presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance

March 7th - 16th, 2020

COMMUNITY Updates

REGIONAL Updates

National Updates

Upcoming Events

Action Alerts

Grants & funding

Help Wanted

Closing Words

The Engel Burman Group

A tireless energy and entrepreneurial spirit is what drives The Engel Burman Group, and has for over 50 years. Building on a solid foundation that includes some of the area’s most known and respected development brands — notably, The Bristal Assisted Living & The Seasons Active Adult Communities — The Engel Burman Group continues to extend its reach, expanding even further on a national scale. Over the last several years, Engel Burman has been broadening its scope, seeing rapid growth and portfolio diversity; developing new and innovative projects, with more on the horizon.

Whether it’s developing, building and managing next-generation housing for first-time homebuyers, creating exceptional yet affordable living solutions for independent active adults, or trailblazing ongoing innovation in senior care and senior living, The Engel Burman Group continues to anticipate, adapt and advance — challenging, rethinking and redefining what’s possible.

A message from Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance...

Coronavirus & Our Local Communities

Helping our Main Streets through this
Public Health & Economic Crisis

We have been getting many calls these last two weeks and talking to a number of small businesses in our downtowns.   Simply put the real experiences folks are going through range from not great to potentially life altering.

So the world has changed radically in the last two months. At our LI Main Street Alliance meeting in late January there were updates from 20 communities that were experiencing or looking forward to investments in their downtowns and many more revitalization plans on the way. The local businesses were functioning well even through the winter which is always a tough time for any business.

With the advent of Coronavirus we have seen and are hearing a 40-50% reduction in most restaurants, bars and local services. The grocery store and pharmacies may be mobbed but the independent small businesses you love may not be there or radically restructured in the coming months.

We recognize that the major focus of our national media coverage has been - correctly - the health impacts of the virus and things we can do to limit its spread. Where it has veered into economics it’s been a discussion of the stock market on Wall Street.

What hasn't been covered much is the economic impact to real people on Main Street of the shut down efforts to date and those that are upcoming.

It is really simple the bulk of our economy is centered around residents and business owners spending money and the supply chains that follow. If folks aren't out downtowns have trouble functioning.

Tonight at 8pm the first wave of quarantine efforts will commence which will shut down restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theatres and limit gatherings of more than 50 people. 

We will be getting into more details in the coming days on ways that Main Street businesses can survive this crisis and what you can do to help them before any further governmentally imposed quarantine is put in place.

What folks can be doing to help their Main Street right now before large scale quarantine’s are in place is to:

1)  Regularly select take out or delivery services to independent small businesses.   Where possible order services or products from their websites in the absence of showing up at their door. 
  
2) Purchase gift certificates from your local stores or restaurants in order to get them desperately needed cash given the pending shut down of day to day activities.

3) Lobby for the Federal government to fast track SBA loans without red tape.  If this requires partnering with local government, who know these communities better, to help administer them make it happen.  Loans of up to $2 million  are available but need to be implemented quickly.

4) Lobby to create small grants and other resources for our local Main Street businesses.  A Small Business Stabilization Fund, like the one created in Seattle as part of their Coronavirus response, provides grants of $10,000 and is a helpful stopgap measure to keep smaller operations running.     The Federal or NYS government should put an aid package together that will help keep the lights on for medium scale local businesses, those that might not be small enough for a grant but may not qualify for an SBA loan.   

5) Lobby to pass the NYS Small Business Savings Accounts legislation that has stalled in Albany for the last five years.   If that was passed five years ago local businesses now under a State of Emergency could access those tax free accounts that are in the form of an IRA to make payroll and operational costs through this difficult time.   The entire idea, sadly ahead of its time, was to have these stores access capital in times of emergency or recession. 

In the coming weeks Vision and the Long Island Main Street Alliance and our local partners will be working to ensure that the impact to our local downtowns is minimized and resources come forward to help local businesses and communities through this crisis. 

Seven and a half years ago we worked successfully with our friends on the South Shore as their lives were turned upside down through Sandy.   We will work now to ensure that the same concerns from last time – lack of consistent information, glacially slow public response/support from government programs and lack of private resources moving directly to real impacted people is not repeated.   There are good, professional staff within government and volunteers outside government in the private sector looking to assist.

