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Community Resources on Coronavirus

The New York Fed has been monitoring the impacts of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. It has maintained close contact with other federal and local agencies as well as nonprofits and has taken steps to help in whatever way it can.

A Message from President John Williams

Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John C. Williams

The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it extraordinary challenges for households, businesses, and communities across the nation.

This is first and foremost a public health crisis. It’s our doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who are on the front lines supporting the public. I am grateful for their service to the American people during these unprecedented times.

The coronavirus has also created huge economic challenges, the scale of which is still evolving. The New York Fed, and the Federal Reserve System, has taken a number of actions in the past few weeks to support the economy and financial stability. In addition to lowering the target range for the federal funds rate, we have set up a number of facilities to improve access to credit.

The New York Fed is committed to helping the most vulnerable access the support they need. We have created this resource center where individuals, businesses, and non-profits can find out what’s available to them at the federal, state, and city level. This hub will be regularly updated to connect our communities with the necessary resources.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank my staff for their hard work and commitment to the Federal Reserve’s mission, pursuing our dual goals of maximum employment and price stability. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones during this extraordinarily challenging time.

John Williams
President & CEO

Resources

CRA and Regulatory Guidance

Supervisory Practices Regarding Financial Institutions Affected by Coronavirus
Federal financial institution regulators and state regulators encourage financial institutions to meet the financial needs of customers and members affected by the coronavirus.

New York Regulated Financial Institutions to Provide Financial Relief to New Yorkers Demonstrating Financial Hardship from COVID-19 Pandemic
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) today issued an emergency regulation requiring that New York State regulated financial institutions provide residential mortgage forbearance on property located in New York for a period of 90 days to any individual residing in New York who demonstrates financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRA Consideration for Activities in Response to the Coronavirus
The Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have issued a joint statement on Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration for activities in response to the Coronavirus Disease. The agencies will favorably consider retail banking services and retail lending activities in a financial institution’s assessment areas that are responsive to the needs of low- and moderate-income individuals, small businesses, and small farms affected by the Coronavirus.

Federal Banking Agencies Provide Banks Additional Flexibility to Support Households and Businesses
The federal bank regulatory agencies announced two actions to support the U.S. economy and allow banks to continue lending to households and businesses.

FFIEC's Consumer Help Center
The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Consumer Help Center directs consumers with complaints and questions about their bank or financial institution to the appropriate federal bank regulatory agency that can help them with their concerns.

Guidance to New York State Regulated and Exempt Mortgage Servicers Regarding Support for Borrowers Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus
The NYS Department of Financial Services issued guidance to urge all regulated and exempt mortgage servicers to alleviate the adverse impact caused by COVID-19 on those mortgage borrowers.

Guidance to New York State Regulated Banks, Credit Unions and Licensed Lenders Regarding Support for Businesses Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus
The NYS Department of Financial Services issued guidance to New York State regulated banks, credit unions and licensed lenders regarding support for businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus.

Employees & Workers

Job Hunter's Bill of Rights
Guide to job hunter protections when finding a job through an employment agency.

Labor Policy & Standards
The Department of Consumer Affairs Office of Labor Policy & Standards (OLPS) is New York City’s central resource for workers. If you have questions about workplace rights or if you think your rights have been violated you may visit this site.

Landing Page for Immigrant Workers
City resources for immigrants, as well as consumer protection tips.

Paid Safe and Sick Leave: What Employees Need to Know
Detailed overview of NYC paid safe and sick leave policies.

Protecting NYC's Freelance Workers
NYC information on workers' rights for freelance workers.

Department of Labor
USDOL COVID-19 Information for Workers and Employers.

Workers' Bill of Rights
Detailed overview of workers' rights in New York City.

Financial Counseling & Credit Protection

Beware of Credit Repair Scams
Information on how to avoid common credit repair scams.

Debt Collection Guide
Information for consumers to be aware of in dealing with debt collectors.

Federal Reserve Consumer Help
The Federal Reserve Consumer Help site is dedicated to providing consumers with the information they need to guide their personal financial decisions during these difficult times. We have gathered the following information to respond to your resource needs regarding COVID-19 and hope that this information is helpful.

File a Consumer Complaint
Protocols for consumers to file a complaint against a business.

Financial Empowerment Centers (general info)
Free financial counseling for anyone 18 or older who lives or works in NYC.

Financial Empowerment Centers Appointment Page
Portal to make appointments.

IRS Site for Coronavirus Tax Relief
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.

NYC Free Tax Prep Website and Map
Free tax preparation services for New Yorkers with low incomes.

Payday Loans
Tips for consumers to avoid predatory loans.

Health & Safety

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Information and resources on Novel Coronavirus.

Connecticut State Department of Public Health
Information on Novel Coronavirus.

New Jersey State Department of Health
Information on Novel Coronavirus.

(NEW) New York Academy of Medicine: Food Access
Sharing best practices, resources and news curated through a health equity lens for learning and action.

(NEW) New York Academy of Medicine: Health for All Ages
Information and resources for Maternal & Child Health, Older Adults, and Special Populations.

New York State Department of Health
Information on Novel Coronavirus.

