COVID-19 Resources and Remote Services

Complete the Census today. Complete the Census even if you are undocumented, or live in an informal living situation. The results of the 2020 Census will determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into our communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects that impact the well-being of our communities, from schools, to infrastructure, hospitals, and more. Get counted today. We count.

Go to: my2020census.gov

Monday through Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm, p. (718) 478-3848

Many homeowners have called to ask about tenants not being able to pay rent, or have difficulty understanding what mortgage relief services are available via the CARES Act. Link here for Chhaya’s webinar on the mortgage relief option. Our Housing Counselors are available by phone to help:

• Yangchen Chadotsang, ext.016. Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Tibetan, Bengali
• Tenying Yangsel, ext.006. Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, Tibetan
• For upcoming online workshops on mortgage forgiveness and how to purchase your first home, visit our events page.

Tenants have been facing a significant challenge as workers have been laid off from their jobs in unprecedented numbers. As a result, many renters are unable to pay their rent and are scared about building up debt. The eviction moratorium has been extended through October 1st. To understand your rights around eviction, rent increases, and harassment contact:

• Rima Begum, ext. 017. Bengali

The biggest issue our counselors are seeing is around accessing unemployment benefits and economic impact payments. In response, we have created this online step-by-step guide to filing for unemployment benefits. The rollout of the economic impact payments has been inconsistent: some households have already received their payments, while others are still waiting. For any questions or concerns you are having regarding your finances, contact our Financial Counselors:

• Gurpreet Singh, ext. 007. Punjabi, Hindi
• Tristan Romero, ext. 030

Appointments with an immigration attorney through our Action NYC program are available on Tuesdays and Fridays. We can help with:

• Naturalization
• Green Card
• Family Petition
• Adjustment of Status
• Work Authorization
• COVID-19 Related Public Charge Questions

To schedule an appointment, or any questions or concerns regarding your case, contact our Immigration Navigator:

• Nayana Shrestha, ext. 020. Nepali, Hindi, Urdu

Face coverings and shields can also be found at NYC’s PPE & reopening marketplace, in addition to cleaning supplies, portable furniture, and more. visit: www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness

Chhaya and our coalition partners in United for Small Business NYC, have developed a comprehensive resource guide with regularly updated news from city, state, and federal governments, as well as various public and private funding options. See the full list here.

Are you a group of commercial tenants? If your group share the same landlord, Chhaya CDC can help you in negotiations with your landlord. For questions or concerns regarding Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, landlord, rent, or lease issues, contact our Small Business Program Manager, who can assist you or connect you to legal counsel. 

• Shrima Pandey, shrima@chhayacdc.org Nepali

For questions or concerns about the Census or how you can better educate your community, contact Chhaya’s Advocacy and Organizing Program Manager:

• Farzana Linda, ext. 009. Bengali 

Chhaya continues ongoing efforts in the Basement Apartments Safe for Everyone (BASE) Campaign. If you want to participate in discussion, contact Chhaya’s Lead Organizer:

• Jagpreet  Singh, Richmond Hill Center, p. 718.374.3371. Punjabi, Hindi

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To address the widespread need from our communities at this time, Chhaya staff have created a regularly updated resource guide including food assistance, services for undocumented residents, mental health, and more. Access the resource guide here.