Mayors Public Engegement Unit

What's NEW at PEU!

July 2023

PEU staff visited Lincoln Hospital this month to conduct a training about the Tenant Helpline for new Community Health Workers.

About the Public Engagement Unit (PEU)

The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) uses community organizing principles to re-envision how the city provides services to its most vulnerable communities. Rather than expecting constituents to navigate a complex city bureaucracy to get the help they need, PEU adopts grassroots tactics to meet residents where they are — at their doors and on their phones, in their social media feeds, and in their communities. PEU combines this proactive outreach with comprehensive case management, and in doing so, builds long-term relationships between New Yorkers and their government.

Upcoming Events

GetCoveredNYC Weekly Event Round-Up

GetCoveredNYC connects New Yorkers to health coverage and health information. We table at libraries, community centers, and HRA offices in every borough. Check out this week’s events on our Instagram here.

Team Wins

Tenant Support Unit Training

The Tenant Support team from PEU visited Lincoln Hospital to provide training for a group of newly hired Community Health Workers on the Tenant Helpline. The session was attended by 20 enthusiastic individuals who were eager to learn and engage with the topic of tenant fights. We felt privileged to present to this group and appreciated their eagerness to learn and connect clients to us for support.

The Tenant Support Unit (TSU) provides free information on tenants’ rights, assistance navigating housing-related issues, and connection to a range of resources, including the Tenant Resource Portal, anti-eviction legal assistance, and rent freeze and homeowner tax exemption programs. Visit https://nyc.gov/TSU for more information.

PEU spread the word about NYC Government Hiring Halls

PEU worked in partnership with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to spread the word about City Government Hiring Halls, where agencies are recruiting for open positions and conducting on the spot interviews. PEU representatives were also available on site to conduct benefits screenings. Attend a Hiring Hall near you to discover opportunities and learn more about civil service. Interested candidates are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume and be prepared to showcase their qualifications and enthusiasm. At some events, you might arrive with a resume and leave with a job! Learn more about upcoming Hiring Halls, and apply for jobs: nyc.gov/jobs.

The Great Renewal Week of Action

GetCoveredNYC hosted a citywide Week of Action, kicked off by National Insurance Awareness Day, to educate New Yorkers about crucial changes to health insurance.

Since 2020, Medicaid, Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus health insurance plans have been automatically renewed due to the Public Health Emergency. Now, automatic renewals have ended, and New York State is resuming eligibility reviews for these public health insurance plans. These changes have a significant impact on millions of New Yorkers, who may face the risk of losing their coverage if they fail to renew.

We need your help! Learn more and help us educate New Yorkers by sharing our toolkit here: nyc.gov/GreatRenewal

GetCoveredNYC provides free assistance for New Yorkers seeking to enroll in health care, regardless of immigration status or income. Our Specialists speak over a dozen languages and conduct outreach to proactively identify uninsured New Yorkers and help them get access to health care and other health-related benefits. Visit nyc.gov/GetCoveredNYC.

Specialist Spotlight

GetCoveredNYC connects NYers with health insurance. Recently, one of GCNYC Specialists, Emily, had the privilege of helping a young client who had recently moved to New York as an asylee. The client's aunt reached out to Emily, expressing confusion about how to navigate the process of signing up for medical coverage while the client was in search of employment.

Recognizing the client's unique circumstances, Emily delved into the intricacies of the ID proofing process.

Understanding the importance of flexibility, Emily worked around the client's schedule to ensure a smooth experience. She promptly connected them with MetroPlus. Following up on the client's appointment, Emily ensured that the necessary steps were taken, resulting in the client's enrollment in an Essential Plan with coverage effective from June 1st.

In addition to addressing the client's healthcare needs, Emily went the extra mile by providing valuable resources for job training opportunities. She shared the website http://jobready.nyc.gov, which offers specific programs designed to assist recent asylees in finding suitable employment in New York City.

GCNYC’s Specialist Emily at the MetroPlus office in Flushing, Queens

Tweet Of The Month

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Resources & Annoucements

Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare Savings Programs help pay for Medicare costs. If you make $2,260 or less, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program! Learn more about affording your health insurance here.

Hear from Eric: New Yorkers can sign up online to receive digital communications directly from Mayor Adams with exclusive information about new initiatives and policies, local events, and more.

Week in Review: Watch the last Week in Review video here.

Mental Health Support: Mental health counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide free support in many languages. You can contact them directly by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), Text WELL to 65173 or Chat nyc.gov/nycwell

NYC Fair Fares: Eligible New York City residents can get a 50% discount on eligible transportation. Help us to spread the word by sharing this HRA toolkit and check your eligibility at nyc.gov/fairfares or by calling 311.

Discounted Internet: The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to help you pay for broadband internet service! Qualifying New Yorkers (including all public school families) can receive up to $30 per month off their internet bill. You can learn more about and sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program here: GetInternet.gov.

Access Benefits: There are more than 30 programs you or your family may be eligible for regardless of immigration status and even if you’re already receiving benefits or have a job. Use ACCESS NYC to find help in NYC with food, money, housing, work and more.

Vaccinations: Walk-ins available for first and second doses of the monkeypox (MPV) vaccine, COVID vaccines and flu shots:

No appointment needed

Find a walk-in location: nyc.gov/vaccinefinder

Follow us on social media and learn about our programs and outreach on our website: nyc.gov/MayorsPEU

Connect with PEU:

Twitter: @MayorsPEU

Instagram: @mayorspeu

Facebook: @NYC Mayor's Public Engagement Unit

LinkedIn: /mayorspeu

Website: nyc.gov/MayorsPEU

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