New York City Department of Health
Information on Novel Coronavirus.

Departamento de Salud Gobierno de Puerto Rico
Tanto el Departamento de Salud como los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés), permanecen en alerta y monitoreo continuo ante un brote de enfermedad respiratoria, causada por un nuevo coronavirus (llamado COVID-19).

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health
Information on Novel Coronavirus.

Housing

Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture announced it would be suspending foreclosures on borrowers with USDA Single-Family Housing Direct (SFHD) loans and evictions of persons in SFHD secured properties for a period of 60 days.

Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA is strongly encouraging holders of veterans loans to abstain from initiating foreclosure proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The Administration announced a suspension in foreclosures and evictions for Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgages for single-family properties for the next 60 days.

Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae is responding to COVID-19 with assistance to homeowners, renters, customers, and the mortgage markets.

Freddie Mac
Freddie Mac is extending help to homeowners and renters facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Connecticut State Moratorium on Utility Shut-Offs
Connecticut State Attorney General announces moratorium on utility shut-offs (electric, natural gas, and water).

Getting Ready for Affordable Housing
Describes the Ready to Rent: Financial Counseling for Affordable Housing program, which helps New Yorkers prepare for and navigate the Affordable Housing application process.

Housing and Urban Development Homelessness Resource Hub
A list of resources for those currently experiencing or at risk of being homeless and guidance for organizations that serve homeless populations.

New York University Furman Center and Abt Associates’ Local Housing Solutions COVID-19 Resource Page
A curated list of links for Homelessness Service Providers, Renters/Homeowners, Affordable Housing & Community Development

Nonprofits & Community Organizations

(NEW) WEBINAR VIDEO: Nonprofit Organizations and the CARES Act
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted an online briefing on how nonprofit organizations can benefit from the CARES Act.

Council on Foundations
The COF's Covid-19 resource hub for nonprofits.

COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits and Funders
Bridgespan Consulting curated a collection of online resources that offer valuable guidance for both responding to the pandemic and preparing for the possibility of an economic downturn.

COVID-19 Preparation Tips for Community and Faith-Based Organizations
Interim guidance is to help community- and faith-based organizations (CFBOs), whose members may include vulnerable populations, plan for community transmission of coronavirus disease.

Fairfield County Community Foundation
The COVID-19 Resiliency Fund will rapidly deploy resources to trusted, frontline community organizations that meet the basic needs of local residents in Fairfield County.

Freelance Artists & COVID-19
List of resources, opportunities, and financial relief options designed to serve freelance artists, and information for those interested in supporting the independent artist community.

Grantmakers in the Arts
Resources on COVID-19 and Arts Funding from Grantmakers in the Arts.

National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness & Emergency Response
Curated list of organizations to assist artists with reestablishing art practice and keeping them apprised of funding opportunities.

New York Foundation for the Arts: Emergency Grants
Information for artists on emergency grants to serve financial need or an emergency such as bereavement or illness.

New York Foundation for the Arts: Health and Insurance Resources
Information about social service, health/insurance and financial/business organizations serving the arts community during times of stress.

New York State Council on the Arts
Resources for New York State Arts and Cultural Organizations re: Novel Coronavirus.

Nonprofit Finance Fund Providing No-Interest Loans
With generous support from the Ford Foundation and a group of leading New York philanthropies, The Nonprofit Finance Fund is providing no-interest loans to New York City nonprofit organizations working in the human services, with particular interest in healthcare, food delivery, homeless services, workforce development, educational support, early childhood education, and arts and culture.

Nonprofit Finance Fund Tools and Resources
COVID-19 Tools and Resources for Nonprofits.

NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund
New York Community Trust is administering a COVID-19 relief fund which offers no-interest loans for nonprofit organizations working in human services, with particular interest in those supporting essential healthcare, food delivery, homeless services, workforce development, educational support, and early childhood education, and arts and culture.

(NEW) United Way of New York City COVID-19 Community Fund
Financial Assistance for Communities: New York City

(NEW) United Way of Greater Newark COVID-19 Fund
Financial Assistance for Communities: Newark

(NEW) United Way of Greater Union County COVID-19 Emergency Fund
Financial Assistance for Communities: Greater Union County

What Funders Should Do to Support Nonprofits
6 Steps for Grant Makers to Take Now to Ensure Nonprofits Recover From Coronavirus Spread.

Small Business

The Brooklyn App
Small Business Channel to encourage businesses to tell their stories and seek assistance.

(NEW) Business Reorganization Options
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) enables businesses with debts of $7.5 million or less to qualify to file cases under Subchapter 5 of the US Bankruptcy Code.

CDC Guidance for Employers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information to help plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Community Capital New York Emergency Express Loan
Offers loans for low-interest loans for impacted small businesses in the Hudson Valley region to use as working capital.

Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Information about the Small Business Express loan program.

Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Resources on SBA Disaster Loans and the application process.

(NEW) Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio
Incentivo de $1,500 para pequeñas y medianas empresas que hayan cesado operaciones debido a COVID-19. Para cualificar debe ser un comercio con 50 empleados o menos registrado en Puerto Rico y no cualificar para las ayudas federales.

