We worshiping in person on Sundays at 10:30AM.  For those who are unable to worship in person with us, we are livestreaming each Sunday.  If you miss the 10:30 service, the recorded service will be available after 6PM on YouTube.   Click here.

DIACONATE ASSISTANCE: If you are sick and in quarantine at home and have any practical needs such as groceries, medications to be picked up etc. please call Andrea at 917-605-4040 or email her at diaconate@astoriachurch.org. We have a Healthy Helps Team ready to meet your practical needs.

DIACONATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: If you have a financial need due to loss of income due to the pandemic or for any other reason, please call Andrea at 917-605-4040 or email her at diaconate@astoriachurch.org.

VIRTUAL MEETING PLATFORM:  We will be using Zoom for prayer meetings and other church gatherings other than our worship service. Please download the Zoom app in advance so that you are Zoom ready for upcoming meetings and virtual gatherings.

COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE (last updated on 3/2/21)

MICROCLUSTERS:  

Learn about the Microcluster effort to contain the virus HERE. Look up your address here to find out what level your neighborhood is in.

To stay up to date with the latest information, we encourage you to visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's site.

For real-time updates by the city, text COVID to 692-692 for updates in English or text COVIDESP to 692-692 for updates in Spanish. 

TESTING: Book an appointment by calling 7189185700 or the Health Department Coronavirus hotline 1-888-364-3065 

NYC's Department of Health has expanded rapid COVID-19 testing to 9 sites. Results in under 24hrs, usually same day. By appointment only. For more details and to sign up: http://nyc.gov/health/covidexpress For general testing information visit:https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms? Come in contact with someone who has? Register on NYC’s new Engagement Portal. Your info won’t be shared with anyone.  Register your symptoms: https://cv19engagementportal.cityofnewyork.us/

IF you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or were in contact with someone who tested positive, you can qualify for a hotel room for up to 14 days to safely separate and protect others. All services are free. Children are welcome.

Spread the word: https://twitter.com/nycgov/status/1245381513539211265

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: When home isn’t safe, domestic violence survivors can find services 24/7 at the Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673) or online at www.nyc.gov/NYCHOPE. OR call 911 for emergencies. You can also call or text the NYS Office to Prevent Domestic Violence hotline 24/7 at 844-997-2121 or 711 for d/Deaf or hard of hearing access.

MENTAL HEALTH

• New Yorkers can call the State's mental health hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for free emotional support, consultations & referrals to a provider.  
• Free Mental Health Services Free mental health services 24/7 for NYC residents. If you are having trouble coping with things like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use, NYC Well is available 24/7 in 200+ languages by phone at 1-888-NYC-WELL or texting "WELL" to 65173
• Guidance on Coping with COVID 19: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has guidance on managing mental health and coping during COVID-19 for children and caregivers, as well as guidance for higher education administrators.

More than 8,600 mental health professionals have signed up to provide free online mental health services during COVID-19. For free emotional support, consultation and referral to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), OR text “START” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

• Article covering 5 steps to manage anxious thoughts: Coping with Anxiety in the Age of COVID-19

PUBLIC BENEFITS:  NYS has launched a new web application to help locate public benefits for which you may be applicable. Applicable constituents can also enroll for Medicaid or qualify for a health insurance subsidy on the New York State exchange.  

HOUSING

• Eviction Moratorium: The residential eviction moratorium has been extended to January 1, 2021. New York City has also created a first-ever online Tenant Resource Portal to keep tenants stably housed. Learn more about your rights here.
• Mortgage Payment Relief: Effective 3/19/2020, Governor Cuomo has announced that he will direct banks to waive “mortgage payments for 90 days for borrowers who face financial hardship such as losing their job.”   Families should check with their financial institution before stopping mortgage payments.  For more information visit: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/.
• For more information of Tenant and homeowner rights: English, Spanish
• 11,000 free hotel rooms will be made available to:
• Employees or volunteers providing care and/or provide services (clinical or nonclinical) in a healthcare, community-based or home-based setting within New York City where you are at risk of being exposed to or contracting COVID-19, and may not be able to temporarily live at home in order to minimize exposure. This can include (but is not limited to): physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, maintenance staff, food service, etc. 

