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What's NEW at PEU!
August 2023
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PEU Announces Live Tenant Helpline to Keep New Yorkers in their Homes. |
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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 connects New Yorkers to health coverage and health information. We table at libraries, community centers, and HRA offices in every borough. Check out this week's events on our website here. |
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Team Wins
PEU Launches Live Operator Tenant Helpline
We have officially launched an important new resource for New Yorkers: live operators for our Tenant Helpline. In response to the ongoing challenges faced by tenants, the implementation of live calls ensures a constant and reliable channel of assistance. This dedicated helpline aims to provide critical aid to New York tenants confronting potential eviction, landlord harassment, or substandard living conditions.
“This new live PEU Tenant Helpline is a one-stop-shop where tenants can learn about their rights and connect with critical housing-related resources. Every day, New Yorkers work hard to build a better future for themselves, their kids, and their families, but we know that many are still struggling to keep a roof over their heads. This Helpline will ensure that New York City tenants have the resources they need in the most critical moments, and will no longer have to wait 48 to 72 hours for a call back for tenant help or talk to an answering machine. We are excited to launch this important new resource to reach more New Yorkers than ever before.” — Mayor Adams
You can read our press release here.
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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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CUNY Career Launch
We welcomed CUNY interns once again this summer! Interns are working closely with the Special Projects Team and are gaining practical skills as they implement PEU's innovative and grassroots outreach strategies, including targeted phone calls, peer-to-peer text messaging, and door-to-door canvassing. This outreach is designed to identify New Yorkers in need and connect them to critical City, State, and Federal resources. Interns are also offering free benefits screening to New Yorkers across the City using the ACCESS NYC screening tool.
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. Click here to find out more.
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PEU Tabling at Rise Up NYC
This summer, PEU is supporting the "Rise Up NYC" concert series, which features free community performances throughout all NYC five boroughs. We've provided operational support at many of the Rise Up NYC concerts and are excited for the next ones! Learn more about upcoming events here: riseupnycconcerts.com
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NYC CARE Day Of Action
PEU's GetCoveredNYC (GCNYC) Team supported NYC Care's Day of Action earlier this month, taking part in a vital effort to spread vital health insurance information across various communities in NYC. GCNYC Specialists spoke to residents across the City, answering their questions to make sure they were well-informed about available health coverage options.
GetCoveredNYC provides free assistance for New Yorkers seeking to enroll in health care, regardless of immigration status or income. Our Specialists speak over a dozen languages and conduct outreach to proactively identify uninsured New Yorkers and help them get access to health care and other health-related benefits. Visit nyc.gov/GetCoveredNYC to contact a GetCoveredNYC Specialist.
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PEU at Univision Contigo
PEU joined Univision's "Contigo a Salvo" water safety campaign in Sunnyside, Queens! offering essential resources and support to New Yorkers.
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Specialist Spotlight
PEU staffer Marcy, received a heartfelt gratitude letter for the invaluable support and assistance she provided for her client during a challenging time. As an HSU Specialist, it's Marcy's job to help landlords and brokers navigate the potentially complex process of renting to New Yorkers with vouchers. When Marcy heard that a NYC landlord was experiencing payment delays, which was causing uncertainty for both the landlord and tenant, she jumped into action. Thanks to Marcy's intervention and guidance, they were able to connect with the appropriate partners and resolve the dilemma effectively. The landlord received the security deposit and full five month's worth of rent, including back-pay for June and future. In their letter, Marcy's client told her “Without the assistance offered, none of these positive outcomes would have been possible.”
The Home Support Unit (HSU) conducts outreach to rental owners and brokers in order to identify vacant homes for voucher holders living in shelters. HSU supports owners and brokers throughout the lease-up process, improving their experience with rental subsidies so that they continue to provide units to voucher recipients in the future. For more information about HSU, visit nyc.gov/HSU.
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Resources & Announcements
- 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! Learn more about affording your health insurance here.
- 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: Watch the last Week in Review video here.
- 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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