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What's NEW at PEU!
May 2023
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PEU in Staten Island for the Grandparent’s Safety Week Series event |
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About the Public Engagement Unit (PEU)
The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) uses community organizing principles to re-envision how the city provides services to its most vulnerable communities. Rather than expecting constituents to navigate a complex city bureaucracy to get the help they need, PEU adopts grassroots tactics to meet residents where they are — at their doors and on their phones, in their social media feeds, and in their communities. PEU combines this proactive outreach with comprehensive case management, and in doing so, builds long-term relationships between New Yorkers and their government.
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Upcoming Events
GetCoveredNYC Weekly Event Round-Up
GetCoveredNYC has continued to connect New Yorkers to health coverage and health information. We continue our routine tabling efforts at libraries, community centers, and HRA offices in every borough. Stay tuned for our weekly social media roundup of GetCoveredNYC events, helping people find free health care support in-person here . |
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PEU spreading the word about NYC Government Hiring Halls
New York City is hiring! PEU has been spreading the word across the city on government hiring halls. The DCAS Office of Citywide Recruitment (OCR) is actively engaged in recruitment events, where they share valuable information about City government jobs and the examination process. To help job seekers take advantage of these opportunities, OCR is also offering on-the-spot interviews for select positions in City government, such as engineering interns, inspectors, case managers, and more. Interested candidates are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume and be prepared to showcase their qualifications and enthusiasm.
Stay tuned for more updates and information on upcoming recruitment events on our social media platforms.
The next hiring fair will be in Staten Island. See details below:
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 PEU letting New Yorkers know about upcoming hiring events with Mayor Eric Adams |
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Presentation on Tenants’ Rights with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office
PEU is collaborating with the Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and hosting a Tenants Rights Presentation. PEU will provide an overview of resources available to renters living in NYC, as well as helping Brooklynites learn more about their rights as tenants and how the pandemic affected tenants' rights. If you have questions as a tenant, join us on Wednesday, May 17, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. RSVP here
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Team Wins
Fair Housing Month
We were excited to sit in on the NYC Commission on Human Rights and NYS Division of Human Rights' Fair Housing Month conference in April. NYC has some of the country's most expansive fair housing laws, protecting New Yorkers from losing their chance at housing because of their race, disability status, source of income, and more. Curious about your rights under New York's Fair Housing Laws? Learn more here. With our Housing Support Unit helping homeowners rent to people with vouchers and our Tenant Support Unit helping tenants live safely in their homes, we're infinitely committed to Fair Housing. It's always a pleasure to continue to learn from partners and colleagues protecting all New Yorkers' rights.
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 Project Lead of HSU, Kelmy at the conference.
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PEU at Grandparents Safety Week events
PEU’s GetCoveredNYC and Tenant Support Unit completed tabling for DOT's Grandparents Safety Week this past month. Our outreach specialists attended 10 tabling events across all five boroughs at Older Adult Centers to help connect older New Yorkers to essential health and housing resources. PEU is proud to have been a part of this important initiative and remains committed to serving our communities by providing access to valuable resources and support. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated individuals and organizations to make a positive impact on the lives of older New Yorkers. |
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New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
NYC is celebrating small businesses this month in honor of Small Business Month! Throughout the month, PEU’s Special Projects team and SBS are coordinating events and outreach initiatives across the five boroughs to raise awareness around free business resources and bringing business services directly to neighborhoods. SBS has made it easier, faster and cheaper than ever to start a business and we are spreading the word!
As the City’s in-house “campaign” experts, PEU’s Special Projects Team leverages interagency resources, City staff volunteers, and technology in agile and creative ways to design and implement new outreach strategies for the City’s most pressing initiatives. PEU has coordinated special projects connecting New Yorkers to a range of benefits and services, including vaccine appointments, free tax prep, the Child Tax Credit, the Affordable Connectivity Program, COVID recovery meals, and more.
