Sunday, November 29, 2020

Mayor de Blasio - New York City public schools will be reopening in phases starting on Monday, December 7th.

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Well, good morning, everybody. I hope everyone had a joyous and safe Thanksgiving. And even though this Thanksgiving was definitely different, I hope you got to feel the warmth and the love of your family and friends. However, you did that, I hope you got to feel it, and I hope it will help sustain you in the weeks ahead. We're here today with a major announcement regarding our school system. And I want to start with just a moment of reflection on what we have been through up to now. You go back to the summer, Chancellor Carranza and I were adamant that we believed reopening our schools was the right thing to do, that our kids needed it. Parents had a lot of concerns. Educators and staff had a lot of concerns. A lot of people said it could not be done, but we believed it could be done and it could be done safely. And we became one of the few major cities in America to reopen our schools, in fact, by far, of course, the biggest school system in America. What we did a lot of people looked at with amazement and that's a credit to our educators and our staff, everyone at the Department of Education, our custodial services team, food services, school safety, everyone who was a part of that. They believed they could do it. And they did. And we kept our school safe and we did it in real-life conditions. We prove that schools could be extraordinarily safe because we put a tremendous number of health and safety measures in place, created that gold standard of combined health and safety actions that worked. What we didn't know back in July and August, we do know now that these steps work, and they keep kids safe and they keep the whole school community safe.   

  

But we also said at the time that we would set a strict standard and we would live by it. And if we hit three percent, we'd have to reevaluate the whole situation. We did, of course, hit three percent. We did a temporary closure of our schools. And then we went about the work immediately of resetting the entire equation and trying to determine a path that would be sustainable. Regardless of the challenges we faced, we needed something sustainable that could link us up to the time when we would have the vaccine widely distributed. And so, we focused on increasing the health and safety measures, doubling down on the things that work, making them even more stringent and exacting. Had conversations with our stakeholders, conversations with the State. I've had a number of conversations with the Governor. We've been working through, how do we take all those good lessons of health and safety and amplify them with new measures? So, that is exactly what we now will put in place. We will have testing that is going to go from monthly in every school to weekly in every school. We will have a consent forms required for attendance. I want to emphasize this. Students will not be able to attend school unless they have a consent form on record period. This is something for everyone's health and safety. And as we open school in phases – and I'll go over to phases in a moment – wherever possible, we will, in schools that have the ability, go to five-day-a-week instruction. This is for the students who already were in blended learning or the ones who opted in recently. For any school that does have the space and the ability to move to five-day-a-week in-person instruction, for those kids that will now be the preferred model. So, we'll have in-person instruction for those who are part of that approach, remote for all other kids.  

  

The situation room will also, of course, continue to do its extraordinary work. And this has been one of the big X-factors. The situation room has allowed us to keep each individual school safe with very exacting follow-through on every reported case and quick action to address what the ramifications of the case would be. Whether it means in some cases, the classroom needs to be closed for a period of time or even a whole school. That approach has worked, that will stay strong. Obviously, all the social distancing rules, mask wearing everything that's worked before, but with these new measures. So, that is the basic approach. And now here's the important news. Beginning the week of Monday, December 7th, New York City public schools will begin to reopen. We will begin with elementary schools K-5 and our pre-K, 3-K public school centers. And then later that week on Thursday, December 10th, our District 75 special education programs. So, New York City public schools will be reopening in phases starting on Monday, December 7th.  

  

Now, we are focusing on the younger grades – let's be clear – focusing on the younger grades on that Monday, all K-5 programs, whether they're standalone or part of a bigger school, those grades will come back. And those pre-K, 3-K centers. Why? Because we know, first of all, studies consistently show that younger kids are having less of a negative experience. And there's less concern about the spread when it comes to younger kids. Also, the demands that our parents are going through. And I feel for all our parents who are experiencing so many challenges right now, how important it is for them to have their younger kids in school, how important that is at that age, both educationally and socially, but also in terms of how parents juggle all the challenges in their life. And then District 75, they have a little bit of extra work to do to get District 75 programs back up and running. But as I said, Thursday, December 10th, District 75 schools, special needs programs. So crucial. We want to be there for those kids and their families that go through so much. We've heard from those families, they need this back. So, we will get that up and running. Now that's going to be the vast majority of the city, those levels. We're going to address in the future of middle school and high school, but we're not ready for those yet. That's just the plain truth. We will work to get to that day, but we're not there yet.   

  

I do want to address schools that happen to be in the orange zone areas of the city, and that’s just a small part of the city right now. But we will work to open those schools as well. Following the very clear State guidelines. The State guidelines require a lot. We will work to meet those goals and reopen those schools as early as the week of December 7th. Some particular work that has to be done there, but we're going to go to that work immediately and see what we can do to get as many of those open as possible. Look, whatever happens ahead, we want this to be the plan going forward, because we now believe we know what we didn't know back in the summer. We know what works through actual experience. And we know that if you put a heavy emphasis on testing and you continually reinforce those health and safety measures, you monitor carefully with the situation room, we know we can keep our schools safe for the duration and link up to that day when we have the vaccine that changes the whole reality for all of us.  