RECENT NEWS AND LINKS:

NYS has ordered all bars, restaurants to be closed but can sell takeout (even alcohol).   Gyms, theatres are closed as well and no gatherings of over 50 people.  Government will waive park fees and reduce their workforce by 50% minimum with non essential staff ordered to stay home.

All police and emergency medical services will be supplied with masks and drive thru testing will commence in Long Island and Staten Island.

NYS will suspend Department of Health regulations to increase hospital capacity and may soon cancel all elective surgery.

Here is a story in Newsday by James Madore that spotlights this issue and good to see local business owner John Murray from Kilwins in Bayshore and Patchogue and the Hero Joint interviewed about his experiences. Vision is also quoted.

Discussion on SBA Loans

Hotels and Tourism comes to a halt

New Rules for Nursing Homes

Buses, Trains Stay Extra Clean

PSEG Long Island Halts Service Shut Offs

National Grid Halts Service Shut Offs

Verizon Suspends Collection Activities

New York to Halt All Evictions

US to Advance Funds for Paid Sick Leave

Men on the Move Offers Free Storage for College Students

Huntington NOW Op-Ed Supporting Local Businesses

How to Clean the Germs on your phone

EPA Guidelines on Disinfectants to use combatting Coronavirus

Etiquette when Shopping

How to talk to children about the Coronavirus

CDC Policy on Mass Gatherings

IMPORTANT WEBSITES TO TRACK:

Northwell Health Digital Resource Center

NYS Department of Health

CDC Website

Occupational Safety and Health

New York City

Nassau County

Suffolk County

Town of Hempstead

Town of North Hempstead

Town of Oyster Bay

Town of Babylon

Town of Brookhaven

Town of East Hampton

Town of Huntington

Town of Islip

Town of Riverhead

Town of Shelter Island

Town of Smithtown

Town of Southampton

Town of Southold

City of Glen Cove

City of Long Beach

MTA Information

School Closings

Global Dashboard of Infection Data

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Main Streets will be Hit Hard by Coronavirus Response

Vision Long Island has been getting many calls over the past two weeks and talking to a number of small businesses in our downtowns concerning the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The real experiences folks are going through range from not-great to potentially life altering.

The world has changed radically in the last two months.  At our most recent LI Main Street Alliance meeting in late January, there were updates from 20 communities that were experiencing or looking forward to investments in our downtowns and many more revitalization plans on the way.  Local businesses were functioning well even through the winter, which is always a tough time for any business.

However, with the advent of the Coronavirus, we have seen and are hearing about a 40 to 50% reduction in most restaurants, bars, and local services.  The grocery store and pharmacies may be mobbed, but the independent small businesses in your community's business district may simply not be there or go through radical restructuring in the coming months.

Vision Long Island recognizes that the major focus of our national media coverage has correctly been the health impacts of the virus and things we can do to limit its spread.  But where it has veered into economics, the discussion of the stock market on Wall Street has dominated the conversation.  What hasn't been discussed much, if at all, is the economic impact of shutdown efforts to real people on Main Street and what the changing situation means to them.

But the simple fact of the matter is that the bulk of our economy is centered on both residents and business owners spending money, and the supply chains that follow that.  If people aren't visiting their local downtowns then the economy will have trouble functioning.

“I think this is going to go on for a while,” said local business owner John Murray from Kilwins in Bayshore and Patchogue, and the Hero Joint. “This isn’t like a storm where you lose two days, you don’t know how long this is going to last and it’s scary in that respect."

We will be getting into more details in the coming days on ways that Main Street businesses can survive this crisis and what you can do to help them before any government-imposed quarantine is put in place.

Here is a story in Newsday by James Madore that spotlights this issue.

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Ban Gatherings of more than 50 People

The governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have all announced statewide bans on all gatherings of more than 50 people as the nation grapples with the Coronavirus outbreak.

This ban will mean the closings of casinos, gyms, racetracks, and movie theaters beginning at 8 PM tonight (Monday, March 16th).  Additionally, all bars and dine-in restaurants will be closed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  Take-out services will still be available.

All public schools have also been closed in the three states as well.

You can read more on this move at News 12 Long Island.