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GetCoveredNYC and Health Literacy
Health insurance language can be confusing and difficult to understand. Our GetCoveredNYC Specialists are here to educate New Yorkers on all things health insurance, including definitions. To supplement our one-on-one outreach and case management, we’re excited to share our new health literacy campaign to help New Yorkers understand complex terms! Understanding the ins and outs of health insurance is critical to making informed decisions about your health. GetCoveredNYC offers New Yorkers the tools to take ownership of their health and we encourage everyone to learn more on our website: on.nyc.gov/HealthInsuranceVocab
Our team is always available to offer one-on-one support and address any questions you may have about health insurance. Contact GetCoveredNYC by visiting nyc.gov/GetCoveredNYC
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
PEU Lead Spotlight
Tenant Helpline Lead, Badr Alsaidi, is a trailblazer and inspiring leader who moved to the US from Yemen at the age of 12 in search of new opportunities for a better life. Badr has dedicated himself to serving his community and bridging the gap in access to fair testing and resources for Arabic-speaking communities. He has worked as an interpreter and teacher's assistant to support Arabic-speaking ESL students, mobilized youth to be civically engaged, and managed his family's bodega while advocating for immigrant-owned businesses. Badr helps NYC tenants access their rights, determined to create an inclusive and equitable society for all. PEU is thrilled to share that Badr has been recognized by the New York City Council for his public service! Congratulations Badr!
The Tenant Support Unit (TSU) provides free information on tenants’ rights, assistance navigating housing-related issues, and connection to a range of resources, including the Tenant Resource Portal, anti-eviction legal assistance, and rent freeze and homeowner tax exemption programs. Visit nyc.gov/TSU for more information.
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Administrative Professionals Day
April 26th was Administrative Professionals Day. We want to acknowledge and thank the administrative staff at PEU who work hard every day to support our operations and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
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RESOURCES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The Department of Cultural Affairs launched the application for its Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grantmaking process. Each year, this funding reaches 1,000+ nonprofits that provide cultural programming for the public. Applications for the FY24 CDF cycle are due May 9, and we're asking you to help spread the word through your networks so this opportunity to receive public funds reaches every corner of NYC. Find the digital toolkit with graphics, content, and templates you can feel free to use and adapt for your audiences: CDF application toolkit. In addition, there is a related opportunity: applications to the CDF are reviewed by peer panels convened by DCLA. As part of an ongoing reform effort to reduce bias in the review process and foster greater equity in this important source of public funding, we need to recruit CDF panelists who reflect the full breadth of NYC's diverse communities. Serving on a virtual panel includes a $480 stipend and a great professional development opportunity: CDF panelist open call toolkit
- Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare Savings Programs help pay for Medicare costs. If you make $2,260 or less, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program! Medicare Savings Programs may be used to help pay for your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. If you think you qualify, call GetCoveredNYC to learn more!
- Hear from Eric: New Yorkers can sign up online to receive digital communications directly from Mayor Adams with exclusive information about new initiatives and policies, local events, and more.
- Week in Review: Last week, Mayor Adams announced new plans to improve Broadway Junction, celebrated the start of Small Business Month, and extended the water bill amnesty program while cracking down on the biggest offenders. Watch the last Week in Review video here.
- Participate in Senior Games: Calling all Adults and Seniors (ages 50 and older) to compete in the ultimate citywide challenge! Events take place from June 5-15. Participate solo or as part of a team in basketball, archery, shuffleboard, swimming, pickleball, corn hole, table tennis, and track & field competitions across NYC—and represent your borough in the torch run. Participation is FREE with an NYC Parks Recreation Center membership, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, visit nyc.gov/parks/senior-games.
- Energy Bill Assistance: This year, if you need assistance paying for your heating or electricity bills, there are programs that may be able to help. Learn about available support from the NY State assistance program, National Grid, and Con Edison. Plus, share this graphic about winter bills to get the word out!
- Mental Health Support: Mental health counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide free support in many languages. You can contact them directly by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), Text WELL to 65173 or Chat nyc.gov/nycwell.
- NYC Fair Fares: Eligible New York City residents can get a 50% discount on eligible transportation. Help us to spread the word by sharing this HRA toolkit and check your eligibility at nyc.gov/fairfares or by calling 311.
- Discounted Internet: The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to help you pay for broadband internet service! Qualifying New Yorkers (including all public school families) can receive up to $30 per month off their internet bill. You can learn more about and sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program here: GetInternet.gov.
- Access Benefits: There are more than 30 programs you or your family may be eligible for regardless of immigration status and even if you’re already receiving benefits or have a job. Use ACCESS NYC to find help in NYC with food, money, housing, work and more.
- Vaccinations: Walk-ins available for first and second doses of the monkeypox (MPV) vaccine, COVID vaccines and flu shots:
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Follow us on social media and learn about our programs and outreach on our website: nyc.gov/MayorsPEU
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