Mayor Adams Launches "Benefits on Your Block," Bringing City Resources to the Doorsteps of New Yorkers, as "We Outside Summer" Continues

July 11, 2025

Adams Administration Will Bring Jobs Opportunities, Benefits Enrollment, Housing Support, and Public Safety Resources Directly to New Yorkers Throughout Summer 2025

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today launched "Benefits on Your Block," a summer-long initiative to bring New York City services directly to the doorsteps of New Yorkers. Led by Chief Engagement Officer Crystal Price, and with the participation of dozens of city agencies, Benefits on Your Block will encompass a range of events, including quality-of-life walk-throughs to address resident concerns, benefit information forums at Older Adult Centers, pop-up resource stations offering job training, small business help, and more. As part of this effort, the Adams administration will also boost its presence at existing summer events, including New York City Housing Authority Family Days, Summer Streets, and other public events so New Yorkers can ask questions about city services all at once, but in multiple locations, and get connected to assistance immediately. The new program continues Mayor Adams' "We Outside Summer," a new initiative that will include a series of announcements, events, investments, and new programming across the five boroughs to ensure New Yorkers have a safe, enjoyable summer outside.

Benefits on Your Block will be anchored by 12 Saturday resource fairs, starting this Saturday, July 12 in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Led by the Public Engagement Unit (PEU), in partnership with the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), the fairs will help New Yorkers enroll in city-run and city-administered benefits from program specialists on-site. From public assistance and health care to tenant support and job resources, these events aim to make it easier for New Yorkers to learn about and more easily apply for services in their own neighborhood. To promote the fairs and share information about how to best prepare documents, PEU outreach staff will proactively conduct community outreach through peer-to-peer texting, door-to-door canvassing, flyer posting, and literature drops.

"We're bringing government straight to the block, and connecting New Yorkers to the resources they need," said Mayor Adams. "'Benefits on Your Block' will help New Yorkers stay safe, manage the rising cost of living, and access real opportunity as they connect to services through dozens of city agencies. This effort builds on the work our administration has delivered to make it easier for New Yorkers to access their benefits, from free broadband for NYCHA residents to helping relieve medical debt to receiving hundreds of millions in tax relief and more, this is how we make New York City safer, more affordable, and the best place to live and raise a family."

"The 'Benefits on Your Block' initiative will allow us to show up where it matters and connect New Yorkers to invaluable resources and information on the spot," said Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Administration Camille Joseph Varlack. "This administration has been committed to leveraging innovative tools to establish a tangible presence in underserved communities and proactively address the challenges our neighbors face. Our approach consistently prioritizes community-led initiatives because we recognize that no one better understands the issues of a neighborhood than its residents. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure New Yorkers have access to the vital programs they need."

"'Benefits on Your Block' is a clear example of how government can meet people where they are — by showing up in neighborhoods and making everyday support easier to access," said Chief Engagement Officer Crystal Price. "With the help of our partner agencies, this initiative delivers real support to communities and connects New Yorkers to resources that empower them."

"Too often, the people who need support the most face the biggest hurdles," said PEU Executive Director Adrienne Lever. "'Benefits on Your Block' is about meeting people where they are and making it easier for every New Yorker to connect with the resources they deserve."

"We're breaking down barriers to benefits by not only making it easier and more convenient to apply, but by bringing these resources straight to New Yorkers all summer long through the 'Benefits on Your Block' initiative," said DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. "New York City offers a robust range of benefits that help New Yorkers stay healthy, housed, and fed, and we're proud to increase awareness about these resources and even help New Yorkers apply for benefits on the spot so they can access the supports to which they are entitled."

Multilingual staff and translated materials will be available to ensure language is not a barrier to accessing support. From public assistance and health care to tenant support and job resources, Benefits on Your Block will make it easier for New Yorkers to learn about and apply for services at multiple locations, but all at one time and right in their own neighborhood.

A full schedule of upcoming Benefits on Your Block events and additional information about available benefits and services are available online.