THE POINT covid-19 response + updates

July 7, 2020

Dear POINT community,

We’ve made it to the summer! And as tricky as it will be navigating through this season we are as happy as you are to be sun-kissed, hugged by the water, and safely maneuver the outdoors. As phase 3 approaches we want to remind you that the pandemic is very much still a part of our realities as states such as Texas, Florida, and California see a sharp increase of positive COVID cases. An increase is attributed to states opening businesses prematurely and the lack of social distancing in public spaces. We’ve worked hard to control the virus in New York City by limiting contact with family members, social distancing in public, wearing masks and gloves, and most importantly thinking about each other. The trajectory of the virus will largely be determined by the varied human responses. This means that our behavior this summer will determine the virus’ “spike” during the winter. As noted in previous newsletters, THE POINT is taking its own safety measures by transitioning our summer program online, limiting the amount of staff in the building, and closing off the building to the public this summer including halting rentals and all external programming. Such measures will continue throughout the Fall as we will continue to evaluate the safety of our community and follow state mandates. In the meantime, here are some ways to get involved safely at THE POINT and updates you should know about:

Estimada comunidad de POINT:

¡Hemos llegado al verano! Y a pesar de lo difícil que será navegar esta temporada, estamos tan felices como usted de ser besados por el sol, abrazados por el agua y maniobrar con seguridad al aire libre. A medida que se acerca la fase 3, queremos recordarle que la pandemia aún está muy alejada de nuestras realidades, ya que estados como Texas, Florida y California ven un fuerte aumento de casos positivos de COVID. Se atribuye un aumento a los estados que abren negocios prematuramente y a la falta de distanciamiento social en los espacios públicos. Hemos trabajado mucho para controlar el virus en la ciudad de Nueva York al limitar el contacto con los miembros de la familia, el distanciamiento social en público, el uso de máscaras y guantes y, lo más importante, en pensar el uno al otro. La trayectoria del virus estará determinada en gran parte por las variadas respuestas humanas. Esto significa que nuestro comportamiento este verano determinará el “pico” del virus durante el invierno. Como se señaló en boletines anteriores, THE POINT está tomando sus propias medidas de seguridad mediante la transición de nuestro programa de verano en línea, limitando la cantidad de personal en el edificio,y cerrar el edificio al público este verano, incluyendo detener alquileres y toda la programación externa. Dichas medidas continuarán durante el otoño, ya que continuaremos evaluando la seguridad de nuestra comunidad y siguiendo los mandatos estatales. Mientras tanto, aquí hay algunas formas de involucrarse de manera segura en THE POINT y las actualizaciones que debe conocer:

¡Continuamos formando equipo con la oficina del Senador Estatal Michael Blake para ofrecer comidas para familias de cuatro y estamos incluyendo un suministro limitado de máscaras con cada recolección de comida! Pase entre las 11:30 a.m. y las 12:30 p.m., los Miércoles hasta mediados de Agosto.

Si tiene alguna necesidad, sugerencia o desea contribuir a la comunidad, comuníquese con nosotros a info@thepoint.org. Considere donar a THE POINT, asegúrese de suscribirse a nuestro boletín informativo y verifique las actualizaciones a www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc, y en Instagram @thepointcdc.

Con nuestro más profundo amor y gratitud,

THE POINT CDC

June 5, 2020

Dear POINT community,

At THE POINT CDC, we take pride in being a community anchor and champion of the cultural organizing and the economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. At this time, we would like to share this statement of solidarity with the Black and Brown communities worldwide. We continue to be are horrified by the deaths of unarmed people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and the countless others who have been victims of murder at the hands of the police. We condemn all anti-black agendas, bigotry against our community, and the institutional racism that enforces those practices. This is also not the time for respectability politics, our community is grieving and angry not just about the last two weeks of police violence but about a long history full of state-sanctioned violence against Black and Brown people in The United States.

