modified hours. Call 311 to find out which food pantries are open and when, in real-time.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now be used to shop online for fresh produce and groceries. Visit these participating online stores to order your groceries online, and they will deliver to you. Participating stores in the New York City area include Amazon, ShopRite, and Walmart. Learn more about SNAP online shopping

Important note: SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay delivery fees. Be sure to confirm an online store delivers to your home address.

You can apply or manage your benefits online at ACCESS HRA or with the ACCESS HRA mobile app.

Use ACCESS HRA to:
- Apply for Cash Assistance or Emergency One Time Assistance
- Apply or recertify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP (commonly known as food stamps)

New Yorkers who needed to recertify their SNAP or CA cases do not need to recertify at this time due to COVID-19. Recertifications are postponed and clients will get a letter in the mail when it is time to recertify. Public benefits will remain active. There is no need to call HRA to recertify at this time. All in-person appointments with HRA have been cancelled. No negative case actions will be taken.

Only visit an HRA Office if your needs cannot be met through ACCESS HRA or over the phone. Many HRA locations are temporarily closed. Consult the HRA Locations page for more information.

Housing & Utilities

The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will provide significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental assistance and utility arrears assistance. Priority Applications will be given for the first 30 days of the program (starting June 1, 2020) to households with certain qualifying conditions, including those with a member currently experiencing domestic violence or a survivor of human trafficking. Learn more

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offers protections for Section 8 and NYCHA residents. Learn more about VAWA

Domestic Violence Shelters are still open for intake. Call the City's 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline (800-621-4673; TTY: 800-810-7444) to learn more.

Visit the NYCHA Journal to learn more about NYCHA's Guidance to Section 8 Participants on Rent Hardships, Guidance to Public Housing Residents on Hardships, and COVID-19 Updates on Property Management Offices

Tenants' Rights for Tenants with COVID-19 or Under Home-Quarantine

Health and Mental Health

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program offers medical care, forensic examination and documentation, and crisis counseling to victims of sexual assault. Here's a list of hospitals with SAFE Programs in NYC

Using healthcare services, even if Medicaid-funded, will not impact your ability to apply for a green card. Learn more about Public Charge

All New Yorkers can enroll in NYC CARE, which guarantees low or no cost services to residents who do not qualify for, or cannot afford, health insurance based on federal guidelines—regardless of your immigration status or ability to pay. Those eligible for health insurance will be directed to the City's public choice health plan, MetroPlus. Learn more by calling 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) or visit www.nyccare.nyc.

NYS has extended the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers through May 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through New York State's health insurance marketplace, or directly through insurers.

NYC Care health coverage is available to all New Yorkers If you cannot afford or are not eligible for health insurance, you can enroll to access comprehensive and affordable primary, preventative, and specialized health care at NYC H+H hospitals. Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) or visit a NYC H+H location to enroll.

Project Street Beat is still providing sexual and reproductive health care. Call 855-778-2328, Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule a remote telehealth visit for non-urgent visits, or on-site Mobile Health Center visits for urgent needs.

NYC Well offers free, confidential mental health support. New Yorkers can speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.

ThriveNYC has published a new Guide to Mental Health Services that New Yorkers can access while staying at home, including a list of free apps to help address anxiety, depression, recovery, and other mental health resources.

Employment and Finances

The NYC Workforce1 Career Center launched a Virtual Center (or call 718-960-2458) to help New Yorkers prepare for, and connect to, jobs across New York City's five boroughs and in every sector of the economy. Services are no-cost and do not require in-person visits. Learn more about virtual Workforce 1 Career Centers

Unemployment insurance claims will be backdated to the date New Yorkers became unemployed, and eligible New Yorkers will be paid all benefits due. For new Unemployment Insurance claims, read this FAQ about Unemployment Benefits and Health Insurance and check the NYS DOL website.

Paid Leave benefits are available for those subject to an order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.