First Ever "Made on Long Island" Conference Held

On March 10th, Vision staff joined close to 100 business, educational, investing and industry partners at the Huntington Hilton for the first ever Made on Long Island Conference. Presented by advertising, marketing and design group Vertigo Media Group, this half-day conference focused on manufacturers and related industries discussing a wide range of topics which included strategic opportunities, business cultivation, employee advancement, environmental regulations, and tax incentive.

Lisa Mirable, President of Vertigo Media Group and Anne Shybunko-Moore, CEO/Owner of GSE Dynamics and Founder/Chair Manufacturing Consortium of Long Island, led a diverse panel in an informative discussion, Q&A, and a speed networking exercise designed to help our local manufacturers grow and prosper on Long Island, which in turn helps the Island’s workforce and economy to flourish.

The panel included Nicole Della Ragione, Associate, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, Carol Lane, Associate Director, External Affairs, NYIT, Harry Coghlan, CEO/Executive Director, Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, Jill Scher Partner, Marcum, Paul K. Boyce, PW Grosser Consulting, CEO/President, Marc Alessi, CEO, Business Incubator and Accelerator for NYS, and Edward Gibstein, Chief Executive Officer, COVA Capital Partners.

Harry Coghlan started off the discussion outlining the critical nature of PILOT agreements in growing manufacturing companies. By working with County IDA’s, businesses can be provided with tax certainties over a specific period of time. Jill Scher discussed the importance of companies, especially in the area of research and design, becoming knowledgeable with both Federal and State tax incentives. Marc Alessi pointed out two NYS programs, Start-Up NY and the Hot Spot Program, which work to incentivize companies to move into LI’s innovative space.

The panel agreed that, although manufacturing opportunities are growing on Long Island, there is demand for a more diversely trained workforce. Carol Lane noted that NYIT understands the need to bridge the gap between what local industry requires and what skills students need to be taught, especially if one goal is to keep young adults from fleeing Long Island. The importance of apprenticeship programs and outreach to schools were discussed.

During Q&A, dialogue turned to other layers of actions needed to keep and attract young adults to Long Island. As the population becomes more diverse, Nassau County’s IDA’s Harry Coghlan stressed the importance of providing young adults with a place they want to be, outside their job. He stressed the need for Transit Oriented Development, vibrant communities, walkable downtowns filled with activities and restaurants. Long Island needs to provide the right environment for its young workforce to live, at an affordable price.

With 30,000 manufacturing businesses on Long Island, the continued growth and success of business, employers and employees, will take a holistic approach. Kudos to all who participated in this valuable conference.

Environmental and Business Coalition Push for E-Bike Bill in NYS Budget

A coalition of groups that includes stakeholders from both environmental and business organizations it pushing for the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters.

In a letter sent to NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo, these groups urged him to work with the NYS Legislature to get this measure passed before the budget is due at the end of March.  Groups signing onto the letter included the New York League of Conservation Voters, the Legal Aid Society, the New York Building Congress and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, among others.

They raised two concerns over this move: That the vehicles are used predominantly by delivery workers, who tend to be low-wage immigrants, and that there is a potential to reduce a large amount of carbon emissions in New York City.

"As you know, there is increasing urgency to legalize e-bikes due to the unjust enforcement many hard- working delivery workers face," the letter stated. "These delivery workers are often immigrants, who earn little money and for whom the speed and cost-efficiency of e-bikes is paramount as they work to make enough deliveries each day to eke out a living."

Governor Cuomo has a bit of a checkered past on this subject, having previously vetoed a legalization measure over safety concerns.  Later he proposed his own legislation for e-bike legalization hat would require helmets for users.

Vision Long Island itself once again supports bringing e-bikes and scooters forward in NYS.  We need as many transportation options as possible and, while this mode doesn't work for everyone and there needs to be guidelines, clearly these are viable alternatives.

You can read more at Spectrum Local News.

National Grid Hosts First Public Gas Supply Meeting

In the first of what is expected to be six public meetings, National Grid held a public forum to hear from Long Island residents on gas supply options.

The meeting was held at the Hicksville Community Center and seemed to be dominated by groups advocating for renewable energy options during the public speaking portion of the event.  A portion of the event also had manned stations where National Grid employees outlined various options for partly or fully alleviating an anticipated long-term supply shortage in the region over the next few years.