  

Here to speak about why this is so important and how we are going to make it work, someone who believed from the beginning that we could reopen the nation's largest school system and has been a strong voice throughout for finding the way to keep it open and do it the right way, our Chancellor, Richard Carranza.  

  

Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. When we made the painful decision to close schools temporarily, we did it with the health and safety of our students and staff at the forefront of our minds. We are seeing cases rise across our city, which is why we're increasing testing in tandem with continued rigorous interventions. And as you've mentioned, our situation room is performing heroically to act on positive cases when they do arise. Our schools have been remarkably safe and it's important that we're taking good care to keep them that way while New Yorkers do everything we can to stop the spread. Getting our children back in school buildings is one of the single most important things we can do for their wellbeing. And it's so important that we do it right. With these new measures in place, I and the entire team is confident that we're on track to safely and successfully keep our schools open for the duration of this pandemic. I, once again, will add my voice to yours, Mr. Mayor, and implore upon all New Yorkers, please follow the medical advice, please limit your interactions, please wear your mask. If you want schools to open and stay open, it's upon all of us to do our share, to keep them open. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.  

  

Mayor: Thank you very much, Chancellor. And we're going to be talking about that a lot. A lot of people have been saying, rightfully – a lot of parents, we've heard your voices loud and clear, you wanted schools back open, but we're going to ask everyone to be a part of that, everyone to participate to make it work. And we'll be talking about that this week and beyond.   

  

Okay, now, in that very same vein, what can you do? Every parent, we need you to get that consent form, for testing, in. I want to be very, very clear for any child to be in a classroom going forward they either will have to have a testing consent form on file or an appropriate medical exemption from a doctor. If folks have a concern, they need to talk to a doctor, we will facilitate that through Health + Hospitals. But literally every single student who will be in person will need that. We'll get you the exact number, but it's in the neighborhood of about 330,000 kids who will qualify to be in person, but it can only work if everyone has a consent form on file. So, parents, if you are one of the parents that really wants your kid back in school and you already were in blended learning, or you signed up during the opt-in period, here's what you need to do. You have to go online, please do it right away. Go to mystudent.nyc, fill out that testing consent form. The other acceptable option is for the child to bring it on their first day of school when we come back. But we need this to happen to keep everyone safe. This was a crucial part of resetting the entire equation that this would be a strict rule. And every parent who cares about getting their kid back in the classroom, help us by getting that form in.  

  

Okay, let's go over today's indicators. One, the daily number of people admitted to New York City hospitals for a suspected COVID-19, threshold 200 patients. Today's report, 130 patients. Confirmed positivity level of 48.12 percent. Number two, new reported cases on a seven-day average, threshold 550 cases. Today's report, 1,636 cases. And number three, percent of people testing positive citywide for COVID-19, threshold five percent. Today's report, the daily is not yet ready because we've had an aberrantly low number of tests come in. Obviously, it's a holiday, so we don't feel we have an accurate measure. We'll put that up as soon as we have something accurate, we do have a clear picture on a seven-day rolling average. That is 3.9 percent. 


Okay, everyone. Look, I'll finish with this point. It all comes down to you in the end. This is what we've learned over and over from the coronavirus, is that government has such an important role to play setting the standards and giving people constant updates and guidance and leaning on the data and the science constantly, but nothing works without the people. So, we need you to make this new approach work. This is the approach could take us all the way through to when we have the vaccine widely distributed, it's still possible to bring back our schools for a huge number of kids five days a week in the spring, if all goes well with the vaccine. But to get to that point, we had to keep people safe in the meantime. So, we need everyone – please focus on the social distancing and the mass gathering – mask wearing, excuse me – limit gatherings, do all those things. But also, parents, if you're in that group of parents that is signed up for in-person learning, we need you fill out that test consent form. If you have any questions or concerns, our school team and our Health + Hospitals team will always be available to talk to you in multiple languages. But we need parental involvement to make this work, to bring back the schools, starting on Monday, December 7th, and then keep them open for the duration as part of bringing this whole city back and serving our parents and families. Thank you, everyone. 


Was the Ben Franklin Democratic Club 11th City Council Forum Biased For One Candidate?

 

There were questions about last week's candidates forum by the Ben Franklin Democratic Club, as to why there was no media invited to observe the online 11th City Council forum. There were seventy-five of the hundreds of members of the Ben Franklin Democratic Club including all currently announced of the seven candidates, two of whom are members of the club. 