FOOD

• All families and students can continue to go to any school building between 9:00 a.m. and noon on weekdays to pick up three free grab-and-go meals. No identification or registration is necessary. Halal and kosher meals are available at some sites, which are listed at schools.nyc.gov/freemeals. 
• From 3-5 p.m., New Yorkers of all ages can pick up free meals at 260 Community Meals sites across the city. For a list of sites, please visit schools.nyc.gov/freemeals. 
• Hour Children Food Pantry is open for Grab & Go pantry food.  See here for days and hours open.
• Invisible Hands Deliver provides free delivery of supplies or groceries for those most at risk. https://www.invisiblehandsdeliver.com/
• LIC Relief COVID-19 - https://www.facebook.com/licrelief/
• Free Food for those in need delivery service. Click here.
• COVID-19 Food Assistance
• Food Map in Spanish (Comida gratis). 
• Food Hub Map- map of Restaurants / Foodservice Providers Donating to Families of Public School Students. 
• You can use the  Plentiful App on your phone to reserve food from a local food pantry. Download the app or text FOOD to 726-879 to find a pantry and make a pick-up reservation.
• www.cityharvest.org/food-map/
• The Food Bank of NYC has a network of food pantries that you can call to find out their hours.
• Evangel Christian Center Food Pantry:  Located at 39-21 Crescent Street in Queens, NY.  
• HOURS:
• Monday - Friday from 9 am - 4 pm 
• Saturday from 9 am - Noon.

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

• Free training:  https://labor.ny.gov/careerservices/coursera/coursera.shtm
• NYC is seeking NY State-certified healthcare workers to support healthcare facilities in need. Visit NYC.gov/helpnow to volunteer. Healthcare providers can also request healthcare workers with specific skills to support their operations. Info: NYC.gov/helpnow.
• TLC Food Delivery Program: TLC drivers can sign-up to deliver meals to elderly and high-risk people around the City. Drivers will receive $53 per route, on all routes citywide, including $40 per route in base pay and $13 per route to cover gas and mileage. TLC drivers can also use non-TLC vehicles. Learn more here
• Know your rights:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/11cOlPvfLuvkEEh_WtiQSHVcVzU6EOpmpBWX0s0ff_nc/edit?usp=sharing
• If let go from your job the 7 day waiting period for unemployment assistance has been waived | Online Services For Individuals  OR New York State Department of Labor
• Businesses with fewer than 100 employees, who have seen sales decrease by 25% or more, will be eligible for NYC Small Business Continuity Fund, which will provide zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.
• Guidance for jobseekers during COVID-19 Guidance for Jobseekers Impacted Due to COVID-19 - SBS
• You have the right to use safe and sick leave to care for yourself or anyone you consider family. Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s website or labor and employment laws  
• New Paid Leave for COVID-19:  See here.
• Employees: Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
• Employer: Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
• The Employee Retention Grant Program is available to NYC businesses with one to four employees that can demonstrate at least a 25% decrease in revenue as a result of COVID-19. Eligible businesses will receive a grant covering up to 40% of their payroll for two months. Businesses can access up to $27,000. 
• If you are unemployed, you can apply for assistance through New York State or by phone at 888-469-7365
• Hire and manage your own caregivers with CDPAP
• UPS is hiring.  Earn $22/Hr and up in various company departments (customer service, package handler, short haul driver, warehouse manager.) Use this job search website for more information on these jobs and others.
• Coca Cola is hiring. See this page for more information.

• Amazon
• CVS
• Domino's
• Food Bazaar
• Walmart
• Best Market
• Contact Tracing Workforce: New York City is hiring 1,000 contact tracers to work with DOHMH. Hiring will be done through the Fund for Public Health. If you know someone that's interested in this role, go to FPHnyc.org for more information, or email covid-19jobs@fphync.org.
• NYC Health and Hospitals is hiring for several positions - patient transportation, clerical and cleaning staff. You can apply today at http://nyc.gov/getwork.   Spread the word: https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1249371220811952136.
• The City of New York is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Find more information at NYC Food Delivery Driver Portal.

SENIORS:

• Senior centers are closed and have been converted into feeding centers where seniors can pick up meals. Here is an up to date list: https://www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov/
• For people age 60 and older, the NYC Department for the Aging provides access to home-delivered meals. A case manager/social worker can visit your home to provide in-home care, such as assistance with household chores, personal care, and referrals to additional resources. 
• Excellent resource on Assisted Living for Seniors: https://www.senioradvice.com/assisted-living.
• Also, see this organization's Guide to Senior Living: https://www.seniorhousingnet.com/seniors/senior-living-us/new-york

EDUCATION: 