Options presented included a new liquefied natural gas offshore port in either the ocean or sound, a new liquefied gas terminal to be fed by tankers, a peak-season liquid gas terminal, a series of barges to bring in gas, or an expansion of capacity at a transmission line in Staten Island.  All of these projects could cost over $2 billion and the impact on rates was not explained.  Two cheaper options could be to expand capacity at the existing Iroquois natural gas pipeline, or to convince New York to approve the already twice-rejected NESE pipeline.

However, the dominating message from the environmental advocates in attendance was to work to increase renewables create strategies aimed at increasing efficiency of in-home heating systems.  John Bruckner, president of National Grid’s New York operations, has previously stated that such options will be part of any solution but that the company didn’t necessarily favor them over other options.

Vision Long Island also at the meeting and supported an increased focus on renewables, but also continued its ongoing support for the NESE pipeline.

You can read more on this public meeting at Newsday.

American Heart Association Hosts “Go Red for Women” Gala

Vision was out last month with over 600 attendees at the American Heart Association’s LI Chapter “Go Red for Women” Gala focusing on heart health. Great to see our friends from People’s United Bank, Leadership Huntington, LI Business News and Northwell Health among many others support the cause.

Congratulations to our friend Michele Gervat and the team over at the Heart Association for putting together a great event.

Apartments to be built on Site of Capri Motor Inn in Lynbrook

Farmingdale-based developer Terwilliger & Bartone properties has stated that they will move forward with a plans for 80 units on the former site of the Capri Lynbrook Motor Inn in Lynbrook.

The apartment building, which will cost $24 million to develop and will be named the Cornerstone at Yorkshire, has already received tax breaks from the Nassau County IDA.  The public seems to be on board with the idea of replacing the Motor Inn, which has long been considered a nuisance in the community.  This is due to the high amount of crime and reported at the site.

This project comes after a previous proposal at the site by the same developer was rejected by the community last February.  This was due to the fact that the initial six story building was thought to be too big by local residents.  Terwilliger & Bartone listened and withdrew the proposal, coming back with a smaller development that fit more with the character of the Village.

Managing partner Anthony Bartone stated that he was expecting his company to close on the Capri property in May and will move to demolish the existing building quickly, with construction beginning immediately after that.  The new apartments will include studios, one- and two-bedroom units that will range in price from $2,300 to $3,400 per month.  Eight of the units will be made affordable

Benefits the project received from the IDA included a 20-year PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes), a mortgage recording tax abatement, and a sales tax abatement.  The PILOT will see property taxes frozen at their current level of around $230,000 per year before increasing to over $1 million.  The IDA board voted 7-0 in favor of the project.

You can read more about this project at Newsday.

Great Neck Sewer Upgrade Draws Closer to Completion

A $13 million upgrade to Great Neck’s sewage system will be completed this upcoming fall according to reports.  Vision was happy to see this upgrade, which will provide Nassau’s first grease collection station, reduce emissions, and essentially power itself.

The upgrade will see the realization of years of efforts to integrate the treatment process in an effort to cut costs, increase revenue, and reduce emissions.  The project initially began back in April of 2019 and will revamp digesters, add a microturbine, and build Nassau County’s first grease reception station. 

The grease station will collect grease from local restaurants and food-preparation site, and will be transported to the site by commercial haulers.  The grease will then be added to the digesters, which will help to further break down organic matter.

“The grease receiving station is like taking Red Bull and putting it into the digester,” said Steve Reiter, a water pollution control district commissioner. “It makes the bugs [bacteria] hyperactive, and they produce more methane gas.”

A byproduct of the digestion process is methane, which is then fed into the microturbines at the station to generate electricity and heat, both of which is captured to help power the facility.  The new microturbine, which was completed last fall, helps to increase efficiency in this process.

The addition of the grease also helps to benefit the process in several ways.  It reduces the amount of biosolids left over from the process, which in turns lowers water pollution.  It also helps to take trucks off the road that would normally transport the grease from local restaurants to locations in New Jersey.

Vision has previously honored the Great Neck Pollution Control District with a Smart Growth Award for this project. Credit goes to plant Director Chris Murphy for commandeering these creative and needed improvements.

You can read more at Newsday.

