Happy Thanksgiving! From all of us at the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, we would like to wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving! We truly could not be more thankful for all you, our partners, who are working hard every day ensure our region has a bright future ahead. Support Healthy School Meals for all NY Kids! Sign on by December 1st! Please join our partners at Hunger Solutions NY (HSNY) in advocating for revolutionary changes to state policy that would permanently enable all New York schools to serve free meals to all of their students. Together, we are asking Governor Hochul to take action to include provisions for universal free meals in the FY 2023 Budget. These changes would make a huge difference for Long Island districts, many of whom were never able to offer universal free meals until the COVID waiver. Sign on now on behalf of your organization and please share with your networks: Click here to read Hunger Solutions' Action Alert. Health Equity Alliance of Long Island HWCLI convenes a Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI) meeting, which strives to address the integration of health and human services for better health outcomes across Long Island. The mission of HEALI is to engage health and human services, community members and other stakeholders to ensure equitable health and life outcomes for all Long Islanders through cross-sector partnerships, innovative funding strategies, and improvements in the health & human service delivery system by: Developing an IT infrastructure that allows for multi-directional data sharing among agencies while respecting clients’ rights and protecting their privacy. Improve connectivity between agencies as they screen clients and track referrals within the sector. Engage community members, being inclusive and using a culturally and linguistically competent lens. Use our collective power and unified voice to advocate for services and investments needed for Long Island’s diverse communities. Develop strategies that simultaneously prepare CBOs for change, convey value, and highlight our leadership and expertise to collectively impact a transforming healthcare system. At our previous meeting, we were delighted to be joined by Naheed Khan, Director of the Community Health Worker program at Nassau Community College, for a conversation on a Community Health Worker can provide health and social service support to individuals in the community and also build community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as community education, counseling, and advocacy If you may be interested in becoming a Community Health Worker, please click here. The next HEALI remote meeting is December 15th at 10:00am. If you would like the link to the meeting, to participate in the coalition or have any questions, please email Jake Ryan at jryan@hwcli.com or fill out this form. COVID-19 Vaccine Update Booster Shots The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the delta variant. The FDA had amended the emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose as follows: The use of a single booster dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine that may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals 18 years of age or older. The use of a single booster dose of the Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 2 months after completion of the single-dose primary regimen to individuals 18 years of age and older. The use of each of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose in eligible individuals following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Health has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, which can be found here. Vaccines for Children The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children and adolescents age 5 and up! COVID-19 has become one of the top 10 causes of pediatric death, and tens of thousands of children and teens have been hospitalized with COVID-19. While children and adolescents are at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, it is still possible. The vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine was rigorously tested and reviewed, and more than 11 million adolescents ages 12-17 have already safely received the COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more, click here. Ten State Mass Vaccination Sites Now Open to Five to Eleven Year Old's The state recently announced that ten (10) of its mass vaccination sites will now offer COVID-19 vaccines for children five (5) to eleven (11) years old. Since the CDC recommended the vaccine for this age group earlier this month, more than 50,000 of New York’s younger residents have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The following locations currently administer the vaccine to 5-11 year old's: SUNY Old Westbury - Clark Athletic Center 99 Cedar Swamp Road Glen Head NY 11545 SUNY Stony Brook - 1500 Development Drive Stony Brook NY 11794 Parents and guardians can make appointments at state mass vaccination sites here. Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their child's pediatrician, family physician, health centers, pharmacies or other providers for vaccination information and to schedule appointments. Office of Mental Health COVID-19 Impact Survey The Office of Mental Health (OMH) is conducting a survey to better understand the impact and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in communities statewide. The survey focuses specifically on the pandemic’s effects on individuals who receive public mental health services. The OMH is looking for responses from individuals who receive services from any OMH licensed, funded, or designated program. For a comprehensive list of OMH programs, please click here. This survey is anonymous. To complete the survey, please click here or scan the QR code below. NYS launches new COVID-19 data website Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new centralized website for New York State COVID-19 data. The one-stop website features data on testing, cases, and variants, hospitalizations and fatalities, vaccines, long-term care facilities, and schools. Users can sort New York State Department of Health data by age, gender, race/ethnicity, facility, and county. Vaccinations at Your Workplace! Businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities can request for the Nassau County Department of Health to come to your place of work to provide vaccines for you and your co-workers. To request a vaccination event at your workplace, call (516) 227-9570. Small Business Administration Assistance is Still Available! If you have yet to register with FEMA or the Small Business Administration (SBA), you have until December 6th, 2021 to apply. Below are the types of disaster loans available to you. Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible. The law limits business loans to $2,000,000. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. For more information and to apply for loans, click here. New Program Launch at HWCLI Community Response Collaborative: Connecting People to Resources & Referrals As COVID-19 surged throughout the region over the last year and half, the impact of this pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on Long Island families, businesses, and individuals living in under-served and under-resourced communities. As a result of these hardships, people are in desperate need of assistance. At HWCLI, we are excited to announce we will be part of the solution by working with other community-based organizations to build a coordinated network of resources & referrals to address a multitude of health, economic, and social care needs for our Long Island populations. Click here for the Community Response Collaborative Flyer in English. Click here for the Community Response Collaborative Flyer in Spanish. To learn more about this essential new program, please click here. HWCLI's Client Services Healthcare The HWCLI Healthcare Access Team helps our clients find health insurance plans that best fits their medical and financial needs. We have an outstanding health care team of certified navigators who help individuals and families enroll in free or low-cost health insurance plans through the New York State Health Marketplace. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the open enrollment period has been extended to December 31, 2021. Enroll with one of our navigators today! Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) HWCLI connects Long Islanders with SNAP benefits by assisting with applications and enrollment and providing necessary education and outreach through community events at the grassroots level. SNAP provides nutrition assistance to eligible individuals and families. In response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed. This federal act allows the issuance of emergency allotment supplemental benefits to households who receive SNAP benefits. For additional information about the services offered by HWCLI, click here.

Health Equity Alliance of Long Island HWCLI convenes a Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI) meeting, which strives to address the integration of health and human services for better health outcomes across Long Island. The mission of HEALI is to engage health and human services, community members and other stakeholders to ensure equitable health and life outcomes for all Long Islanders through cross-sector partnerships, innovative funding strategies, and improvements in the health & human service delivery system by: Developing an IT infrastructure that allows for multi-directional data sharing among agencies while respecting clients’ rights and protecting their privacy. Improve connectivity between agencies as they screen clients and track referrals within the sector. Engage community members, being inclusive and using a culturally and linguistically competent lens. Use our collective power and unified voice to advocate for services and investments needed for Long Island’s diverse communities. Develop strategies that simultaneously prepare CBOs for change, convey value, and highlight our leadership and expertise to collectively impact a transforming healthcare system. The HEALI Steering Committee is looking for feedback about your experience to help inform their planning and advocacy work. Please help HEALI advocate for increased health and human service integration and better outcomes for all Long Islanders by completing this very brief HEALI Survey. It will take less than five minutes and will provide valuable input. The next HEALI remote meeting is November 17th at 10:00am. If you would like the link to the meeting, to participate in the coalition or have any questions, please email Jake Ryan at jryan@hwcli.com. HWCLI's Client Services Healthcare The HWCLI Healthcare Access Team helps our clients find health insurance plans that best fits their medical and financial needs. We have an outstanding health care team of certified navigators who help individuals and families enroll in free or low-cost health insurance plans through the New York State Health Marketplace. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the open enrollment period has been extended to December 31, 2021. Enroll with one of our navigators today! Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) HWCLI connects Long Islanders with SNAP benefits by assisting with applications and enrollment and providing necessary education and outreach through community events at the grassroots level. SNAP provides nutrition assistance to eligible individuals and families. In response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed. This federal act allows the issuance of emergency allotment supplemental benefits to households who receive SNAP benefits. For additional information about the services offered by HWCLI, click here. Empower Life on Long Island The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for many. Whether its grief, anxiety, depression or substance abuse, Americans are still grappling with how the pandemic has shaped our lives for the past eighteen months. The Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Service is using the COVID-19 Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention Grant to support the Long Island community by providing a robust support system, counseling and treatment for those struggling with their mental health. For more information about this important initiative, please click here. Hunger Solutions New York Welcomes Andres Vives as Executive Director Hunger Solutions New York’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Andres Vives as Executive Director. Mr. Vives assumes the Executive Director position with more than eleven years of experience in executive leadership, including nine years as Hunger Solutions New York’s Associate Executive Director. In that role, he managed a significant organizational expansion, developed and implemented a strategic plan to increase organizational visibility, improved program design, and organized Hunger Solutions New York’s first statewide Anti-Hunger Conference. “I’m grateful to Hunger Solutions New York’s Board of Directors for their trust in me and for this opportunity to lead a well-established organization that’s making a difference for New Yorkers every day,” said Andres. “My goal as Executive Director is to increase the reach of our organization by investing in our dedicated team, strengthening and promoting the Hunger Solutions New York brand, and deepening our partnerships with other anti-hunger stakeholders. I will build on the successes of the past 36 years while creating new opportunities for collaboration, resource development, and outreach. I’m excited to be working with our staff, board, statewide and community partners, and others committed to ending hunger in New York State.” Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project ABOUT THE JOSEPH P. DWYER VETERANS PEER SUPPORT PROJECT: The Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is based on the principles of mutual self-help. By bringing veterans together to share experiences, camaraderie, and support, each has the opportunity to speak freely and openly about their military service without judgment. The Dwyer Project is staffed by veterans of all eras who have experienced their own readjustments to civilian life. By facilitating group discussions and engaging in activities of mutual interest, veterans build trust, learn from each other, and overcome common challenges. Weekly group meetings are held in accessible locations throughout Suffolk County. They are facilitated by trained veterans, who are backed-up by a team of behavioral health professionals and resource experts. Veterans may participate in multiple groups or find one that matches his or her needs and interests. To learn more about the services provided, please email vetspeertopeer@suffolkcountyny.gov, call (631)-853-8345 or click here. The Dwyer Project Brochure can be found here. Centering the Family Experience: Implications from Help Me Grow-Long Island's Report Webinar Join The Education Trust - New York and Kids Can't Wait in a discussion about Help Me Grow - Long Island's "Centering the Family Experience: Implications for Long Island’s Early Childhood System." In this report, feedback from families led to further exploration of existing quantitative data to identify an under-recognized issue for families: specifically how obstacles in registering for the local school district discouraged and delayed families seeking special education evaluation for their young children with suspected developmental delays. The event will include a panel to discuss the reports findings and recommendations. November 5, 2021 at 12:00pm If you would like to register for the event, please click here. Hope For Youth is Looking for Therapeutic Foster Families Hope For Youth announces the launch of Project 21 designed to increase foste­r bed capacity and ensure that every youth in care has a home to come back to after a long day. The goal of Project 21 is to increase the number of therapeutic foster families certified with Hope For Youth. The increase in therapeutic foster families will directly increase the number of beds available for youth in care. Hope For Youth offers digital orientations the last Thursday of every month for those interested in learning more about the process of becoming a therapeutic foster parent at Hope For Youth. Individuals interested in additional information or attending the orientation sessions should contact, Tina Basile, Project 21 Coordinator at (631)782-6516 or tbasile@hfyny.org. COVID-19 Booster Shot The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the delta variant. CDC data show that in August 2021, the risk of dying from COVID-19 in the U.S. was more than 11 times greater for unvaccinated people than for fully vaccinated people. The FDA had amended the emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose as follows: The use of a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine that may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals: 65 years of age and older 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 The use of a single booster dose of the Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 2 months after completion of the single-dose primary regimen to individuals 18 years of age and older. The use of each of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose in eligible individuals following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine. The Public Health Collaborative