Facebook Grant Program
Information about Facebook's $100 million grant program.

(NEW) Garden State Relief Fund
New Jersey Community Capital is supporting the immediate needs of small businesses & non-profits affected by COVID-19.

Kiva
Kiva Microloan Program information.

LISC Rapid Relief and Resiliency Fund
LISC is responding to COVID-19 with assistance to small businesses, community-based partners and access to technology.

New Jersey Businesses
The State of New Jersey's website devoted to business concerns during the coronavirus emergency.

NYC Program for Small Businesses
Updated Guidance for Small Business Owners from the NYC SBS.

NYC Program for Small Business Loan and Grant Programs
Information about NYC's loan and grant programs available for firms affected by COVID-19.

Renaissance Economic Development Corporation Emergency Small Business Relief Loan Fund
ffers low-interest loans for impacted small businesses in New York City to use as working capital.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
Information about the U.S. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Resources & Guidelines for Businesses Combating the Coronavirus.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Safety
Volunteers may refer here for guidance on safe volunteer practices to maintain personal and public health.

American Red Cross
American Red Cross is urging all eligible, healthy donors to donate blood and platelets to help maintain a sufficient blood supply flow and avoid potential shortages.

City Harvest
City Harvest is New York City's largest food rescue organization. City Harvest feeds the more than 1.2 million New Yorkers who are food-insecure. Volunteer to run a food drive and collect critical food supplies.

Citymeals on Wheels
Citymeals across New York City to support the City’s response to the coronavirus and to ensure older New Yorkers have nourishing meals during this public health crisis. Volunteer to check-in on the elderly and deliver meals.

DonateNYC Food Portal
DonateNYC, a program of NYC Department of Sanitation, has resources for individuals, businesses, schools, and agencies to give and receive donated items. Individuals can search the donateNYC Directory for places to give and find donated items in their area.

Feeding America
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States. Contact your local community food bank to donate supplies.

Food Bank for New York City
Food Bank is committed to ensuring New Yorkers in need continue to have access to meals during times of crisis. The organization is looking for volunteers to prepare and box meals.

Fulfill Pantry New Jersey
Fulfill’s mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth & Ocean Counties and to make sure that all people at all times have access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life. Volunteers organize food drives, pack and sort donations, help with office work and mailings, do tax returns, and help out at mobile pantries.

God's Love We Deliver
A nonsectarian organization that prepares and delivers "nutritious and medically tailored meals" to people living with illnesses, is looking for both volunteers as well as donations to sponsor their emergency meal bags of “shelf-stable food” to their clients.

Heights and Hills
Brooklyn-based organizations works with over a thousand seniors who receive care at home and may be in need of support or medical attention during the coronavirus pandemic. Volunteer to check-in on a senior over the phone.

Invisible Hands
Invisible Hands provides safe and free deliveries of groceries and supplies for the most at-risk community members facing CoVID-19 in the New York area and parts of New Jersey. Volunteer to deliver supplies.

New York Blood Center
New York City needs approximately 2,000 people to donate blood every day to maintain its supply. Blood reserves are perishable and constantly need to be replenished. Donate blood now to contribute to the emergency preparedness of New York City as a whole.

New York Cares
New York Cares is the largest volunteer network in NYC offering thousands of volunteer opportunities with nonprofits and schools in all five boroughs.

New York Sewing Center
The New York Sewing Center offers sewing and design classes. Due to the shortage of N95 medical face masks, the New York Sewing Center (virtually) teaches volunteers how to make CDC-compliant face masks to donate to first responders and medical professionals.

NYC Service
NYC Service leads the Volunteer Coordination Taskforce (VCTF) that supports organizations in need of volunteers to provide critical services – such as meal delivery – to vulnerable residents and works to identify volunteer opportunities that residents can support.

World Central Kitchen
International nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity and resiliency in economically distressed and/or disaster-affected areas. Volunteer for WCK corps to provide supplies, prepare meals, or staff pop-up kitchens in NYC and other impacted areas across the U.S.

Resource Topics

CRA & Regulatory Guidance

Employees & Workers

Financial Counseling & Credit Protection

Health & Safety

Housing

Nonprofits & Community Organizations

Small Business

Volunteer Opportunities

Video: Community Resources on Coronavirus

New York Fed Launches Resource Hub for Individuals, Businesses, and Nonprofits

Research & Analysis

LSE Blog: Monitoring Real Activity in Real Time: The Weekly Economic Index (Mar 30, 2020)

LSE Blog: Businesses in the Tri-State Region Struggling to Weather the Coronavirus Outbreak (Mar 30, 2020)

LSE Blog: Fight the Pandemic, Save the Economy: Lessons from the 1918 Flu (Mar 27, 2020)

Business Leaders Survey

Empire State Manufacturing Survey

Supplemental Survey Report: Service Firms See Particularly Widespread Fallout from Coronavirus

Federal Reserve Resources

See the Federal Reserve Board's resources related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Disclaimer

Except where expressly indicated, none of these materials necessarily represent the views of the New York Fed or any other part of the Federal Reserve System.

Submit suggestions, comments, and resources for consideration.