Village of Lynbrook Issues RFP for Redevelopment of 25-29 Atlantic Ave

The Village of Lynbrook has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the property located at 25-29 Atlantic Ave within its boundaries.

As part of its ongoing efforts at revitalization, the Village is hoping to redevelop the privately-owned property and improve it beyond the current set of 3 retail stores on the first floor and office space on the second.  The back side of the property also abuts Broadway Ave and the Village is hoping to create a walkthrough to connect to the streets in their downtown.

Goals of any project that would respond to the RFP, according to Lynbrook, include:

• The development of a first class project that will enhance and support the "Lynbrook USA Downtown Revitalization" report prepared by the Regional Plan Association without adding significantly to the cost of Village services. The Report itself is available here.
• Providing the Village with a new pedestrian Walkthrough from Atlantic Avenue to Broadway.
• Be consistent with a positive business district/neighborhood identity and character.
• Provide an image compatible with the Atlantic Avenue Downtown area.

Developers interested in responding to the request can read the full RFP and details about any proposal here.

Village of Farmingdale Receives Grant for $150,000

Earlier this week the Village of Farmingdale received a grant check in the amount of $150,000 from the Nassau County Executive and Legislature.  The check was awarded thanks to Farmingdale being selected as one of seven Nassau County municipalities to be awarded the Community Development Block grant.  This grant money will be used to improve walkability in the village and improve pedestrian safety.

SBA Offering Loans up to $2 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus Shutdown

The Us Small Business Administration (SBA) announced last week that they will be offering disaster assistance loans of up to $2 million to small businesses disrupted by the coronavirus response.

Low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital will be made available in designated states and territories as businesses continue to be affected by the Coronavirus response.  When a request is received by the state’s territory’s governor, the SBA will issue an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.  This declaration will make SBA loans available to small businesses and nonprofits within the jurisdiction.

“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills a small business may have that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Matt Coleman, who is the regional communications director for SBA’s Atlantic region. “Once a state governor – in New York’s case, Andrew Cuomo – makes a formal request to SBA certifying that at least five small businesses in a designated area have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19, the SBA will quickly review the request.”

The agency will also be available to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating disaster preparedness plans through local district offices.  There is a district office in Hauppauge for Long Island businesses that may need such services. 

While loans are a good start, grants will be a more effective response for small businesses that will be adversely affected the Coronavirus response drags on.

You can read more on this in Long Island Business News.

Michael Dowling: Hysteria and Panic won’t make You feel Safer

The past few weeks have been filled with rising anxiety among the general public about the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus, properly known as COVID-19. Fear of the unknown can drive hysteria, paranoia and irrational behaviors that can exacerbate the problem, such as hoarding cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, protective masks and other materials that are now in short supply.

While there are certainly legitimate concerns over COVID-19, there is no need to panic. Most health care organizations have been preparing for the rapidly escalating virus to hit the US for weeks. And there has been tremendous support and collaboration among health systems and local, state and federal health officials.

While there is no vaccine yet for coronavirus and we are continuing to learn more about how it is contracted and spread, the illness is relatively tame compared to other infectious disease like Ebola and not nearly as widespread as the flu, which has already killed 20,000 Americans this season. Unless you suffer from a pre-existing respiratory issue, are immune-compromised or are elderly and in poor health, you should be safe. Some people may not even realize they have COVID-19 because symptoms are so minimal.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 80 percent of those infected experience relatively mild symptoms, about 15 percent become critically ill and three percent have died worldwide, which is much lower than the Ebola mortality rate (50 percent) and the SARS outbreak in 2003 (10 percent).

While there have been more than 100,000 confirmed cases globally, more than half of those individuals had already been discharged from hospitals — and nearly 60,000 have recovered. Most who present to urgent care facilities and emergency departments with symptoms are sent home and required to stay there. At this point, the biggest challenge is getting people tested, which will get a big boost when more hospitals, health systems and commercial labs can supplement the testing being done by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states and cities. The mortality rate is also expected to decline, considering there will be more people who tested positive but have mild or no symptoms at all.

As testing capacity increases, the amount of cases is sure to grow. But like anything in life, it’s not how hard you get hit, it’s how you respond. Our response is what will minimize the hysteria during the coming weeks. We need to stay calm, be realistic and know that the right people are in place to handle the situation.

