Responding effectively to the spread of coronavirus is a unique and unprecedented challenge. Community Access will continue to do everything it can to provide its critical services during this time.

In addition to closely monitoring this evolving situation, Community Access is taking guidance from the NYC Department of Health and our State and Federal partners. An agency-wide emergency response committee — including members of our senior management and leadership teams, and other programs and departments — meets regularly to develop plans and procedures to support our community. We are also taking important steps to provide tenants, program participants, and staff with timely updates and information.

Program Updates

As our coronavirus response plans develop, we've been reaching out directly to staff, tenants, and participants to share information and resources. We will continue to do so.

We take very seriously our obligations to those who count on us for support. To the fullest extent possible we will continue to deliver our critical services while following social distancing guidelines and implementing strategies that protect our workforce.

Our plans include utilizing telephonic service delivery whenever possible. We have transitioned to telework schedules and staggered shifts when this isn’t possible. Our regular team meetings are continuing online or by phone.

Here’s an overview of how these changes affect our core programs:

 ADVOCACY: 
Our core advocacy work continues.

 ART COLLECTIVE: 
The Art Collective studio is temporarily closed. Our community continues working remotely (via phone, mail, email, social media, and Zoom) and in limited numbers, in person, at a safe distance outdoors. Unfortunately, we are not accepting new members at this time. Please follow us on Instagram @artcollectivenyc for updates and to see our progress as our community of artists responds to our changing world.

 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SERVICES: 
Adult Homes Initiative
Following a directive from the NYS Department of Health, Adult Homes are currently not permitted to receive visitors including our staff. We’re adjusting our work accordingly by continuing to reach out by phone to residents in Adult Homes and to residents who have already moved into the community.

Blueprint Supported Education
We continue to support participants, many who transitioned to online learning, through phone or video meetings, and virtual study groups. New participants are being enrolled.

Howie the Harp Advocacy Center
Until further notice, all classroom-based activities have been discontinued. We’ll maintain contact with students while developing plans for distance learning, and we’ll continue to provide essential support telephonically and online.

Self-Direction
We are continuing to support current participants, and recently have been able to enroll some waitlisted participants, as well.

 HEALTH DIVISION: 
Adult Crisis Residence
Our Adult Crisis Residence is open, with new coronavirus-related protocols and measures in place.

East Village Access
The first phase of re-opening is underway. We continue to provide mainly telehealth support with an added option for participants to receive limited in-person services by appointment.

Mobile Teams (Care Coordination, Intensive Mobile Treatment, Pathway Home, Shelter ACT)
Our mobile teams have largely transitioned to telehealth services, which includes providing phones to those who don’t have them and paying phone bills when needed. In-person visits continue to be provided when deemed essential or clinically-indicated — such as in the administration of medication, the provision of food and other necessities, and outreach when a participant cannot be located — while following social distancing guidelines. We also provide personal protective equipment to participants, as needed.

 HOUSING: 
We’re offering direct support to all Community Access tenants, while sharing appropriate coronavirus related guidance. We’re following social distancing guidelines and have closed shared spaces. At this time, visitors are limited to those in a small essential support network.

MORE INFO

The following resources are made available by the New York City Department of Health:

  • For real-time updates, text "COVID" to 692-692. (Messages and data rates may apply.)
  • If you need a provider, NYC Health and Hospitals provides care to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, insurance status, or ability to pay. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or 311.
  • If you are feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, connect with trained counselors at NYC Well, the City's confidential helpline. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173, or chat online at nyc.gov/nycwell.

The following websites offer reliable, non-partisan, and up-to-date information about COVID-19:

Last updated: 7/24/20

 

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