Today, more than three weeks after Hurricane Ida tore through New York, killing more than a dozen throughout the city and turning Bushwick streets into rivers, undocumented New Yorkers impacted by the storm are able to apply for cash assistance from the state. 

The $27 million relief fund, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sept. 26, provides relief to those who, due to their documentation status, are not eligible to receive federal storm recovery assistance.

“When I saw the devastation of Hurricane Ida, I pledged that we would do everything in our power to help impacted communities recover, and this funding is a fulfillment of that promise,” said Gov. Hochul. “With these resources dedicated to undocumented New Yorkers who are ineligible for FEMA relief and partnerships with organizations on the ground, we can close gaps in aid and help New Yorkers in need. I urge eligible New Yorkers to apply to get the funding they need to rebuild.”

“We will ensure New Yorkers have access to the aid they need to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ida,” de Blasio added. “Regardless of documentation status, we will get support to the most recent victims of our climate crisis and are here to help every step of the way.”

Flooding on Wyckoff Avenue during the Sept. 2 storm
Flooding on Knickerbocker Avenue during the Sept. 2 storm

This is “big news for the New Yorkers who have been impacted by Hurricane Ida but have been ineligible for federal relief,” State Sen. Julia Salazar wrote in a tweet announcing the program to her constituents. 

The program is being managed by the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA). These organizations, below, will directly provide assistance for those who were impacted by the storm. Residents can apply until Nov. 26. 

  • Brooklyn – Chinese American Planning Council, 4101 8th Ave, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232
  • Bronx – Catholic Charities Community Services, 402 East 152nd Street, Bronx, NY 10455 
  • Queens – MinKwon, 133-29 41st Avenue, Suite 202, Flushing, NY 11355
  • Queens – Make the Road, 92-10 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 
  • Staten Island – Make the Road, 161 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302
  • Nassau – Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, 134 Jackson Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
  • Suffolk – Make the Road, 1090 Suffolk Ave, Brentwood, NY 11717
  • Westchester & Rockland – NeighborsLink, 27 Columbus Ave, Mount Kisco, NY 10549

Residents can also call the New York State Office for New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

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