• Learning Bridges, the City’s free childcare program for children in 3-K through 8th grade, will continue to serve families enrolled in blended learning. We will continue to give priority to children of essential workers, as well as students in temporary housing or residing in NYCHA developments, children in foster care or receiving child welfare services, and students with disabilities. Families can learn more and apply here and new offers will be made to families weekly as seats are available. 
• Devices for Remote Learning:  If your child does not have sufficient school-based technology and would like to request a device (tablet or laptop) please complete this survey or call 718-935-5100 and choose option 5 to request one of these devices
• Do you need a device, need technical support or to fix a broken device, or are dealing with a lost or stolen device? Call DOE’s IT Help desk at 718-935-5100 and press 5 to get assistance.  You can also get quick help online: 
  • Browse tech support topics: schools.nyc.gov/technicaltools
  • File a tech support ticket: schools.nyc.gov/techsupport
  • Request a device: schools.nyc.gov/devices 
  • Get support with a DOE-issued iPad: schools.nyc.gov/ipadfixes
  • Issues with your Internet connection: schools.nyc.gov/internet
• The DOE is committed to ensuring every student is learning 5 days a week. Your child’s school will support you in remote learning if you currently don’t have a device by providing paper-based work. Contact your school for more info.
• Internet providers are offering short term FREE internet (see below)
• Learning from home: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home
• If your child has an IEP and there are any issues regarding getting appropriate services, renewal meetings, requesting an evaluation, etc. you can reach out to Advocates for Children at 866-427-6033 or INCLUDEnyc at 212-677-4660 (English) or 212-677-4668 (Spanish)
• While at home, you can keep your child learning with these helpful resources. 
• Digital Library, free for 30 days: epic!
• Illustrated Read-Alouds with Activities, free: Story Online
• Learning Across All Subjects, free: Khan Academy
• Activities for All Grades, Free: Scholastic

HEALTH INSURANCE: 

• The special enrollment period to get a healthcare plan on the State's health exchange is extended to January 31st, 2021. Uninsured New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly to insurers. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, subsidized Qualified Health Plans or Child Health Plus.
• Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers is extended through 5/15 with all coverage effective as of 4/1: NYC.gov/GetCoveredNYC

 UTILITIES:

• Comcast is offering free public Wi-Fi for 60 Days to some families who do not have a subscription already. Apply online.
• Altice is offering free public Wi-Fi for 60 Days to some families who do not have a subscription already. Call 866-200-9522 to enroll.
• Charter is offering free public Wi-Fi for 60 Days to some families who do not have a subscription already. Call 844-488-8395 to enroll.
• Con Edison:  is suspending all service shut-offs and is waiving late payment and other fees for those NY State customers who cannot pay their bill.  Help During Coronavirus
• Phone and Internet: Most U.S. Internet and phone companies have agreed to suspend service terminations and will waive late fees related to the coronavirus pandemic. Visit here for a listing of participating providers. 

SMALL BUSINESSES

• Paycheck Protection Program: https://bit.ly/PPPNYCinfo 
• SBA Loan (EIDL): https://bit.ly/EILDNYCinfo 
• For the Small Business Administration's Disaster Loans Info and Applications click here.
• Corona Virus Relief program here.
• Empire State Development (ESD) FAQ for businesses regarding State regulations and general guidance related to the Coronavirus click here.
• For ESD COVID-19 Related Resources click here.
• Neighborhood Business Grant here

SPIRITUAL RESOURCES:

• https://bibleproject.com/videos/generosity/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=quarantinemail&utm_content=generosity
• https://redeemercitytocity.com/resources
• https://gospelinlife.com
• Tip sheet to help you reduce distress by identifying and responding to unmet core needs using the B.L.E.S.S. method: COVID-19 Spiritual First Aid

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION:

NYC GENERAL:  For help with food, money, housing, work and more, visit Access NYC. Click here. 

FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE INFO:  See here for an FAQ,  here,  here and here on what to expect.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES:  Click here for a list of qualifying essential services. 

HOW TO WEAR A FACEMASK PROPERLY:  Click here.

GIVING BLOOD: https://nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/covid-19-and-blood-donation-copy/

STUDENT LOANS: Interest is waived on federal student loans (this does not apply to private loans)

WAYS TO HELP:

• Hope for New York has made a comprehensive list of all urgent needs for its partners across the city. This includes donations and volunteer needs for outreach.
• For general information from NYS Department of Health on How You Can Help click here.
• Donations (including essential goods, services, and/or spaces): If you are looking for information on how to donate goods, services, or spaces for use in New York’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, click he