Community-Based Cash Assistance Programs in NYC
New York City Immigration Coalition
New York City Immigration Coalition is an umbrella organization advocating for more than 200 immigrant organizations in New York State. NYCIC has also just established a cash grants program for stricken immigrants, so many of whom are retail, delivery, ride-share, and restaurant workers who will not receive the new federal assistance, either because they are undocumented or because they are fearful of interaction with the federal government.
Resources:
The NYS Community Toolkit is an all-in-one resource guide for immigrant community members, partners, and allies. It is updated regularly based on changing laws and policies and connects immigrant New Yorkers with resources across the state. It includes mental health, cash assistance, immigration rights, educational debt relief, Covid, and legal resources.
Languages Offered: English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, French, Karen, Nepali, Somali, and Ukrainian.
Click here to access the toolkit/list of all resources:
The Community Service Society (CSS)
CSS’s Income Support Services provides small grants to qualifying individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Recognizing that low-wage work and soaring rents make it hard to thrive in today’s economy, Income Support Services provides financial assistance to help avert traumatic events like homelessness or to propel job seekers toward economic independence.
Homeless Prevention: Grants are made to those with mortgage or rent arrears who are at risk of losing their homes or being evicted.
Utility Assistance: Grants are made to those who are facing hardships and therefore unable to pay their utilities, including water, gas, and electricity.
Summer Camp Scholarships: Grants are made to help send minor children to licensed summer camp programs.
Financial security: The CCS helps New Yorkers achieve and maintain financial security through a wide variety of efforts through the following programs and campaigns
support borrowers with education debt
make financial coaching and public benefits more accessible
help individuals with conviction histories overcome barriers to employment, housing, and civic participation
protect patients from medical debt
The intake is currently closed for the CSS but you can reach out to Housing Court Answers for immediate assistance to get a list of agencies that still have funds available. You may also try the HRA to see if you are eligible for funding.
Housing Court Answers:
Timings: Mon-Fri from 9-5 pm
Phone Number: 2129624795
Website: housingcourtanswers.org
Languages: English and Spanish
Another Round, Another Rally
Another Round, Another Rally is a nonprofit organization that provides cash assistance for those employed in restaurants, bars, and hotels who have fallen into unexpected hardship. They provide reimbursement grants and immersive educational scholarships to further the education of those in the community. They are currently taking applications and you can apply directly on the homepage of their website for relief.
Emergency Aid Application:
Hospitality workers facing emergency circumstances or unanticipated hardships may apply for financial assistance through Another Round Another Rally’s Emergency Aid program. Funds are distributed to eligible applicants experiencing the most needs as funding becomes available.
Note: Applying does not guarantee receipt of emergency aid.
Professional Development Grant Application:
Hospitality workers looking to expand their skills and advance their careers may apply for financial assistance through Another Round Another Rally’s Professional Development program. Funds are distributed to eligible applicants as funds become available.
Note: Applying does not guarantee receipt of funding.
USBG National Charity Foundation
The USBG Foundation offers assistance with paying bills, medical care/hospital bills, prescription medication, accessing food, and small business assistance.
Grant Seeker Resources
The USBG Foundation has compiled a list of possible helpful resources for those facing financial and other hardships. You can click on the blue heading for each to be taken directly to the website for each.
General Financial Assistance
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides financial assistance for individuals and small businesses.
They have info on assistance programs, charity organizations, and resources that help pay bills, mortgage, and debt relief (financial, rent, and governmental assistance).
An online resource connects users to free and reduced-cost local resources such as medical care, food, housing, transportation, etc.
The website can be converted to Spanish.
Nationwide listings of private and public resources for food pantries, stores that accept food stamps, assisted living facilities, domestic violence, homeless shelters, mental health and substance use treatment, free clinics, and legal and financial assistance.
Information about government programs that help with bill payment, temporary assistance, jobs/unemployment, credit, etc.
Assistance with Medical Care/Hospital Bills
Provides financial assistance for the underinsured to afford necessary medical treatments through “disease funds” (note, typically for chronic physical diseases—not mental health conditions).
Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
Provides underinsured patients with financial assistance through disease-specific funds that provide access to progressive therapies. Spanish-language calls are accepted.
Helps federally- and commercially-insured people living with life-threatening, chronic, and rare diseases. Offers co-pay relief programs as well as other resources and services.
Resources for finding a therapist, answering mental health questions, and applying for grants to cover the cost of therapy.
Foundation provides patient advocates to help people get financial assistance for co-payments, prescriptions, deductibles, premiums, and medical expenses. Spanish translation service available.
Assistance with Prescription Medication
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Advice for getting help paying for medications.
Individuals (with or without insurance) pay upfront for medication online and take a voucher to their pharmacy.
An online database allows you to compare current prescription drug prices at pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
Search engines for many patient assistance resources that the pharmaceutical industry offers.
Offers a helpline and information on financial assistance programs to help defray the cost of medication.
Directory of free and low-cost medicine programs and other ways to manage medication costs.
Free patient assistance program to help people in need obtain critical medications.
Online coupons for downloading/printing. It can be brought to the pharmacy to see if it will give the consumer a lower price.
Assistance with Accessing Food
A national organization that operates food banks throughout various states to reduce hunger. Although various school districts have closed, some are still providing complimentary breakfast and lunch to children between 2-18. Check online with your local school district.
Small Business Assistance
Consult your bank or lender to see what loans you qualify for or are most beneficial for your business.
Contact your state’s department of small business services. Local programs may provide financial assistance to small businesses affected by COVID-19. In addition, businesses may qualify for low-interest loans and employee retention grants in some areas.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 resource page provides a list of relief programs and offers guidance to small business owners.
The Small Business Majority also has COVID-19 resources.
Mental Health, Crisis, Survivor Resources
The United States Bartenders’ Guild has compiled an extensive list of resources that is updated regularly.