The seven candidates went in this order. First was Abigail Martin, then Jessica Haller, Dan Padernacht, Marcos Sierra, Mino Lora, Eric Dinowitz, and Carlton Berkley. Each candidate was given a total of five minutes to speak, including answering questions.

After the forum was completed the club president went into club business. He said that the Executive Committee voted to give the President the power to, in consultation with those deemed necessary to devise a substitute procedure of election of club officers, members at large of the executive committee, endorsement of candidates for public office, and party caucus.  It will include candidate nominations, candidate presentations, securing ballots, casting ballots, and counting ballots. This is being done due to COVID-19 to insure personal safety, encourage participation, provide transparency and fairness, protect ballot secrecy, and be affordable to the organization.

In viewing the campaign financial statements we have found the following we must call into question. There are contributions from Bruce Feld on 8/29/2018 and 7/18/2019, and contributions from Ben Franklin Club President Mike Heller and his wife on 9/2/2018 and on 7/9/2019  to 11th City Council candidate Eric Dinowitz. Eric Dinowitz was a participant in the Ben Franklin Club 11th City Council forum moderated by Mike Heller and the timekeeper was Bruce Feld. There was no announcement of such contributions to one of the candidates during the forum, and the next filing is not due until mid January for the July 2020 - January 2021 contributions. Mr. Heller and Mr. Feld should recuse themselves from any matters involving the 11th City Council election be it special election or a regular primary.



Photo 1 - The contributions of Bruce Feld to the campaign of Eric Dinowitz for City Council 2021.

Photo 2 - The contributions of Ben Franklin Club President Mike Heller and his wife to the campaign of Eric Dinowitz for City Council 2021.



Saturday, November 28, 2020

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Upcoming Events

 

UPCOMING EVENTS
PROJECT HOPE HANUKKAH
December 6, 2020 9-11:30 AM
*COVID Safe/Socially Distant Deliveries *
Amalgamated : 100 Gale Place (near the corner of Gale & Orloff)
All other Bronx locations: 2157 Holland Avenue
RSVP is required to participate

MICRO MINI DREDYL BALL
Pick a night of Hanukkah that works best for you: Dec 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

To drop off small gifts (created by our student volunteers) & Play a little Hanukkah music from your cell or sing along with your family.

To create joyous "contact free" holiday celebration outside the building door of a few isolated Jewish seniors in the Amalgamated Co-Op.

Sign up by emailing nminkove@bjcconline.org or 917-693-3084

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 28, 2020

 

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 5.65 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 3.45 Percent     

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.98 Percent

42 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

"We are entering a challenging period of sustained COVID-19 spread across this state," Governor Cuomo said. "It's up to you, your neighborhood and your community to slow the spread. Our micro-cluster strategy can target very small areas with restrictions, so the actions each of us take and the actions our neighbors take may seem small, but they make a big difference. New York has one of the nation's lowest infection rates and the nation's highest testing capacity, but it will take the vigilance of New Yorkers to get us through the holidays and through this pandemic."    

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 5.65 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 3.45 percent. Within the focus areas, 36,745 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 2,076 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 115,610 test results were reported, yielding 3,987 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Patient Hospitalization - 3,287 (+184)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 433 
  • Hospital Counties - 54
  • Number ICU - 654 (+18)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 331 (+37)
  • Total Discharges - 84,938 (+215)
  • Deaths - 42
  • Total Deaths - 26,632

Governor Cuomo Announces Record-High Number of COVID-19 Tests Reported to New York State for Second Straight Day - NOVEMBER 27, 2020

 

219,442 Test Results Reported to New York State Yesterday

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 5.69 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 3.13 Percent     

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.72 Percent

39 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that 219,442 COVID-19 test results were reported to New York State yesterday—a new record high for the second straight day.  

"All the global experts say the same thing: This virus has phases, and as the phase changes your plan should change. We're seeing an increase with the numbers across the country and within our own state. It started with the fall, and it's going to continue and probably worsen in the winter," Governor Cuomo said. "As we go through the holidays and winter months, it's going to be more imperative than ever for New Yorkers to wear their masks, wash their hands, avoid gatherings large and small, and stay New York Tough."

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 5.69 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 3.13 percent. Within the focus areas, 50,972 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 2,901 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 168,470 test results were reported, yielding 5,275 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Patient Hospitalization - 3,103 (+47)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 471
  • Hospital Counties - 54
  • Number ICU - 636 (+8)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 294 (+8)
  • Total Discharges - 84,723 (+384)
  • Deaths - 39
  • Total Deaths - 26,588

Attorney General James Report Finds That Professional Fundraisers Retain Nearly One-Third of Charitable Campaign Donations; Some Retain More Than Half

 

New “Pennies for Charity” Report – Released Ahead of Giving Tuesday – Details Costs of Fundraising Campaigns Conducted by Professional Fundraisers; In 2019,
Professional Fundraisers Pocketed Nearly $365 Million 

Report Also Offers Key Tips for Donors: Be Careful with Charitable Giving;
Not All Fundraisers Are Created Equal

 In preparation for Giving Tuesday and the holiday season, Attorney General Letitia James today released the annual “Pennies for Charity: Fundraising by Professional Fundraisers” report, which found that nearly one-third of charitable donations ended up in the pockets of professional fundraisers. This year’s report looks at trends in fundraising, such as the rise of online giving, as well as the percentage of funds raised that went to charities.

