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In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the safety of our staff and clients, we have closed our physical office and we have transitioned to working remotely.
If you are a client of The Bronx Defenders and would like to reach your attorney or advocate, please email info@bronxdefenders.org or call 718-838-7878.
Food Resources
For NYC’s city-wide Food Resource page, click HERE.
COVID Testing
Free walk-in testing is now available in your community – no appointment necessary. Find your local testing location HERE.
Protective Masks
New York City is distributing face coverings in parks across the city free of charge. Find your nearest distribution location HERE.
If you are a current Bronx Defenders client and need a protective mask for yourself or other household members, please fill out this form.
Transportation
The MTA is now operating under the Essential Service Plan. Find latest updates and current service status HERE.
Housing Resources
If you are a current Bronx Defenders client and are facing eviction, please contact your attorney or advocate at the Bronx Defenders.
For Families
| For Who | Hours | Shelter Name & Location |
| Families with children younger than 21, pregnant women | 24 hours/day | PATH 151 E 151st St, Bronx NY 10451 (718) 503-6400 |
| Adult families without children | 24 hours/day | AFIC 400-430 East 30th Street New York NY 10016 (212) 481-4704 |
For Adults
| For Who | Hours | Shelter Name & Location |
| Single men | 24 hours/day | Bellevue: 30th Street Intake Center 400-430 East 30th Street New York NY 10016 (212) 481-0771 |
| Single women | 24 hours/day | Franklin Women’s Shelter 1122 Franklin Ave, The Bronx, NY 10456 (718) 842-9797 |
| Single women | 24 hours/day | HELP: Brooklyn Women’s Shelter 116 Williams Ave Brooklyn, NY 11207 (718) 483-7700 |
| Men & Women, overnight only | 24 hours/day | Drop-in Center: Living Room 800 Barretto St, Bronx NY 10474 (718) 893-3606 |
| Men & Women, overnight only | 24 hours/day | Drop-in Center: Main Chance 120 E 32nd St New York NY 10016 (212) 883-0680 |
For Youth
| For Who | Hours | Shelter Name & Location |
| 14-24-year-olds | 24 hours/day | Drop-in Center: Sheltering Arms/Safe Space Jamaica 89-74 162nd Street, 3rd Floor, Jamaica NY 11432 (718) 526-2400 |
| Everyone under 21 years old | 24 hours/day | Drop-in Center: Covenant House 550 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10018 (212) 613-0300 |
| Youth, overnight only | 8pm-8am | Drop-in Center: Cardinal McCloskey Community Services 333 E. 149th St, Bronx NY 10451 (718) 993-5495 |
| Youth, emergencies only | M, Tu, Th-Sun: 12pm-4pm | Drop-in Center: Safe Horizon 209 W 125th St, New York NY 10027 (212) 695-2220 |
Employment, Stimulus Checks, and Other Resources
If you are a current Bronx Defenders client and have questions or concerns about unemployment benefits, pandemic benefits, other public benefits, or stimulus checks, please contact your attorney or advocate at the Bronx Defenders.
- HELP NOW NYC – employment resources and financial counseling
- IRS Economic Impact Payment Info Center – stimulus check eligibility and status
- NY Dept of Labor – pandemic unemployment insurance FAQs
- Emergency financial relief – info for undocumented people, service workers, and trans people
- NYC job opportunities – all agencies
- NYC job opportunities – public health sector
- NY State job opportunities – health care, PPE product providers and manufacturers
- NYC worker benefits
Education Resources
DOE Devices
Every child enrolled in a New York City school is entitled to a learning device – one per child, not one per family. If a child in the household does not have a device, you can fill out a short form HERE. DOE devices already come with internet – you will not need a WiFi connection.
Regional Enrichment Centers
Regional Enrichment Centers are places where the children of front-line workers can be safely cared for while their parents continue to serve the city. Staffed by DOE employees and community-based partners, the centers provide children with three daily hot meals, remote learning time with their teachers, activities like art, music, and physical education, and social and emotional support. For more information, click HERE.
Technology Resources
Wi-Fi Access
Several providers are offering free public access to their WiFi hotspots. Maps are linked below:
Payment Extensions and Services for Students
Providers are offering payment extensions to existing customers along with offers for households with students. Please contact directly to qualify:
- Optimum – 718-860-3513
- Spectrum – 833-267-6094
- Verizon Fios – 855-696-2276
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
- NYCWELL – Call 1-888-692-9355 or text WELL to 65173 for free, confidential mental health support
- Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUS” 66746
- Support with COVID-19 anxiety
- In The Rooms – free online addiction recovery community
- SMART Recovery – free online support groups, forums, and meetings via Zoom
- Mindful Schools – free mindfulness classes for kids
- Ten Percent Happier – A “Coronavirus Sanity Guide” with free meditations, podcasts, blog posts, and talks