The outbreak of a disease doesn’t mean your life should come to a halt and your health should suffer. You should continue exercising and eating well. Get good sleep. Use relaxation techniques and listen to the experts and health care providers.

Speaking for Northwell Health, we are well-prepared and equipped to take care of the people who need us and contract the virus. We’ve been through this before — several times actually — responding to outbreaks like Ebola, the H1N1 epidemic in 2009 and other catastrophes like Hurricanes Sandy and Irene. Countless hours were put in to ensure the safety of our employees and patients, as well as to continuously deliver the right care to the right people. It’s a challenge we take pride in. This is our responsibility to protect public health.

We are taking that same approach with COVID-19. We are in control of the situation and have already spent more than $5 million the past few weeks to prepare, purchasing extra supplies, masks, vents, gloves and lab equipment. It’s on us to take care of you. But it’s on you to continue doing what you can to prevent the virus from spreading — wash your hands religiously, stay home when you are sick and keep away from those infected, avoid large crowds and most importantly, take care of yourself and your families.

The outbreak of a disease doesn’t mean your life should come to a halt and your health should suffer. You should continue exercising and eating well. Get good sleep. Use relaxation techniques and listen to the experts and health care providers.

Panic never solved anything and only raises tension during an already stressful time. It also reduces your body’s capability to fight infection and disease. And by using common sense, we will stay together and survive this outbreak.

Michael Dowling is president and CEO of Northwell Health, New York’s largest health care provider and private employer.

The 2020 AARP Community Challenge is On!

The application period for the 2020 AARP Community Challenge is open!

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund "quick-action" projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are being accepted for projects to improve housing, transportation, public space, technology ("smart cities"), civic engagement and more.

Important Dates for the grant are:

April 1, 2020: Applications are due by 11:59 pm (ET)
May 26, 2020: Applicants will be notified of their status this week
July 15, 2020: The selected grantees will be announced to the public — and the project work can begin — on or around this date
November 9, 2020: All funded projects must be completed
December 11, 2020: Deadline for after-action reports

The program is open to 501(C)(3), 501(C)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, government entities, and other types of organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Projects NOT eligible for funding include Partisan, political or election-related activities; Planning activities and assessments and surveys of communities; Studies with no follow-up action; Publication of books or reports; Acquisition of land and/or buildings; Sponsorships of other organizations’ events or activities; Research and development for a nonprofit endeavor; Research and development for a for-profit endeavor; The promotion of a for-profit entity and/or its products and services.

Grant recipients will be selected by an AARP panel of experts on aging, community development and livable communities. Projects will be judged on the degree to which their goals make an immediate change that leads to longer-term impact in a manner that meets all other selection criteria.

You can read the full criteria and more information on the grant process here, and apply for the grant here.

Apply for the AARP Purpose Prize Award

You live. You learn. You give back. No one knows this better than people ages 50 and older, who have spent decades accumulating a wealth of knowledge that only life experience can bring. Armed with this wisdom, they are a powerhouse of innovation tackling some of the greatest societal challenges of our time and inspiring others to do the same. Through their diverse organizations, programs, and initiatives, they give back to their communities with a generosity of spirit that is at once impossible to match and irresistibly contagious. They are living their lives to the fullest so we can live ours.

Through this important annual award, AARP celebrates a new story of aging—one full of meaningful impact and limitless possibilities. The AARP Purpose Prize award is a national award in the United States that celebrates people 50 and older who are using their life experience to make a difference. Through the Purpose Prize award, AARP celebrates the creativity, innovation, and inspiration that life experience brings.

One of the 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations that each of the five winners have founded will receive $50,000 in celebration of the winner’s  achievements and to broaden the scope of the work of their organizations. Applications go through a formal, structured review process, including review by a prestigious jury of national leaders who have used their life experience for good. Based on the jury’s recommendations, the AARP CEO selects the final Winners.

In addition, AARP recognizes other outstanding applicants by designating up to 10 fellows.  One of the 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations, founded by the fellows will receive $5,000 each and the fellows will have access to a number of supports and resources.

If you are 50 or older and are using your life experience to make your community or world a better place, we encourage you to learn more about the AARP Purpose Prize award. Below are answers to important questions about how to apply and what makes a strong applicant. 

You can read the full criteria for the award here and the apply for it here.

