Saturday, July 11, 2026

Biweekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

GOVERNMENT HEADER

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES WONDER'S GRAND OPENING ON FORDHAM!

This week, the food delivery platform Wonder celebrated the grand opening of its newest location on Fordham Road, one of the Bronx's busiest commercial corridors. Senator Rivera along with other community leaders welcomed the business to the district and wishes the team a continued success.


This new location will bring new jobs and opportunities to the community, and contributes to the continued economic growth of the district!

In the last few weeks, Senator Rivera has visited many senior centers in his district to connect with them after a long legislative session as well as to invite them to his 10th Annual Senior Health Fair and Luncheon!


Senator Rivera was happy to see many familiar as well as new faces at the Morris Innovative Older Adult Center, Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, Riverdale Y, R.A.I.N. Mt. Carmel, and R.A.I.N. Boston Road Older Adult Center.


Senator Rivera's annual celebration will take place on Thursday, July 23 at Lehman College's Music Building and will feature entertainment, health screenings, raffle prizes, refreshments, and more.


Unfortunately, due to the event reaching capacity, registration is now closed, and we are no longer accepting RSVPs. We thank all of our seniors for their support!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS CB7 AT THEIR ANNUAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

Last week, Senator Rivera joined Bronx Community Board 7 at its Annual Community Resource Fair. With tabling partners from city agencies, community organizations, and elected officials, residents had the opportunity to learn about available services, connect with local resources, and enjoy activities and refreshments. Thank you for the invitation!

SENATOR RIVERA PARTNERS WITH THE MEXICAN CONSULATE IN NYC TO SUPPORT MEXICAN COMMUNITY IN HIS DISTRICT

This week, our office partnered with the Mexican Consulate to host a five-day outreach event serving the Mexican community in the Bronx at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church.


During the event, residents of the Bronx were able to apply for Mexican passports, Matriculas Consulares, Credenciales para Votar, and dual citizenship services. The event was a tremendous success, with more than 300 people served!

This week, Senator Rivera joined the Center for Science in the Public Interest and colleagues to urge the Executive to sign a major food reform package that recently passed the Legislature, which includes his Sodium Warning bill (S.428A).


When dining out, families are too often exposed to excessive sodium without even knowing it. Senator Rivera believes that New Yorkers deserve clear information about the food they are purchasing and consuming, so they can make healthy choices for themselves.


Thank you Spectrum NY1 Albany and El Diario for their coverage!

FIND YOUR LOCAL NYC FARMERS MARKET AND GET FRESH PRODUCE!

Time:

Tuesday, July 21

6 – 7:30pm EDT


Location:

Virtual event

Join from anywhere


About this event

The World Cup is coming to our backyard, and so are the crowds, the cameras, and heightened enforcement. As fans gather across our neighborhoods and at MetLife Stadium, knowing your rights is the first line of defense for our communities.


Join us for a free virtual Know Your Rights training where you'll learn what to do if you see immigration agents — at home or in your community or at a fan zone — and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors. We'll cover your constitutional rights, how to spot ICE and other federal agents, how to respond to ICE encounters, what to keep on hand, and how to mobilize your community.



No legal knowledge required, and all are welcome. Whether you're cheering for your team or showing up for your neighbors, come ready with your questions.

SIGN UP HERE

New SNAP Work Requirements: What You Need to Know

New federal rules are changing SNAP work requirements for some New Yorkers. Starting this year, certain adults may need to work, attend job training, or volunteer to keep their benefits.


You may be affected if you are:

● Between ages 18–64

● Not living with a child under 14

● Not exempt due to a health condition or other reason



If these rules apply to you, you may need to take action each month to avoid losing your SNAP benefits.



Check your status and learn what to do: on.nyc.gov/snap.

The changes from the feds that go into effect on July 1st will have serious implications for over 450,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan that are losing health insurance coverage. Thankfully, Community Health Advocates (CHA) have made themselves available to assist you.


Call the toll-free Helpline (888-614-5400, option 3) Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. With your consent, Senator Rivera's team can also email your information over to CHA for assistance.


CHA can counsel consumers losing Essential Plan coverage about:  

  • Insurance eligibility and options  
  • Where to find low-cost care
  • Resolving medical debt, and  
  • Their rights for seeking treatment in emergency situations

HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT (HPD) IS CURRENTLY OFFERING HOUSING INFORMATION CLASSES

Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is currently offering housing information classes that provide information on a variety of housing issues to tenants, homeowners, and property managers in New York City. The classes are free, led by experts with vital knowledge and resources.


Free Classes for Homeowners and Tenants

We are offering a series of free classes tailored specifically for homeowners and tenants. These classes will cover essential topics such as:


· Rental Housing Discrimination and Harassment

· NYC Housing Connect: The Affordable Housing Lottery

· Tenants Right: Know Your Rights Market Rate Apartment and Good Cause Protection

· Housing Court: What to Expect

· Avoiding Deed Theft: A Homeowners Guide

· Department Of Buildings: Rules, Permits, Summons, and More!

· Lead-Based Paint Basics for Homeowners

· Energy Efficiency and Solor Power for Homeowners

· Integrated Pest Management


Resource Fairs and Tabling Events

In addition to their classes, HPD organizes resource fairs and tabling events throughout the community. These events will provide you with access to local organizations and services: Connect with various organizations that offer services in health, housing, education, and more. Informational materials: Pick up brochures and resources that provide vital information about maintaining a safe and healthy home. Networking opportunities: Meet other community members, share experiences, and build connections that can lead to further support and collaboration.


Visit their website at www.nyc.gov/hpd for classes and event schedule. Or contact them directly for more information.


For questions, or to register for classes, call 212-863-8830 or by email at www.oee@hpd.nyc.gov.

BEAT THE HEAT! LEARN MORE ABOUT NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UNIT’S COOLING CENTER PROGRAM

COOL OPTIONS FINDER

As a reminder, should extreme heat occur, New Yorkers are advised to stay cool and stay hydrated. Avoid spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of heat-related illness, such as confusion, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. For more preparedness tips, visit: nyc.gov/BeReady or nyc.gov/beattheheat.

DEADLINE MONDAY 7/27: CITIZENS COMMITTEE FOR NEW YORK CITY IS ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS

ELIGIBILITY 

  • Program must take place within one of the five NYC boroughs
  • At least two individuals must apply together 
  • This grant is for small nonprofits, volunteer-led initiatives, and public schools. This grant is NOT for businesses, and business owners can apply to this grant instead: Neighborhood Business Grant.
  • You do NOT need to be a nonprofit organization to apply (volunteer-based efforts are eligible) 
  • Nonprofits that do apply must have annual budget less than $250,000 (public schools are exempt from this limit)
  • Applicants cannot be a chapter or affiliate of a larger organization 
  • Programs cannot promote religious, political or any other ideologies
APPLY HERE

ELIGIBILITY

  • Business must be located in one of New York City’s five boroughs.
  • Active for-profit business that has generated revenue for two years
  • Business must employ no more than 10 full-time employees. They CANNOT be part of a franchise.
  • Grant funds must be used to implement a project that strengthens local communities by fostering neighborhood connections and increasing resident engagement.
  • Grant funds CANNOT support business overhead costs, including rent or employee salaries beyond a $250 per person stipend.
  • They must be able to provide proof of business, such as bank statements, tax documents, or POS terminal statements.
APPLY HERE

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