“Every year, New Yorkers give generously to charity. Unfortunately, not all the money they donate reaches the charities they intend to help,” said Attorney General James. “Today’s report highlights the high percentage of charitable dollars that are pocketed by outside fundraisers rather than reaching the charity itself. My office will continue to combat charity fraud, and I encourage all New Yorkers to follow our tips to ensure that their money is going to a reputable source this holiday season.”

New York has a robust charitable sector, supported by generous giving by New Yorkers. In 2019, more than $1.2 billion was raised in New York state through 824 fundraising campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers on behalf of charities. These campaigns, which are the focus of the report, used a range of methods including special events, direct mail, and telemarketing. The report and the searchable Pennies for Charity database containing the underlying data is posted at www.CharitiesNYS.com

Of the more than $1.2 billion raised through campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers, charities netted more than $918 million, or 72 percent of the proceeds, while professional fundraisers’ fees and expenses totaled $364 million, or 28 percent. This is in line with an overall improvement in amounts retained by charities, which the report attributes to a variety of factors including enforcement and donor education efforts by the Charities Bureau. 

This year’s report also analyzed current fundraising trends, such as the rise in online giving. Telemarketing, while continuing to decline as a fundraising method, remained among the costliest mechanisms, with 196 telemarketing campaigns by fundraisers retaining more than 50 percent of funds raised for charities.  

“Pennies for Charity” aggregates information from fundraising reports filed with the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau for campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers on behalf of charities in the previous year. Professional fundraisers must register with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and provide financial reports that break down the revenue raised and the expenses generated by the campaign.   

Other significant findings from analyzing the 824 fundraising campaigns covered by this report include: 

  • In 254 campaigns, or approximately 31 percent of the campaigns covered in the report, fundraisers retained more than 50 percent of the funds raised.  
  • Charities retained $918 million overall of the funds solicited from the campaigns; fundraisers retained $364 million.  
  • In 144 campaigns (17 percent), fundraising expenses exceeded charitable revenue. In 2019, this loss to charities totaled more than $17 million.  

The OAG actively investigates suspect fundraising practices. To assist charities in navigating the world of professional fundraisers, the report includes tips for charities hiring fundraisers.  

The report also includes tips for donors, including specific guidance for responding to phone, direct mail, or online solicitations. Key tips include: 

  • Take time to research the organization. Make sure you are familiar with the organization, its mission, and its effectiveness before giving. Always ask for information in writing — and be wary if an organization will not provide information about its charitable programs and finances upon request. Any legitimate organization will be happy to send you information.   

  • Consult charitiesnys.com to make sure that the organization is registered and to learn more about its mission and finances.  
  • Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes do not vet those who use their service. Donors should find out whether a charity has authorized the campaign and if their contribution is tax deductible.  
  • Search the charity’s name on the internet for reports of possible scams or law enforcement actions and check the charity’s rating on watchdog sites like Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org).

  • Know where your money will go. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and programs your donation will support. Avoid charities that make emotional appeals but are vague in answering your questions. If you have been contacted by a telemarketer, review the Pennies for Charity database to see how much is spent on fundraising costs and how much is kept by the charity. 

  • Don’t be pressured by telemarketers. If you receive a telephone call from someone asking you to contribute to a charity, you have the right to hang up. Often the caller is a professional fundraiser who is being paid to call you.  