Learn more about Guidance for Employers and Employees about COVID-19 Mandates

NYC Financial Empowerment Center counselors are available to support you over the phone with free financial counseling – it's secure and confidential. Book an appointment

Many banks are offering programs to help customers affected by COVID-19, such as deferred payments and fee waivers. Check the American Bankers Association's list or reach out to your bank directly to learn more.

You can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more with Online Services at my Social Security.

Legal Help

Call the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG's) COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline (929-356-9582) to get answers to legal questions for New Yorkers impacted by COVID, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. When leaving a message, include your name, the best number to call back, and a description of the issue. NYLAG will follow-up within two business days. The hotline can offer advice on Advanced Planning (Standby Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy, Wills), Consumer Debt (Debt Collection, Wage Garnishment), Employee Rights (Paid Leave, FMLA, Working Conditions), Housing (Eviction, Rent Arrears, Foreclosure, Mortgage Relief Options), Unemployment Benefits, Public Benefits, Special Education issues (K-12), Stimulus Payment Questions. Learn more about the Legal Resource Hotline

For Survivors With Children

Many NYS WIC offices are available to provide services by phone for appointments. On-site appointments are limited. Learn more about WIC

Parents, foster parents, or caretakers with questions about a child protective investigation, prevention case, or foster care case should contact their Child Protective Specialist or agency case planner, and their supervision team if needed.

The ACS Office of Advocacy remains available to assist by e-mail and phone:
- Helpline (212-676-9421; TTY: 212-442-1447)
- Incarcerated parents may call collect (212-619-1309 or 212-341-3322)

Get Resources for New Yorkers who are parents and caregivers, including planning for if you get sick (Courtesy of NYC Administration of Childrens Services)

LGBTQ+ Specific Resources

LGBTQ+ COVID-19 Online Guide created in partnership with representatives from 15 city agencies and over 200 LGBTQ+ community partners across NYC, is organized into categories of LGBTQ+ affirming services for mental health, physical health and wellness, sexual health, peer and community support, food assistance, legal services, housing and shelter, and financial/funding opportunities.

Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic

Resources for Immigrant Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic

For Persons Living with Disabilities

Check the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD's) page for New Yorkers with Disabilities during COVID-19 with information on Food/Supply Delivery, Social Security/Medicaid Benefits, Home Healthcare Services and more.

For Seniors

Aging New Yorkers feeling lonely or isolated can connect with a friendly volunteer to chat over the phone. Call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) and ask about the Friendly Visiting Program.

The Department for the Aging also offers additional Guidance for Older New Yorkers: What you need to know about COVID-19 and How to help your neighbor: Keeping older New Yorkers safe from COVID-19

Prepare For COVID-19: Tips and Resources For LGBT Elders and Those Living With HIV (Courtesy of SAGE USA)

For Youth

Teens and Abuse During the Coronavirus Crisis

Know Your Rights Guides on teen dating abuse and related issues, such as consent, stalking, orders of protection, and more (Courtesy of Day One)

Verizon helps alert parents to the power of parental controls (Courtesy of Verizon)

GenerationNYC, including connecting virtual events through Fun at Home, such as NBA League Pass, NFL Game Pass, Ailey All Access, and more!

The Trevor Project is providing 24/7 access to an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people and trained crisis counselors to talk directly with youth in crisis. Call 866-488-7386.

New York City's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center is offering remote services—including one-on-one sessions and guided meditations. Learn more about remote services

The LGBT National Youth Talkline provides a safe space for those under the age of 25 to anonymously seek support. Check online for hours and call 800-246-7743. Those under the age of 20 can also join the weekly moderated chat rooms here—there's one for all LGBTQ teens and another just for trans teens. The chat rooms also have extended hours until May 1st.

For the Community at Large

If you think that someone might be in need of support, learn how you can support them, including checking on them, and letting them know that you are available to help them.

