RESOURCES, MUTUAL AID NETWORKS, AND ADVOCACY

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, we are here to provide support, resources, information and mutual aid to all of our members. While what we are facing is unprecedented, so is our solidarity and commitment to supporting one another. 

One of our strengths as a union is our ability to stand together, whether that means advocating for free, on-demand COVID testing, improved summer job security or a rent moratorium. You can read about these efforts, and access mutual aid networks, information on mental health, student resources and more below. You can also check out our summary of what Columbia has committed to regarding our working conditions during COVID, and what has not yet been clearly addressed.  Go here for the latest on healthcare resources and information from Columbia, national and state info specific to NYC, and mental health support.

Please click on a link below to be directed to the relevant section. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or want to talk to someone about additional support, please email us anytime at columbiagradunion@gmail.com.

ACTIONS WE ARE TAKING

STUDENT SPECIFIC RESOURCES

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

NYC NETWORKS AND SUPPORT

MUTUAL AID GUIDE AND TOOLS

FREE THINGS TO DO DURING SELF ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

VOLUNTEER

RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTORS

MISCELLANEOUS


ACTIONS WE ARE TAKING 

RENT SUSPENSION NOW

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have circulated a survey to learn how people are being affected and what issues to prioritize. We have launched petitions and held virtual Day of Actions to demonstrate our support for state-wide rent suspension and to ensure university housing is included in measures that are moving in Albany. 

Click on the links below to learn more, and reach out anytime to get involved.

Columbia Petitions and Surveys:

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STUDENT SPECIFIC RESOURCES

Networks have been set up across Columbia to provide assistance to those who need it. Please visit the links below both the volunteer, and to access support.

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

These are trying times, and there is no shame in reaching out for help. Use the links below to access the care you need or to volunteer.

    • Mental Health Hotline/Chat- Info
    • Mental Health Chat For Undocumented People- Instagram Live Chat
    • Trans Lifeline- Info, Donate
    • Free, remote peer counseling – Open to anyone in emotional or psychiatric distress. Text (929) 277-8291 to schedule a phone or zoom session. Donate @LouisFelix on venmo.
    • Mental Health for Front Line Workers/COVID Workers – info, offer support/volunteer

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NYC NETWORKS AND SUPPORT:

Many nonprofits and elected officials are establishing mutual aid networks to support New Yorkers in need. You can also access resources on housing, utilities, wifi, health needs, and food and grocery pantries.

Food, groceries and meals (to donate or request from):

  • The Food Pantry at Columbia – Tuesdays & Fridays, 3-6 PM in JJ’s Place (lower level of John Jay Hall)
  • Abolition Action Grocery Fund – Donate via Paypal, Info via Tweet, [not taking any new requests: request form]
  • Black Folks COVID-19 Fund for funds and supplies from BYP 100 – donate viaPayPal, request form
  • Black Trans Solidarity Fund for groceries from TheOkraProject – donate via Paypal, request form
  • Club A Kitchen nonperishables and supplies – donate, distribution every Saturday at intersection of Myrtle and Broadway
  • NYC Shut it Down Food Delivery – Providing free home cooked meals and groceries to black & brown folks in BK, BX, Queens, Harlem. Donate on Venmo: @nycshutitdow, [not taking any new requests: request form]
  • Food Bank 4 NYC – Needs Volunteers & $$$
  • Service Workers Coalition NY – Needs Volunteers & $$$
  • NYC Shut it Down Feed the People @nycshutitdown on all platforms
    • Longstanding NYC abolitionist group serving hot food on the third Saturday of every month at Hunts Point Plaza and Bruckner Blvd in the Bronx at 5 p.m. and the last Monday of every month at 116th and Lexington in Manhattan at 7 p.m. Also sometimes has hygiene supplies and clothing.
  • Food Not Bombs Manhattan – Website
    • Serves hot food in the southwest area of Tompkins Square Park every Sunday from 4-6 p.m.
  • Food Not Bombs Bed-Stuy – Website
    • Passes out groceries at Marcy and Lafayette in Bed-Stuy every Saturday at 3 p.m.
  • Club A @club_a_nyc on IG
    • Serves hot food and passes out harm reduction supplies at 354 Stockton St. Brooklyn Saturdays approximately from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Grocery and supply delivery; delivery is free by Invisible Hands Delivery – Website, Tweet
  • Grocery delivery service (free) by Sylvia Rivera Food Pantry – Info
  • Food Bank NYC – Find the help that you need
  • Food Help NYC – Map
  • Soup Kitchen and Food Pantries – search by borough
  • NYC public school students may pick up free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch from 7:30am-1:30pm outside the main entrance to every school building. Students may go to their regular school or the one closest to them.
  • To find out whether you qualify for SNAP (food stamps) – Info
  • Free Baby Formula – WIC members can have baby formula delivered FREE to all New York City boroughs. Dial 718-405-9111
  • Free Veggies for Restaurant Workers – Local Roots CSA is giving away free vegetables to restaurant workers that are without work and money right now: info@localroots.nyc

Housing:

As of Monday March 16, eviction proceedings and pending orders will be suspended statewide until further notice. Housing court functions such as landlord lockouts, repair orders, and serious code violations will continue.

As of Thursday March 19, New York has implemented a 90-day foreclosure moratorium and mortgage relief period for owners who can demonstrate they are not able to make timely payments due to the impact of the virus.

Utilities:

As of Friday March 13, New York utilities have volunteered to suspend utility shut-offs for power, heat and water for all customers.

Free WiFi at home:

  • Comcast – offering Essentials internet service designed for low-income families free for 60 days for new qualifying customers. Visit https://www.internetessentials.com/ for more information. Call 1-855-8-INTERNET for set up.
  • Spectrum – households with K-12 students can get free Spectrum Wifi for 60 days (including free installation for new customers). Call 1-844-488-8395 for set up.

Wifi via smartphone:

  • Metro PCS, T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T and Comcast are all lifting their unlimited data caps for cell phone subscribers for at least 60 days. Contact your cell phone provider for more information.
  • MetroPCS will allow you to add a free 10GB of mobile hotspot per month by adding an add on service available in the MyMetro app, MyAccount or by calling Care at 611.
  • T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile are providing customers an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot/tethering service for the next 60 days coming soon.

Medical Needs:

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MUTUAL AID GUIDE AND TOOLS:

Navigating and setting up mutual aid networks can be a challenge. Below you’ll find guides from nonprofits and elected officials on where to start.

Health & Safety Practices

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FREE THINGS TO DO DURING SELF ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

Things to do to stay healthy and entertained while sheltering in place:

Yoga:

More (HIIT, dance, barre, circuits, more):

Meditation:

Online Classes:

Online games

Books / Reading

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VOLUNTEER

Opportunities to give and volunteer in New York City.

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RESOURCES FOR INSTRUCTORS

Numerous resources are coming on line to support those who are being asked to teach from home.

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MISCELLANEOUS:

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