COVID-19 Resources

To help support our community of members, staff, and BCNY families, please see below for an overview of helpful resources to explore.

Updated March 2020

COVID-19 Specific Resources

MENTAL HEALTH

  • NYC Well offers free confidential counseling in more than 200 languages.
  • NAMI NYC : Their Helpline continues to be available as a source of information and support.
    • Call from 10 am to 6 pm: 212.684.3264 or send an email to: helpline@naminyc.org.
 
 SENIORS

Senior centers will only be open for grab and go or delivery meal service–no in-person services.

Emergency food services: https://access.nyc.gov/programs/emergency-food-assistance/.

  • Coding Tools & Resources for kids while learning from home This is a great tool for any child interested in learning more about coding and programming.
  • All Digital School prides itself on having the largest community of educators and directory of resources online.
  • The New York City Department of Education coronavirus page contains the latest school information and updates.
  • The New York Public Library has a comprehensive list of digital resources, including access to e-books, research e-journals, online newspapers, and resources for young learners. 
  • NYSCA (NYC Schools Account)
    All NYC public schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year. Parents are urged to access their NYSCA for information and remote learning. Until then, parents are encouraged to keep their children reading and doing online and workbook practices and following any interim directives from their individual schools. To learn about signing in to your NYCSA (NYC Schools Account) go to Resources. 
  • Khan Academy a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. 
  • Engage NY Educator Guide to the 2020 Grades 3-8 Common Core English Language Arts and Mathematics tests.
  • Learn To Be Learn To Be is a 501c.3 non-profit organization that brings 1-on-1, online tutoring to underserved youth around the nation.

GUIDANCE FOR THE HOMELESS

Staying Healthy While Working at Home

Continue your routine: 
Wake up at your typical work time, wash your face, brush your teeth, shower, and get dressed. It’s vital to do still as many of the activities you would typically do in the morning. If you don’t usually wash loads of laundry or vacuum every nook and cranny of your place when you wake up, now’s not the time to start.
 
Decide where to work:

Pick a comfortable spot: Make it your dedicated “office.” Keep in mind what kind of calls you might be making and what type of work you’ll be doing.

Close the door if you can: It signals to your children, roommates, etc., that you’re busy and working. You may even want to put up a “do not disturb” sign on the door. This helps create a divide between your “work” life and your “home” life, even if they’re physically the same place.

Think about lighting: Don’t sit with the window behind you while video chatting. If you’re a person that thrives off of natural light, situate yourself as close to the window as possible.

Eat as you would at work: Don’t dive into the microwave popcorn and your chocolate stash just because it’s accessible. Sugar highs and endless snacking will lead to big lows. What you eat will impact your mood and energy level.

Make sure you’re aligned with your team about how and when you’ll communicate. It’s essential to keep as close to your typical work hours as possible.

Video chat when you can: It creates the feeling of being in the office and gives you that valuable face time.

Remember, punctuation is key: Remember that tone doesn’t always come across in email.

Hone in on your deliverables: Be clear with your supervisor about expectations. Having a clear outline of what deliverables are expected from you will help you make sure you’re being productive and being evaluated fairly.

Maintain boundaries: Remind family and friends that just because you’re not working in your office doesn’t mean you’re not working. You’re not available to jump on the phone or FaceTime just because you’re home.

Set office hours: Continue to work the same hours. Though sleeping in might feel nice, working until midnight might not. This will also stop you from working long past a typical workday.

Give yourself an evening routine: Make sure you’re clear about “logging off.” Whether that means booking a virtual workout class, shutting off your computer, or cooking dinner, make a hard shift mentally after you’ve logged off.

Schedule breaks: It’s crucial to build breaks into your schedule, especially when you are used to taking them at work.

Move: It might be easy to get used to not having a commute. Then all of a sudden, it’s 8 pm, and you haven’t walked more than 50 feet around your apartment. Remember to get some exercise because endorphins make you happy.

Socialize: Working alone can be hard, especially when you’re used to having a lot of people around. Make sure you’re checking your email and talking with your co-workers regularly. This will help prevent feelings of loneliness or disconnect. 

Take sick time: Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should work if you’re sick. If you’re not well, take time off; your work will thank you for it.

Self-care Resources: Mediation, Physical Health, & Entertainment 

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!