LIHS Looking for Fair Housing Test Coordinator opening

The Fair Housing Test Coordinator will be responsible for assisting in developing and implementing Long Island Housing Services’ fair housing enforcement activities in conjunction with other Fair Housing Program staff. The Coordinator will report directly to and be supervised by the Deputy Director or designated staff.  Experience in analysis, research, investigation, public presentations, banking/lending and conducting training. Bilingual Spanish-English skills are required.  Salary is $42,250 and generous benefits.

Qualifications:
•             Commitment to agency’s mission to eliminate unlawful housing discrimination, promote racial and economic integration, decent and affordable housing.
•             An ability to perceive housing issues from a legalistic perspective, and to express ideas and facts in writing and verbally.
•             Personal composure and willingness to conduct public speaking and testify in court.
•             An ability to relate comfortably and effectively with respect and tact to people of all races, lifestyles, and economic levels.
•             Strong written, verbal, mathematics and word processing (min 40 WPM) skills. Working familiarity with Excel, Word, and Internet required.
•             Punctuality and willingness to work occasional weekends or evenings.
•             Highly organized and ability to multi-task.
•             Self-starting and ability to work with minimal supervision. Congeniality with fellow workers is essential.
•             An ability to collect and compile statistical data.
•             Personal/reliable transportation and willingness to travel in Nassau and Suffolk are required. At the time of appointment and throughout employment in this title, employee must demonstrate their ability to meet the transportation needs of this job.

Duties will include the following:
•             Design and implement fair housing tests and projects for investigating real estate, lending, and/or insurance practices on Long Island and promoting agency’s mission.
•             Recruit and train testers; design and coordinate assignment.
•             Analyze results and prepare written reports.
•             Coordinate additional investigative activities needed to accurately determine whether discrimination has occurred and secure adequate evidence for enforcement action.
•             Disseminate information to the public on fair housing.
•             As necessary, conduct work for judicial or administrative action (e.g., complaint writing, interviewing witnesses, gathering and analyzing evidence, and testifying).
•             Must be willing to attend professional seminars, conferences, training, and other continuing education programs or assignments which may require distance travel outside of Long Island.
•             Other duties as assigned by the Agency or Private Enforcement Program Director/Supervisor to successfully fulfill the agency’s goals and mission.

How to Apply:
Send resume by mail or email (No Calls or Faxes, please!) Mail to: Marian D. Reid, Deputy Director, Long Island Housing Services, Inc., 640 Johnson Avenue, Suite 8, Bohemia, NY 11716-2624.  Or email to: mailto:Marian@LIFairHousing.org noting “Fair Housing Coordinator” in the subject line.

LIHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Long Island Coalition for the Homeless Seeking Case Manager/Housing Navigator

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless is seeking applicants for a Full-Time Case Manager/Housing Navigator for our main office in Amityville.  Responsible for providing housing-focused case management for single adults experiencing long-term homelessness either living on the street or living in shelter. Caseloads are assigned and targeted for those that remain homeless the longest in the region and/or have the highest levels of vulnerability and most significant barriers to exiting homelessness on their own. Case Managers must be highly mobile (personal vehicle w/ reimbursed mileage) and will be assigned households that are experiencing homelessness in Suffolk or Nassau counties.

Engagements focus around direct and person-centered support in obtaining necessary documentation/applying for various housing programs, as well as connecting households to other services that relate to housing placement and housing retention, such as employment, entitlements/benefits, medical/clinical services, linkages to care coordination, budgeting and credit, legal, and other services for which they are eligible and interested in.

Must have a commitment to organization’s mission and goals. Must be self-motivated; must be able to work effectively with diverse people and personalities and as a member of a team. Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred. Experience/knowledge in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing a plus.

This position will require local travel as needed. A clean Driver’s License and private vehicle is required for this position.

Benefits after probationary period will be available. These include paid time off (vacation, holiday, sick, personal), medical insurance for the employee (premium paid by LICH), Dental and Vision insurance optional, Life Insurance for the employee and Simple IRA plan (with employer match).

 Please see attached job description for more information.

Interested parties should submit a resume and salary requirements via email to mailto:mgiuffrida@addressthehomeless.org  Please do not call the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless regarding this position.  Questions should be submitted via email only.

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