  • If you choose to consider the caller’s request, ask how much of your donation will go to charity and if the telemarketer is being paid. Many telemarketing companies receive most of the money they raise. Be wary of claims such as “all proceeds will go to charity.” Telemarketers are required to identify themselves and their employer and tell you they are being paid to call you. They also must respond truthfully to your questions. Don’t fall for pressure tactics, such as repeated phone calls or threats. These are signs that the organization may not be legitimate. Always remember you have the right to say no to any charitable request.  
  • You can ask to receive information about the cause and a solicitation by mail.  
  • Consider making a plan for your charitable giving so you are not vulnerable to sudden pressure.  
  • Ask to be put on a “do not call” list. You have the right to request to be placed on the telemarketer’s “Do Not Call” list. It is not illegal for telemarketers for charities to call telephone numbers on the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry, but consumers can stop such calls by telling telemarketers not to call them on behalf of specific charities. Telemarketers are required to honor such requests. You may also ask a charity to take you off its solicitation list.
  • Be wary of deceptive tactics and emotional appeals. Watch out for charities with names that resemble those of prominent or established organizations — especially on days designated to charitable giving. Some charities do this in order to confuse donors. Be wary of emotional appeals that talk about problems, but are vague on how donations will be spent.  
  • Don’t disclose personal information. Never give your social security number or other personal information in response to a charitable solicitation. Never give out credit card information over the phone or to an organization you are not familiar with.  
  • If donating online or via text, donate securely. Always make sure that you are using secure methods of payment. When donating online, make sure the website is secure and includes “https://” in the web address. Before hitting send on a text donation, check the charity’s website or call the charity to make sure contributions by text message are authorized. Some text solicitations are scams. Also, remember that donating by text means the organization may not receive the funds until after your phone bill is paid; contributions made directly to a charity can reach them faster.  
  • Never give cash. Give your contribution by check made payable to the charity.   
  • To help in a disaster, give to organizations you know or that have experience in this work. Ask if the charity has already worked in the affected area or has relationships with local relief organizations.  
  • Report suspicious organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a scam is taking place, please contact the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau at bureau@ag.ny.gov or (212) 416-8401. 

More information about the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and organizations regulated by the Bureau may be found at https://www.charitiesnys.com/

As Winter Approaches, Comptroller Stringer Calls for Direct Support to Help New Yorkers Experiencing Homelessness Move Off the Streets Into Shelter and Housing

 

Comptroller Stringer: “While the City has taken significant steps to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in congregate shelters...a robust set of actions to make life safer for unsheltered New Yorkers is also needed. These actions must aim to not only improve public health and safety for those who sleep unsheltered, but also ramp up efforts to move as many New Yorkers off the streets and into appropriate shelter and housing as possible.”

 New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer called on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Steven Banks to expand direct services for New Yorkers experiencing street homelessness amid a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comptroller Stringer proposed a series of comprehensive recommendations to make public restrooms readily available, open drop-in and warming centers using shuttered City facilities, ensure sufficient planning for stabilization beds, open more Safe Havens, and keep pace on supportive housing development. With fewer resources available to unsheltered New Yorkers during the winter months, Comptroller Stringer underscored the importance of a strong safety net to reduce COVID-19 transmission among this especially at-risk population.

Make Public Restrooms Readily Available 

Before COVID-19, New Yorkers experiencing street homelessness could rely on public restrooms in libraries, recreation centers, coffee shops and other businesses to meet basic hygiene needs. With many businesses closed and restaurants and coffee shops offering limited access to indoor areas, unsheltered New Yorkers currently have few options for washing their hands or using the bathroom.

The City should take the following steps to increase access to public bathrooms throughout the five boroughs:

  • Install portable restrooms throughout the City, and ensure they are frequently cleaned and stocked with necessary supplies so they are sanitary for those who use them.
  • Open public restrooms in City-operated facilities that are currently closed due to the pandemic such as recreation centers run by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Open Drop-in and Warming Centers using Shuttered City Facilities 

The City only operates a few drop-in centers, and several are currently unable to operate at full capacity due to the need for social distancing in indoor settings. This means there is limited space available where unsheltered New Yorkers can get off the street during the day, stay warm, obtain PPE, and use the bathroom.

The City should take the following steps to open drop-in and warming centers:

  • Open and staff additional drop-in sites that allow for social distancing, access to restrooms, and a safe place to be off the street. Opening some of the City’s nearly 250 senior centers, recreation centers operated by the Department of Parks & Recreation, or homeless shelters that are no longer being used for sleeping but have appropriate space for drop-in usage could provide the space that is needed.
  • Conduct outreach to unsheltered New Yorkers to advise them of new drop-in sites. If additional drop-in sites can be opened, the City should undertake a robust information campaign utilizing street outreach teams to inform unsheltered New Yorkers of the locations, hours, and available resources at each new site.

Ensure Sufficient Planning for Stabilization Beds

Providing space for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to practice social distancing is key to curbing transmission of COVID-19. Comptroller Stringer urged the City to closely monitor stabilization bed capacity and ensure there is sufficient supply so homeless outreach workers can continue to offer safe, secure accommodation to unsheltered New Yorkers in need.

Continue Opening More Safe Havens

New Yorkers who live on the street are often resistant to staying in traditional shelters for a range of reasons. Many chronically street homeless who have slept outside for years may be concerned for their personal security in a traditional shelter, resistant to shelter regulations such as curfews which curtail their personal freedom, or unable to abide by rules that require sober living if they are drug or alcohol dependent. However, the siting and opening of Safe Havens is not moving fast enough to meet the demand. Comptroller Stringer requested information on how many new Safe Haven sites have been identified since the City pledged to create 1,000 new units in December 2019, how many new Safe Haven beds have opened during the same period and what steps is the City taking to identify properties that could be developed as Safe Havens that meet current safety standards.

