September 9, 2021 — NYC Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Social Services announced today that service centers in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx will change locations beginning Friday, September 10. The Service Centers, established in all five boroughs, support individuals and families affected by the flash flood emergency that occurred September 1, 2021. The three centers will open each day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and provide those affected with in-person support and information on resources and services available. New York City government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations will be on-site to help connect families and individuals to critical services, including enrollment in public benefits and health insurance, housing, food assistance, and mental health counseling.  Services will be available to all visitors. Visitors to the sites will not be asked about their immigration status.

 

The three locations will be collocated at federal Disaster Recovery Centers. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions and provide information on the types of federal help available to homeowners, renters and business owners as a result of the major disaster declarations stemming from the hurricane. 

  

“The City will continue to provide assistance to New Yorkers affected by flash flooding earlier this month,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani. “So far, our service centers have served over 1,000 households citywide and will remain open until the need is met. New Yorkers can visit their local service center, call 311, or access city services online by visiting NYC.gov/ida.”  

 

The following locations will open Friday, September 10, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,: 

• Brooklyn – Medgar Evers College - 231 Crown Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225 
• Queens – Queens College, Student Union - 152-45 Melbourne Ave, Flushing, NY 11367
• Bronx – Hostos Community College - 500 Grand Concourse, East Academic Complex, Bronx, NY 10451 

The Manhattan and Staten Island service center locations remain the same, and will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Staten Island 80 Willowbrook Road, Staten Island, NY 10302 (I.S. 51) 
• Manhattan – 215 W 114th Street, New York, NY 10026 (I.S. 88) 

Services provided at the center include but are not limited to: 

• Department of Social Services will assist with enrollment in SNAP benefits, cash assistance, and public health insurance, and help connect people with emergency food assistance. English and Spanish speakers will be available to assist with enrollment. 
• Housing Preservation and Development be providing information about resources to homeowners and advise tenants how to proceed with getting an inspection if there was a lot of damage and they believe they cannot return.  
• Department for the Aging will assist in case management and senior employment. 
• Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs will assist with language and immigrant issues. 
• Small Business Services will assist small business owners who were impacted by the storm. 
• Referrals and information for pump out assistance for residents who still have standing water in their homes.  
• Department of Buildings will be able to answer questions from the public related to damaged structures, conducting repairs or renovations, and to provide guidance regarding the filing of construction projects with DOB. 
• Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will provide mental health counseling. 
• American Red Cross in Greater New York will assist in disaster relief management — including referrals, distribution of emergency supplies, and applying for assistance — and mental health counseling.  

 

*Media should reach out to NYC Emergency Management press to request a visit to one of the service centers. Cameras are not allowed inside the location. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:            NYC Emergency Management 

Press Office (718) 422-4888  

Press@oem.nyc.gov 

 

NYC Department of Social Services 

Press Office (929) 221-5564 

  

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