The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance application is now available for eligible households across New York City. This program helps income-eligible New Yorkers purchase and install an air conditioner or fan to stay safe and cool during the hot summer months.

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in the U.S. Access to safe, at-home cooling is a critical life-saving tool—especially for individuals with disabilities, access and functional needs and those vulnerable to heat-related health risks.

What is the HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit?

HEAP’s Cooling Assistance can provide for one air conditioner or fan per eligible household, including installation. Eligibility guidelines can be found at on.nyc.gov/heap2025 

How can you help?

As a trusted service provider in your community, your support can make a big difference. Please:

• Inform your clients about the Cooling Assistance benefit
• Help them gather the required documentation, if needed
• Direct them to apply online at on.nyc.gov/heap2025 or visit an HRA Benefits Access Center

The Cooling Assistance program is first come, first served, and funds are limited, so early applications are encouraged. Applications are accepted between April 15 and August 30 (or earlier if funds run out).

For your clients who already have an air conditioner at home:

The cost of electricity is a major reason why people can’t or don’t use their air conditioner when it’s hot outside. Con Edison’s Financial Assistance Program provides a discount on monthly electricity and natural gas bills for qualified households.

Only some eligible households are automatically enrolled. Any households with a member on Medicaid or who receive housing benefits, like Section 8 vouchers, are eligible but must enroll directly at the ConEd website.

To sign up online, clients can visit  https://www.coned.com/en/accounts-billing/payment-plans-assistance/help-paying-your-bill

The National Grid has published an consumer advocacy newsletter that details various resources regarding assistance programs and services available for heating and cooling your home.

Under The Home Care Benefit Fund, 1199SEIU employees may be eligible to receive cash assistance and other support if they’ve lost a wage earner or caregiver in their home to COVID-19. If you are a 1199SEIU employee and have questions, please email one of the contacts on the flyer below or [email protected].

Click here to see the flyer with information about this fund.

Additionally, 1199SEIU employees may be eligible to receive financial assistance up to $1,000 through New York State’s Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund. If you qualify, you may be reimbursed for child-care, transportation, lodging and other expenses that allowed you to perform your duties during the pandemic. For more information, visit the New York State website. For questions, email [email protected].

• For New York, click here.
• For New Jersey, click here.
• For Connecticut, click here.
• For Pennsylvania, click here.
• For Long Island, click here.
• For Westchester, click here.

Helping Children with Anxiety

We hope you saw the recent Frontline article that featured tips on how to help a child who’s suffering from anxiety due to the pandemic. This article came about because you asked for it in the Support Calls! In case you missed the article, you can read it by clicking here.

PBS Kids for Parents and Learning at Home

Visit the PBS KIDS for parents site at  https://www.pbs.org/parents/  for age-specific play activities, a list of children’s books about race and diversity,  activities for family night,, and other resources to help your child learn and thrive.  Sign up for the PBS KIDS Daily Newsletter, which provides “activities and tips to keep your child playing and learning even when school is closed” and you are coping with the new normal.

Educational Resources on Racism

The tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests nationwide highlight the systemic injustice and intolerance faced by Black Americans and other people of color in our society. We have compiled the educational resources below to help you talk to your children about these recent events, and the subjects of race, racism, and our histories.

• NYC Dept. of Education: WeTeachNYC on Racism
• NYC Dept. of Education: WeTeachNYC on Civic Education
• Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility: Listening Circle for George Floyd
• Facing History and Ourselves: Bearing Witness the Death of George Floyd (and reckoning amidst pandemic and violence and backlash)
• Teaching Tolerance: Resources on Race and Ethnicity
• Anti-Defamation League: Engaging Young People in Conversations About Race and Racism
• The New York Times The Learning Network: A Conversation About Growing Up Black

Local Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens/Meal Programs:

To find local food pantries and soup kitchens/meal programs, click this link and search by address: https://finder.nyc.gov/foodhelp/locations

(Note: You can also call 311 for locations.)

Overview of Food Assistance Programs:

For an overview of food assistance programs, including the link to ACCESS HRA to screen/apply for SNAP (food stamps eligibility), click this link: https://growingupnyc.cityofnewyork.us/programs/emergency-food-assistance-program/

Meal Delivery Programs:

For information on meal delivery for your clients or adults in your own families:

• Meals on Wheels programs (for seniors): You can access information by calling NYC Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469)
• God’s Love We Deliver (for individuals with certain medical diagnoses): https://www.glwd.org/ or call (212) 294-8162

For questions related to any NYC services or resources, you can always dial 311 or (211 for the United Way Helpline in Long Island and Westchester).