Keep Pace on Supportive Housing Development 

Comptroller Stringer urged the Administration to keep pace on building supportive housing that combines affordability with social services and is desperately needed to ensure homeless individuals and families can transition to independent living. In 2015, the Administration committed to building 15,000 new units of supportive housing over 15 years. Comptroller Stringer requested that the City provide information on how many shelter residents currently have been approved for supportive housing but are unable to find placement, how many units and beds of supportive housing have already been developed and are currently occupied under NY/NY15, how many additional units and beds of supportive housing are under construction as part of NY/NY 15 at the current time and what steps can be taken to accelerate the development of the remaining supportive housing units so more New Yorkers can benefit in the near term.

Giselle Routhier, Policy Director at Coalition for the Homeless, said:  “Homeless New Yorkers face myriad challenges as they endeavor to survive on city streets. Now, as winter approaches and the pandemic continues to rage on, unsheltered New Yorkers face serious threats to their health, safety, and general well-being. We thank Comptroller Stringer for requesting immediate action by Mayor de Blasio and highlighting the dire need for single-occupancy hotel rooms, more Safe Havens, the reopening and expansion of access to public restrooms, additional warming centers, and of course housing. Unsheltered New Yorkers cannot wait any longer for the City to adequately respond to these most fundamental necessities.”

The full text of the letter can be found below and here.

Re: Street homelessness 

Dear Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Banks: 

As our first winter living with COVID-19 approaches, I am writing to address the urgent situation of street homelessness in New York City. Winters are always perilous for New Yorkers who live on the streets, but this winter, with many of their usual support systems disrupted by the pandemic, I am concerned that individuals without shelter will face even more dire, unsafe conditions that could contribute to the spread of the virus. With many businesses still closed, few available public bathrooms, and drop-in centers operating at reduced capacity, New Yorkers experiencing street homelessness have fewer resources at their disposal to stay safe at a time when COVID-19 cases are on the rise. 

While the City has taken significant steps to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in congregate shelters by moving many residents into hotels where social distancing is possible, a robust set of actions to make life safer for unsheltered New Yorkers is also needed. These actions must aim to not only improve public health and safety for those who sleep unsheltered, but also ramp up efforts to move as many New Yorkers off the streets and into appropriate shelter and housing as possible. 

To that end, the following recommendations aim to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission this winter while improving the overall health and well-being of homeless New Yorkers and the communities they call home. I also have a number of questions about how the City is assessing the needs of and preparing to serve unsheltered New Yorkers in the coming months. I would appreciate answers to the questions below and responses to my recommendations in writing by December 8, 2020. 

1) Make Public Restrooms Readily Available  

Before COVID-19, New Yorkers experiencing street homelessness could rely on public restrooms in libraries, recreation centers, coffee shops, and other businesses to meet basic hygiene needs. With many businesses closed and restaurants and coffee shops offering limited access to indoor areas, unsheltered New Yorkers currently have few options for washing their hands or using the bathroom. Access to safe, clean bathrooms is always important to maintaining hygiene, but the need is heightened due to public health guidance that frequent hand washing is critical to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

The City should take the following steps to increase access to public bathrooms throughout the five boroughs: 

  • Install portable restrooms throughout the City, and ensure they are frequently cleaned and stocked with necessary supplies so they are sanitary for those who use them. These portable restrooms should be sited in consultation with homeless advocates and organizations to ensure they are in convenient locations where unsheltered New Yorkers congregate so they are well utilized.  

  • Open public restrooms in City-operated facilities that are currently closed due to the pandemic such as recreation centers run by the Department of Parks and Recreation. These facilities should be appropriately staffed and cleaned to create safe and sanitary conditions for those seeking public restrooms. The Coalition for the Homeless advanced this recommendation along with several others pertaining to public restrooms over the summer, and I believe it warrants serious consideration.   

2) Open Drop-in and Warming Centers using Shuttered City Facilities  

The City only operates a few drop-in centers, and several are currently unable to operate at full capacity due to the need for social distancing in indoor settings. This means there is limited space available where unsheltered New Yorkers can get off the street during the day, stay warm, obtain PPE, and of course, use the bathroom. Additionally, as the weather gets colder, warming centers will likely be needed to provide overnight emergency shelter for New Yorkers who sleep outside. While congregating indoors brings risk during the pandemic, remaining outside does as well, and those risks need to be assessed and balanced. Assuming the benefit of providing indoor space where social distancing is possible outweighs the risks, the City should: 

  • Open and staff additional drop-in sites that allow for social distancing, service engagement, access to restrooms, and a safe place to be off the street. Opening some of the City’s nearly 250 senior centers, recreation centers operated by the Department of Parks & Recreation, or homeless shelters that are no longer being used for sleeping but have appropriate space for drop-in usage could provide the space that is needed. A survey of the City’s existing assets should be undertaken immediately to identify viable spaces for drop-in and warming centers.   