has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, which can be found here. Community Organizations Urge New Yorkers to Vote YES on Voting Rights and Redistricting Ballot Questions On November 2nd, as voters head to the polls, they will have the opportunity to vote on ballot questions that will improve the state’s voting rights and redistricting process. To view the ballot questions and for more information, please click here. NYS FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers The Coastal Storm that hit Long Island this week brought heavy rain and high winds, causing flooding and power outages. Personnel from state agencies such as the Department of Financial Services, Department of Health, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office of Children and Family Services and Department of Labor will be stationed within the DRCs to connect impacted citizens with state programs or services that may be available to assist them in their recovery. At the recovery center, residents can come tto apply for assistance, check on their application status, and ask questions. FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for Nassau County Location: Senator Michael Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 Operating times: 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for Suffolk County Location: Rose Caracappa Senior Center 739 NY-25A, Mt Sinai, NY 11768 Operating times: 10am-6pm Monday-Friday For additional online resources, as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets, please click here, or call 800-621-3362 HHS Launches Spanish Language App to Help Latinos Navigate Health Care Questions The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a Spanish version of the QuestionBuilder app, which can help Latino patients prepare for their in-person or telehealth appointments. An HHS report found that Spanish-speaking Latino adults are more likely to worry about medical bills compared to their English-speaking counterparts, and previous research shows that Latinos with limited English proficiency are less likely to obtain outpatient care and receive prescriptions than English-speaking Latinos. The QuestionBuilder in Spanish is available for phone, tablet, or laptop at no charge through Apple App Store and Google Play. To read the full press report in English, please click here. To read the full press report in Spanish, please click here. Restaurant Meals Program Signed Into Law Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation establishing a statewide Restaurant Meals Program as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Once approved by the USDA, the law will allow those who are homeless, disabled, or over 60 to use their SNAP benefits to receive prepared or hot food from participating restaurants. HWCLI is working with partners across the region on the roll-out of this important program. To learn more, contact Jake Ryan at jryan@hwcli.com. In addition to helping those who may encounter challenges cooking and storing food, Governor Hochul announced the creation of a Restaurant Resiliency Program that will enable food pantries to contract with restaurants. The Long Island region has been awarded $1.5 million with Island Harvest and Long Island Cares receiving $793,657 each. Funds will provide relief to the restaurant industry which continues to face challenges due to COVID-19. Restaurants can apply for this program by clicking here. To learn more about the Restaurant Meals Program, click here. Secure Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Governor Hochul announced the opening of the application period for $25 million in grants to strengthen safety and security measures at facilities of nonprofit organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or missions. The funding is being administered through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and allows for the purchase of additional security needs. Through the latest round of funding, awards of up to $50,000 will be granted to support two-year contracts that are expected to begin in June of 2022. Funds can cover exterior or interior security improvements, including lighting locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, barriers, access control, shatter-resistant glass, blast-resistant film and public address systems. Funds can also cover costs associated with security training. Eligible organizations may submit up to three applications for a maximum of $150,000. Each facility will require a separate application. Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 7, 2022. Please click here for eligibility requirements, instructions, and additional information. Realtors Relief Fund The Long Island Board of REALTORS® is helping those displaced by Ida's flooding. Have you been negatively affected by Hurricane Ida and need housing assistance? You may be eligible to receive housing assistance. LIBOR, in partnership with the REALTORS® Relief Foundation and New York Association of REALTORS® is providing assistance to those in need. Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards one of the following options: 1) Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the Hurricane Ida Disaster or; 2) Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Hurricane Ida Disaster. Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $2,000 per applicant per household. Please read application for complete requirements, eligibility and restrictions on use. Deadline for application submission is October 31, 2021. If you would like to apply online, click here. If you would like to mail you application, download and print the application here and send to: IDA RELIEF APPLICATION c/o Long Island Board of REALTORS® 300 Sunrise Highway West Babylon, NY 11704 Any questions? Please email idarelief@lirealtor.com No-cost cancer screening! Cancer screening is important because it can detect cancer at an early stage in people who aren't showing symptoms, thereby reducing their chance of dying from cancer. The Cancer Services Program offers no-cost breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings to uninsured men and women in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. To learn more about the Suffolk program, call (631) 548-6320. To learn more about the Nassau program, call (718) 470-4998. Financial Recovery Resources for Households, Small Businesses & Non-profit Organizations Boost Nassau Resource Center – Connects residents, businesses, and non-profits with COVID-19 financial recovery grant and loan programs. Newly added to the Center is the BOOST Main Street Small Business Grant Program and the Boost Nassau Nonprofit Grant. The Household Assistance Program will be released soon. Entities can make an appointment with the Boost Nassau Resource Team to find out which resources align with various recovery needs. The Center is in Eisenhower Park and can also be reached at (516) 572-2888. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance – Provides financial assistance for funerals that have resulted from deaths related to COVID-19. NYS launches new COVID-19 data website On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new centralized website for New York State COVID-19 data. The one-stop website features data on testing, cases, and variants, hospitalizations and fatalities, vaccines, long-term care facilities, and schools. Users can sort New York State Department of Health data by age, gender, race/ethnicity, facility, and county. Vaccinations at Your Workplace! Businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities can request for the Nassau County Department of Health to come to your place of work to provide vaccines for you and your co-workers. To request a vaccination event at your workplace, call (516) 227-9570.

New Funds to Provide Hurricane Ida Relief to Undocumented New Yorkers Governor Kathy Hochul announced $27 million is available to provide relief to undocumented survivors of the storms and flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. This funding will be distributed through grants to an established network of community organizations and provided to New Yorkers who are not eligible to receive storm recovery assistance through the FEMA Individual Assistance Program or other means. Not-for-profit partner organizations will begin providing assistance and accepting applications on Monday, September 27, 2021. The application period will close on Friday, November 26, 2021. In order to qualify for this program, the applicants must a) themselves not be eligible for FEMA assistance and b) not have an individual in their household who is eligible for assistance. To get connected with assistance, impacted residents should call the ONA Hotline at 1-800-566-7636, 9:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Friday, or visit the partner not-for-profits starting September 27. Hotline assistance is available in over 200 languages. Please find the locations below. Suffolk County Make the Road, 1090 Suffolk Ave, Brentwood, NY 11717 (631)-231-2220 For more information, click here. Nassau County Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, 134 Jackson Street, Hempstead, NY 11550 (516)-292-9710 For more information, click here. NYS FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Both Nassau County and Suffolk County were recently approved to be added to the Major Disaster Declaration for both Individual and Public Assistance. Personnel from state agencies such as the Department of Financial Services, Department of Health, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office of Children and Family Services and Department of Labor will be stationed within the DRCs to connect impacted citizens with state programs or services that may be available to assist them in their recovery. Residents can visit full-service centers to apply for assistance, check on their application status, and ask questions. FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for Nassau County Location: Senator Michael Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 Operating times: 8am - 7pm Daily FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for Suffolk County Location: Rose Caracappa Senior Center 739 NY-25A, Mt Sinai, NY 11768 Operating times: 8am-7pm daily For additional online resources, as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids, please click here, or call 800-621-3362 Restaurant Meals Program Signed Into Law Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation establishing a statewide Restaurant Meals Program as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Once approved by the USDA, the law will allow those who are homeless, disabled, or over 60 to use their SNAP benefits to receive prepared or hot food from participating restaurants. In addition to helping those who may encounter challenges cooking and storing food, Governor Hochul announced the creation of a Restaurant Resiliency Program that will enable food pantries to contract with restaurants. The Long Island region has been awarded $1.5 million with Island Harvest and Long Island Cares receiving $793,657 each, which will provide relief to the restaurant industry which continues to face challenges due to COVID-19. Restaurants can apply for this program by clicking here. To learn more about the Restaurant Meals Program, click here. Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project ABOUT THE JOSEPH P. DWYER VETERANS PEER SUPPORT PROJECT: The Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is based on the principles of mutual self-help. By bringing veterans together to share experiences, camaraderie and support, each has the opportunity to speak freely and openly about their military service without judgment. The Dwyer Project is staffed by veterans of all eras who have experienced their own readjustments to civilian life. By facilitating group discussions and engaging in activities of mutual interest, veterans build trust, learn from each other, and overcome common challenges. Weekly group meetings are held in accessible locations throughout Suffolk County. They are facilitated by trained veterans, who are backed-up by a team of behavioral health professionals and resource experts. Veterans may participate in multiple groups or find one that matches his or her needs and interests. To learn more about the services provided, please email vetspeertopeer@suffolkcountyny.gov, call (631)-853-8345 or click here. The Dwyer Project Brochure can be found here. Direct Services of Health & Welfare Council of Long Island Healthcare The HWCLI Healthcare Access Team helps our clients find health insurance plans that best fits their medical and financial needs. We have an outstanding health care team of certified navigators who help individuals and families enroll in free or low-cost health insurance plans through the New York State Health Marketplace. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the open enrollment period has been extended to December 31, 2021. Enroll with one of our navigators today! Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) HWCLI connects Long Islanders with SNAP benefits by assisting with applications and enrollment and providing necessary education and outreach through community events at the grassroots level. SNAP provides nutrition assistance to eligible individuals and families. In response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed. This federal act allows the issuance of emergency allotment supplemental benefits to households who receive SNAP benefits. For additional information about the services offered by HWCLI, click here. Long Island Storm Replacement Benefits Information- Nassau County Have your clients lost food because of an emergency (flooding, loss of power)? If they receive SNAP benefits, they may be able to get some SNAP dollars added back to their EBT card. For more information, Click here. Realtors Relief Fund The Long Island Board of REALTORS® is helping those displaced by Ida's flooding. Have you been negatively affected by Hurricane Ida and need housing assistance? You may be eligible to receive housing assistance. LIBOR, in partnership with the REALTORS® Relief Foundation and New York Association of REALTORS® is providing assistance to those in need. Assistance is available to qualified applicants towards one of the following options: · 1) Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged by the Hurricane Ida Disaster or; · 2) Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the Hurricane Ida Disaster. Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $2,000 per applicant per household. Please read application for complete requirements, eligibility and restrictions on use. Deadline for application submission is October 31, 2021. If you would like to apply online, click here. If you would like to mail you application, download and print the application here and send to: IDA RELIEF APPLICATION c/o Long Island Board of REALTORS® 300 Sunrise Highway West Babylon, NY 11704 Any questions? Please email idarelief@lirealtor.com Home Energy Assistance Program The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Regular Arrears Supplement (RAS) benefit is a one-time benefit funded with the HEAP appropriation received under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This benefit will be available from September 22, 2021 through September 30, 2022 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. RAS benefits are a Regular HEAP supplement available to assist HEAP eligible households who have electricity and/or gas account arrears as documented by their utility vendor. Only one RAS benefit per current electricity and/or gas account is permitted, and total RAS benefits must not exceed $10,000 per applicant household. Applications can be filed online through mybenefits.ny.gov Households who received a Regular benefit in any amount through the application or Autopay processes, currently have an open HEAP, TA or SNAP case, and have not moved since receiving their Regular benefit do not need to complete a new HEAP Application and may apply using only the RAS Worksheet. For more information, please click here. New York State Lawmakers Extend Eviction Moratoriums After the United States Supreme Court refused to extend the nationwide eviction moratorium, New York lawmakers have extended the moratorium so it will stay in effect until January 15, 2022. Thousands of New Yorkers who were facing evictions now have access to additional aid. For more information regarding the legislation, click here. Financial Recovery Resources for Households, Small Businesses & Non-profit Organizations Boost Nassau Resource Center – Connects residents, businesses, and non-profits with COVID-19 financial recovery grant and loan programs. Newly added to the Center is the BOOST Main Street Small Business Grant Program and the Boost Nassau Nonprofit Grant. The Household Assistance Program will be released soon. Entities can make an appointment with the Boost Nassau Resource Team to find out which resources align with various recovery needs. The Center is in Eisenhower Park and can also be reached at (516) 572-2888. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance – Provides financial assistance for funerals that have resulted from deaths related to COVID-19. Vaccinations at Your Workplace! Businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities can request for the Nassau County Department of Health to come to your place of work to provide vaccines for you and your co-workers. To request a vaccination event at your workplace, call (516) 227-9570.