We Have To Take Care of Each Other: Mutual Aid for COVID-19 and Beyond (Courtesy of Autostraddle)

For DV Programs/Partners/Non-Profits

The UNFCU Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofits helping women and youth exit poverty for grant funding of up to $50,000, now through end of June. They will prioritize applications from organizations serving those in New York City among other locations. Learn more

The NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is accepting proposals to manage, operate and promote the NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline. OPDV will fund one grant of up to $1,860,000.00 for the contract period October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2024. Proposal due date is July 9, 2021 12:00PM EST. Proposal applications must be completed electronically in the Grants Gateway. The Pre-Bid Webinar is on June 9th at 10AM; registration is required. All questions about the requirements contained in the RFP must be submitted in writing via email by June 9, 2021, to opdvrfpinfo@opdv.ny.gov; type in the Subject line: Questions 2021 – 2024 NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline. Learn more and apply

The Brooklyn Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Spark Prize, which awards more than $600,000 to nonprofits doing meaningful work in Brooklyn. Interested nonprofits must apply by June 25. Learn more

Provident Bank Foundation will provide general operating grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to nonprofits operating in areas where the bank is located. This means New York-based organizations seeking funds must serve or operate in Astoria, Queens to be eligible; nonprofits that work in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania are also eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 29. Learn more

Federal Grant Applications Now Open: Funding to Support Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelters

DRG is welcoming proposals from nonprofit organizations with annual budgets between $1-10 million dollars that have a mission to advance: food security efforts, LGBTQ+ justice, or racial equity and empowerment. Check Request for Proposals 2021 for more details. All eligible nonprofits are encouraged to submit their proposal. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until an organization is selected.

Impact 100 NYC, a volunteer-led grantmaking organization of women, will be accepting applications this fall from New York City-based nonprofits serving the five boroughs that propose an innovative new project or program, or a reshaping of an existing proven program. The application process for $100,000 grants starts November 16, 2020.

ENDGBV's COVID-19 Tip Sheets:
- Remote Safety Planning and Risk Assessment Guidance for Law Enforcement [FLY-013-E (4/2020)]
- Tips for Direct Service Providers During COVID-19 [FLY-014-E (4/2020)]

The Staten Island Foundation will make grants of $4 million. Emergency requests and regular programming requests will be accepted on a rolling basis. The Foundation will apply a racial equity lens to all applications and prioritize grants for the least advantaged. Priority will be given to direct services related to healthcare, housing, special needs and food insecurity. Learn more aout the Staten Island Foundation

NYC has pledged to continue registering discretionary awards and to cover expenses from those contracts if they were incurred on March 22, 2020 or earlier. The City will reimburse nonprofits for costs accrued after March 22 if they are related to "essential work." The City Council is determining what is included under that category. For updates, visit the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) and learn about Business Continuity Through COVID-19.

The NYC Attorney General's Charities Bureau has shared guidance on the extension for filing annual financial reports, how to use reserves, restricted assets or endowment funds and other resources for nonprofits.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ for Contracted Health and Human Service Providers

Preventing and Managing the Spread of COVID-19 Within Domestic Violence Programs (Courtesy of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence via VAWnet)

Resources on the Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Courtesy of the National Network to End Domestic Violence)

Clearinghouse for Domestic Violence and Disaster (Courtesy of the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

COVID Relief Fund

Small Business Continuity Loan Fund

Federal Paycheck Protection Program

COVID-19 Updates (Courtesy of Nonprofit New York)

Other Resources for Survivors

General

Visit Access NYC to learn more about Resources Available to New Yorkers Affected By COVID-19

Updates and Information on COVID-19 (Courtesy of Futures Without Violence)

Information on COVID19 for Survivors, Communities, and Programs (Courtesy of Day One)

For Those Seeking to Contribute to NYC's Efforts

For those wondering how you can contribute to the citywide effort to address COVID-19, please visit nyc.gov/HelpNow to learn how you can donate medical supplies, offer a community space to be considered for additional hospital capacity, donate food to healthcare professionals, or volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps. You may also consider donating blood if you are able, in order to help ensure that blood is available for any patients who may need it.

Don't see what you're looking for here?

You can also learn more about additional City Services and Assistance Available to Individuals.