  • Conduct outreach to unsheltered New Yorkers to advise them of new drop-in sites. If additional drop-in sites can be opened, the City should undertake a robust information campaign utilizing street outreach teams to inform unsheltered New Yorkers of the locations, hours, and available resources at each new site.  

3) Ensure Sufficient Planning for Stabilization Beds  

Providing space for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to practice social distancing is key to curbing transmission of COVID-19. The City acted swiftly in the spring and summer to move thousands of New Yorkers residing in congregate shelters out of dormitory-style rooms and into hotel rooms where they could sleep safely. The City also increased access to “stabilization beds” for unsheltered New Yorkers in hotels and hostels, which helped move people off the streets and into transitional shelter. I understand from homeless advocates that these hotel and hostel beds have been an important tool, and that demand for them will likely continue to increase as the weather gets colder. I therefore urge the City to closely monitor stabilization bed capacity and ensure there is sufficient supply so homeless outreach workers can continue to offer safe, secure accommodation to unsheltered New Yorkers in need. To that end, please provide the following information to my office: 

  • How many stabilization beds has the City brought online during the pandemic to serve unsheltered New Yorkers? 

  • Will the City be procuring additional stabilization beds for unsheltered New Yorkers in the coming weeks and months? If so, how many? 

  • How many stabilization beds would be needed to meet the current demand among unsheltered New Yorkers?  

4) Continue Opening Safe Havens 

New Yorkers who live on the street are often resistant to staying in traditional shelters for a range of reasons. Many chronically street homeless individuals who have slept outside for years may be concerned for their personal security in a traditional shelter, resistant to shelter regulations such as curfews which curtail their personal freedom, or unable to abide by rules that require sober living if they are drug- or alcohol-dependent. Your administration acknowledged this reality in its December 2019 action plan to end long-term street homelessness: The Journey Home, and committed to open 1,000 new Safe Haven beds. These low-barrier shelters with robust case management services have proven more effective than traditional shelter in moving chronically street homeless individuals off the street and towards permanent housing.  

However, the siting and opening of Safe Havens must keep pace with demand. Homeless advocates and outreach workers have informed my office that while they work diligently to encourage New Yorkers experiencing street homelessness to accept services, they at times cannot find available Safe Haven placements when they are needed, delaying their ability to help New Yorkers who are ready to accept shelter and move off the streets. Additionally, while COVID-19 remains a public health threat, newly developed Safe Havens should provide single occupancy rooms, private bathrooms, and the option of grab-and-go meals whenever possible. 

In light of the proven success of this model and your Administration’s pledge to open more, please provide answers to the following questions: 

  • How many new Safe Haven sites have been identified since the City pledged to create 1,000 new units in December 2019? 

  • How many new Safe Haven beds have opened during the same period? 

  • What steps is the City taking to identify properties that could be developed as Safe Havens that meet current safety standards? 

5) Keep Pace on Supportive Housing Development 

While stabilization beds and Safe Havens will keep New Yorkers off the streets during this challenging time, and public bathrooms and drop-in centers will help meet immediate daily needs, there is only one long-term solution to homelessness, and that’s permanent housing. Supportive housing that combines affordability with social services is desperately needed to ensure homeless individuals and families can transition to independent living. In 2015, your Administration committed to building 15,000 new units of supportive housing over 15 years. These units cannot come fast enough to meet the needs of New Yorkers who are currently in shelter. In light of this urgent need: 

  • How many shelter residents currently have been approved for supportive housing but are unable to find placement? 

  • How many units and beds of supportive housing have already been developed and are currently occupied under NY/NY15? 

  • How many additional units and beds of supportive housing are under construction as part of NY/NY 15 at the current time? 

  • What steps can be taken to accelerate the development of the remaining supportive housing units so more New Yorkers can benefit in the near term? 

Thank you for your prompt attention to the pressing issues identified in this letter. I look forward to your response and to the additional steps the City will undertake to support unsheltered New Yorkers in the coming months. 

Sincerely, 

Scott M. Stringer 

New York City Comptroller 

Friday, November 27, 2020

NYS OASAS Announces Approximately $24 Million in Funding to Expand Addiction Treatment Facilities in Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Regions

 

Broome County Developmental Center in Binghamton Receiving $13 million to Add 50 New Beds
 
Helio Health Facility in Rochester Receiving $11 Million to Relocate Facility and Add Additional Beds

 The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) today announced approximately $24 million in capital funding for expansions of addiction treatment facilities in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Regions. The Binghamton Evaluation Center is receiving more than $13 million to add 50 new stabilization and rehabilitation beds, and the Rochester Evaluation Center for Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization Services is receiving nearly $11 million to relocate to a new building and add 13 beds. Both programs are operated by Helio Health.

