Addabbo Partners with NYLAG to Provide Free Civil Legal Services
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. announced Tuesday that he is collaborating again with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) to bring free civil legal services to his constituents by phone appointment.
“During this health crisis, people may find it even more difficult to navigate the complications and specifics of finding reliable legal advice, that is why I truly appreciate what NYLAG is doing during this time,” Addabbo said.
Due to the Coronavirus, NYLAG will be holding all of their scheduled sites remotely.
Representatives with NYLAG’s Mobile Legal Help Center will be calling residents who register for an appointment time with Addabbo’s office to provide free, confidential legal counsel to those who cannot afford an attorney.
Legal services will be provided regardless of immigration status.
The Senator also pointed out that NYLAG is extending their services — which usually take place in their Mobile Legal Help Center van that can be located at various sites in Addabbo’s district — to conducting confidential phone calls in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Addabbo encourages all those who are seeking legal advice to call his office to make an appointment with NYLAG.
The calls will take place on Friday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In order to make an appointment for a free, confidential intake call from NYLAG, contact Senator Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111.
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Nearly $12 Million for Coronavirus Testing
U.S. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced Tuesday $11,649,036 in federal funding to help health centers respond to and contain the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“As New York rebuilds and recovers from this unprecedented health and economic crisis, it’s imperative that hospitals and health centers have the resources they need to execute an aggressive testing strategy to keep the virus at bay,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding does just that by increasing the testing capacity of hospitals and health centers across the state. I will continue to fight tooth and nail for the federal resources to keep our communities safe and to be proactive in the battle against COVID-19.”
The funding was allocated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Expanding Capacity for Coronavirus Testing (ECT) program.
“With mounting pressure to open schools and businesses, we must ensure that all New Yorkers have access to COVID-19 testing,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This essential funding will make testing and treatment more accessible across New York State and will help keep our communities safe from this devastating virus. I will continue advocating for the resources needed to remain resilient during these unprecedented times.”
Mayor Expands Food For Heroes Program
Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray announced Monday an expansion of the Food For Heroes program to deliver more than 71,000 meals to staff at local non-profit nursing homes and Department of Sanitation (DSNY) garages in all five boroughs.
“New Yorkers on the frontline of this crisis are working around the clock to take care of our families, friends and neighbors,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We can never repay our debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and service, but we hope that these meals provide a small comfort to those who have given so much to this City.”
Managed by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Food For Heroes launched in April to support New Yorkers working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its first month, 75,000 meals were served to staff members at Elmhurst Hospital. In May, the program expanded to deliver lunches to Office of the Chief Medical Examiner staff at temporary disaster field sites, as well as hotels housing out-of-state medical personnel and healthcare workers who were self-isolating away from vulnerable family members at home. By September, Food For Heroes will have provided 169,400 meals to New Yorkers.
This week, Food For Heroes began deliveries to 75 new locations across the city as part of the expansion, serving non-profit nursing home employees and sanitation workers who have been vital to the daily functioning of New York City despite the challenges and increased risks presented by the pandemic.
