This is the season of gratitude, in spirit and action. The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) wishes to give a heartfelt thank you to the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) service provider community, who go above and beyond in their call to service. DYCD also wants to celebrate all that we have accomplished together in the past year and a half. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, DYCD-funded RHY providers supported youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. New ways of communicating and supporting youth were implemented—quickly and creatively. Innovations include conducting virtual face-to-face counseling and creating virtual spaces to build community among peers. As a result, the RHY providers supported youth in NYC and expanded their reach across the nation.   

In early 2021, the last 813 beds for young people who have run away or are experiencing homelessness became available. When the beds went online, Mayor de Blasio's promise in January 2016 was fully realized. In addition to 753 beds for younger youth aged 16–20, sixty beds became available for older youth (21–24) at safe, youth development-focused residential programs. These new resources are also critical for young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and are likely to be at risk in the adult shelter system. DYCD was part of Uber donating new televisions to shelters and residential programs throughout the City, including DYCD-funded Runaway and Homeless Youth facilities. April 2021 saw the announcement of NYC Unity Works, a collaboration of DYCD, the NYC Unity Project, the NYC Center for Youth Employment (CYE), the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, and the Ali Forney Center. The country's largest and most comprehensive workforce development program was created for LGBTQ+ communities and will specifically focus on supporting homeless and runaway LGBTQ+ youth. This could not have been accomplished without the dedication of the DYCD-funded RHY providers. THANK YOU! .     

Additionally, please save the dates! From Wednesday, January 26 through Friday, January 28, DYCD is conducting our annual Youth Count! Stay tuned for more information as the 2022 initiative unfolds. EVERYONE COUNTS.  

The City of New York has issued a mandate to require vaccine proof for indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment for children aged 5–11. The City now requires two mRNA vaccine doses for New Yorkers over age 12, up from one, starting December 27.

Children ages 5 to 11 will be required to get vaccinated to participate in high-risk extracurricular activities, including sports, band, orchestra, and dance. This requirement for the initial vaccine dose took effect on December 14.

"Vaccines work, and vaccine mandates work—particularly when joined with efforts to build vaccine confidence, provide incentives, and improve access, as we have in New York City. Case rates are currently highest among our 5- to 11-year-olds. But we can change this. Parents have already vaccinated over 130,000 kids since 5- to 11-year-olds became eligible. Wear a mask. Get tested. If you are sick, stay home." – Dave A. Chokshi, MD, NYC Health Commissioner

Parents or guardians can call 212–COVID19 (212–268–4319) with questions about the vaccine. Find a vaccine site near you at nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877–VAX4–NYC.