“During these difficult times, it’s important to help ensure individuals and families get the resources they need to be healthy and well,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the NYS Heroin and Opioid Task Force. “This funding will expand Helio Health’s Binghamton and Rochester Evaluation Centers to address various needs for those struggling with drug abuse including counseling, peer support, and coping strategies. Facilities like these are providing the care and services needed to help save lives and continue to combat the opioid epidemic across the state."

“The expansion of these facilities will offer additional options for treatment that will help individuals find a new outlook on a life through recovery,” OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said. “This new development demonstrates New York State’s commitment to ensure we continue expanding our services for people affected by addiction, and helping them access this lifesaving help.”

Binghamton Evaluation Center

The Phase II expansion of Helio Health’s Binghamton Evaluation Center will add 50 new stabilization and rehabilitation beds. This is in addition to the existing 50 medically supervised withdrawal and inpatient rehabilitation beds and will allow the facility to offer comprehensive addiction care to individuals in the Southern Tier region. Contract funding for this project began in July 2020.

These fifty residential beds will increase the options and community capacity for patients who need residential services to manage mild withdrawal and provide medical and psychiatric care.

Individuals receiving treatment in the Binghamton Evaluation Center will have access to a seamless continuum of care in one facility, including Medication Assisted Treatment, Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help the individual reach his or her goals.

There will also be an onsite fitness room, recreation room as well as nutritionist planned meals and snacks designed specifically for individuals receiving services in this facility.

The Binghamton Evaluation Center is located at the former Broome County Developmental Center at 249 Glenwood Road, Binghamton, NY 13905.

Rochester Evaluation Center for Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization Services

Helio Health is also receiving $11 million in capital funding to relocate and expand its Rochester Evaluation Center for Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization Services. The current 40-bed location at 1350 University Avenue in Rochester will move to a new location at 1850 Brighton Henrietta Townline Road. When completed, this newly renovated facility, will accommodate up to 53 residential treatment beds and provide adults with comprehensive addiction services.

The newly renovated building will increase access to residential addiction treatment services for men and women, ages 18 and over, in the greater Rochester region by providing 24-hour care from medical and clinical staff for patients with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms within a structured setting. This new 53-bed facility will ensure that each individual receives the necessary services and supports needed to begin the recovery process and successfully transition back into their communities. Residential treatment services also include case management services, group counseling, skill-building, training in life skills and parenting, and recreational activities.

The new building has additional space for programming and effective supervision, including renovations of resident bedrooms, resident and staff bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining area and program space.

Contract funding for this project began in January 2020.

Senator Fred Akshar said, "New York must continue to tackle the heroin and opioid epidemic through responsible investments in prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and enforcement. I'm proud to see OASAS and Helio Health continue their commitment to our community as we move forward with the next phase of this project."

Senator Joe Robach said, "I am proud that New York State has many avenues to assist those who want to break the terrible ties of addiction. Additional services such as those provided by Helio Health strengthen the entire community."

Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said, "Addiction, like many illnesses, takes a lot of work to fight. And also like a great many other terrible illnesses, it can be a lifelong fight. To see such an influx of capital to the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Regions' addiction treatment facilities from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is incredible. To make strong, sustainable, comfortable facilities that those struggling with addiction can go to in order to recover, especially in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, is wonderful to see, and I am thrilled that the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes Regions will be recipient to such a generous and surely important funding program."

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.



EDITOR'S NOTE:

OASIS is the state agency that approves any substance treatment centers. As for 2500 Williamsbridge Road it is OASIS and only OASIS that can approve a substance abuse program there.

2500 Williamsbridge Road was purchased on or around 10/20/2019  by WBRD LLC with an address of 27 Lotus Avenue East Hampton. N.Y. 

The site in fall of 2019 was attempted to be bought by Carnie Hill Institute in a letter from Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez to CHI Bronx LLC. 

In her letter dated March 6, 2020 Assemblywoman Fernandez states that the property was purchased under the the new name of CHI Bronx LLC, asking for the intended use of the property, and if OASIS will be involved.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi has showed support for more substance abuse sites in the Bronx, and was not a part of the Fernandez letter.

There has been interior work going on at 2500 Williamsbridge Road with no explanation of the intended use of the building.

With the above allocation of twenty-four million dollars in capital funding the question should be - is the state providing any monies for the interior work at 2500 Williamsbridge Road, which will answer some questions about the site. 

We are very worried since two state senator are listed as supporting the upstate expansion and new buildings OASIS mentions, along with the fact that local State Senator Biaggi supports expansion of substance abuse treatment centers in the Bronx that 2500 Williamsbridge Road wil become the next new substance abuse treatment center siting across the street from not only a church but and elementary free standing public school.