NYC Mayors Public Engagement Unit 

What's NEW at PEU!

October 2023

 
Four PEU staffers stand in together, holding PEU flyers and wearing PEU tee-shirts. They stand in front of the Unisphere, a very large steel statue of the world from the World's Fair in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.

PEU Outreach Specialists at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens providing information about key city resources.

About the Public Engagement Unit (PEU)

The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) uses community organizing principles to re-envision how the city provides services to its most vulnerable communities. Rather than expecting constituents to navigate a complex city bureaucracy to get the help they need, PEU adopts grassroots tactics to meet residents where they are – at their doors and on their phones, in their social media feeds, and in their communities. PEU combines this proactive outreach with comprehensive case management, and in doing so, builds long-term relationships between New Yorkers and their government.

Team Wins

NYCEM’s Flooding Preparedness Day of Action

PEU joined New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) for a Day of Action in August to spread awareness around flooding awareness. We participated in their press conference in Jackson Heights and hit the pavement around the City, distributing crucial information about emergency preparedness. For more information on how to make a disaster plan with your household, visit this link.

“The Public Engagement Unit does remarkable work [...] Big thank you to the work they are doing around the city and helping prepare New Yorkers for floods, distributing information and distributing resources, but also all the incredible work they do.” – NYCEM Commissioner, Zachary Iscol
PEU Executive Director, Adrienne Lever, speaks at a microphone during a press conference.

CUNY Career Launch-Intern Send Off

Our CUNY interns have completed their summer journey with us last month! We couldn't be more proud of the incredible work we've accomplished together. Thank you for dedicating your summers to PEU, serving the community of New Yorkers, and tirelessly disseminating vital information about City resources.
Group of interns gathered in an office talking amongst each other.
Group of interns stand as they hold their certificates.

GetCoveredNYC Connects NYC Veterans to Health Insurance

There is a health coverage option for every single Veteran living in New York City. The Mayor's Public Engagement Unit (PEU) and the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) are partnering to connect New York City Veterans with health coverage and to ensure that no Veterans are left behind.

GetCoveredNYC provides free assistance for New Yorkers seeking to enroll in health care, regardless of immigration status or income. Our Specialists speak over a dozen languages and conduct outreach to proactively identify uninsured New Yorkers and help them get access to health care and other health-related benefits. Visit nyc.gov/CoveredNYCVet to learn more about our collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Services and contact a GetCoveredNYC Specialist.
You covered us, now let us cover you. We help connect NYC Veterans to health care. Text 'CoveredNYCVet' to 55676. nyc.gov/CoveredNYCVet

Older Adult Town Hall

We were honored to be a part of Mayor Eric Adam's recent town hall for older adults. Engaging with the distinctive needs of our fellow New Yorkers is an essential step in fulfilling our commitment to supporting communities. During the event, our Tenant Support Unit facilitated connections to valuable resources, such as the Rent Freeze benefit. This crucial initiative offers assistance to eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can halt rent increases and find stability in their housing.

The Tenant Support Unit (TSU) provides free information on tenants’ rights, assistance navigating housing-related issues, and connection to a range of resources, including the Tenant Resource Portal, anti-eviction legal assistance, and rent freeze and homeowner tax exemption programs. Visit nyc.gov/TSU for more information.
Two PEU staffers speak with someone who has stopped by their PEU table.

Rent Freeze Outreach

From Ocean Hill to Woodside, from Washington Heights and beyond, our dedicated team is actively engaged in reaching out to link New Yorkers with NYC's Rent Freeze program.

The NYC Rent Freeze Program, which includes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) Program and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) Program, helps those eligible stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent.Discover further details by visiting: nyc.gov/RentFreeze.
A large group of PEU staffers pose together in city park.
PEU staff stand together on the sidewalk, in front of a community garden, holding up flyers.

Specialist Spotlight

HSU Specialist, Dina, recently provided unwavering support and assistance during a client’s challenging time. Dina works closely with landlords across the City to help them rent vacant units to New Yorkers with vouchers. One of her landlord partners recently experienced issues with delayed payments, which we know can cause hardship and strain. Dina worked closely with this landlord and the caseworker, who helped the tenant with their voucher, to gain access to the right channels so that the rent could be processed. Dina did not only ensure that the landlord received the delayed back rent that they were owed; the landlord also received additional rent checks for the next three months in advance! Both the landlord and tenant expressed heartfelt thanks to Dina, who helped them navigate the system and ensure that the issues were resolved.

The Home Support Unit (HSU) conducts outreach to rental owners and brokers in order to identify vacant homes for voucher holders living in shelters. HSU supports owners and brokers throughout the lease-up process, improving their experience with rental subsidies so that they continue to provide units to voucher recipients in the future. For more information about HSU, visit nyc.gov/HSU.

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In the News

  • Op-ed | We must fix the housing crisis and keep New Yorkers in their homes
  • New York City tenant hotline

Resources & Announcements

  • Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare Savings Programs help pay for Medicare costs. If you make $2,260 or less, you may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program! Learn more about affording your health insurance here.
  • Hear from Eric: New Yorkers can sign up online to receive digital communications directly from Mayor Adams with exclusive information about new initiatives and policies, local events, and more.
  • Week in Review: Watch the last Week in Review video here.
  • Mental Health Support: Mental health counselors are available 24 hours a day to provide free support in many languages. You can contact them directly by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), Text WELL to 65173 or Chat nyc.gov/nycwell
  • NYC Fair Fares: Eligible New York City residents can get a 50% discount on eligible transportation. Help us to spread the word by sharing this HRA toolkit and check your eligibility at nyc.gov/fairfares or by calling 311.
  • Discounted Internet: The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to help you pay for broadband internet service! Qualifying New Yorkers (including all public school families) can receive up to $30 per month off their internet bill. You can learn more about and sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program here: GetInternet.gov.
  • Access Benefits: There are more than 30 programs you or your family may be eligible for regardless of immigration status and even if you're already receiving benefits or have a job. Use ACCESS NYC to find help in NYC with food, money, housing, work and more.
  • Vaccinations: Walk-ins available for first and second doses of the monkeypox (MPV) vaccine, COVID vaccines and flu shots:
    • No appointment needed
    • Find a walk-in location: nyc.gov/vaccinefinder

Follow us on social media and learn about our programs and outreach on our website: nyc.gov/MayorsPEU

Connect with PEU:

  • Twitter: @MayorsPEU
  • Instagram: @mayorspeu
  • Facebook: @NYC Mayor's Public Engagement Unit
  • LinkedIn: /mayorspeu
  • Website: nyc.gov/MayorsPEU
  • Newsletter: Sign-up and read past issues

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