Grief is complicated and we will never tell anyone the proper way of expressing their pain and anger. It’s important to note that we’ve always been our own healers and supporters and it is up to us to protect our community, including our locally-owned businesses and other pillars of our community. We at THE POINT are committed to communicating accurate and essential information around the rapid changes happening in and around our neighborhood. We are committed to assuring that this pandemic does not become an excuse for a retraction of our freedom to march and protest, and for the further marginalization of our neighborhood. We are also committed to our original mission of community organizing and leadership development with youth and residents, so that as we dismantle the system designed to keep us depreciated that we are replacing it with one that is just, resilient and is led by the invaluable assets of the people living through it.

If you can please donate to organizations on the ground and those collecting bail money for protestors like the George Floyd Memorial Fund, Minnesota Freedom Fund, Black Visions Collective, Reclaim The Block, Campaign Zero, and M4BL. Please be safe and take care of each other. #BLACKLIVESMATTER

Here are updates you should know about:

ARTS AND CULTURE:

• Calling all teens 12-19 years old! In collaboration with Pepatian, THE POINT is offering teen arts programming online! This includes Spoken Word, Hip-Hop Dance, and much more. Please visit www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning to register for a class and be sure to visit the website every Monday for an updated schedule!

• We are continuing to team up with the office of State Senator Michael Blake to offer “grab and go meals” to seniors and families with school-age children. We are handing out up to 300 meals per day plus face masks from 11:30-12:30 PM, Mondays, and Wednesday through Friday.
• Bronx-Wide People’s District 15 Candidate Forum will be held on June 9th from 6-7:30 PM via the NWBCCC Facebook live. We will ask the Congressional District 15 Candidates how they are going to fight for the Bronx-Wide People’s Platform. With this platform, we are saying loud and clear that this is the beginning of a new day for the Bronx, where our agenda and our plans set the path forward. To learn more about the Bronx-Wide People’s Platform visit: https://www.northwestbronx.org/bronx-peoples-platform.

• Although much of our public programming for June is canceled, we are still looking forward to hosting a digital celebration during the 17th Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade and Summer Festival on Saturday, June 20! This year’s theme is “Over the River and In Our Hood”. As we continue to unveil our schedule note that we are commemorating our loved ones lost during the pandemic with a digital vigil and celebrating first responders, birthdays, and the Class of 2020. If you would like to participate please visit www.thepoint.org/fish-parade for more information.If you have any needs, suggestions, or would like to contribute back to the community, please reach out to us at info@thepoint.org. Consider donating to THE POINT, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check back for updates at www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc, and on Instagram @thepointcdc.With our deepest love and gratitude,
  THE POINT CDC

Estimada comunidad de POINT:

En THE POINT CDC, nos enorgullece ser un presentador de la comunidad y un defensor de la organización cultural y la revitalización económica de la sección de Hunts Point del sur del Bronx. En este momento, nos gustaría compartir esta declaración de solidaridad con las comunidades negras y marrones de todo el mundo. Seguimos horrorizados por la muerte de personas desarmadas como George Floyd, Breonna Taylor y los innumerables otros que han sido víctimas de asesinato a manos de la policía. Condenamos todas las agendas anti-negras, la intolerancia contra nuestra comunidad y el racismo institucional que hace cumplir esas prácticas. Tampoco es el momento para la política de respetabilidad, nuestra comunidad está afligida y enojada no solo por las últimas dos semanas de violencia policial sino por una larga historia llena de violencia sancionada por el estado contra los negros y marrones en los Estados Unidos.

El duelo es complicado y nunca le diremos a nadie la forma correcta de expresar su dolor y enojo. Es importante tener en cuenta que siempre hemos sido nuestros propios curanderos y partidarios, y depende de nosotros proteger a nuestra comunidad, incluidas nuestras empresas locales y otros pilares de nuestra comunidad. En THE POINT estamos comprometidos a comunicar información precisa y esencial sobre los rápidos cambios que ocurren en y alrededor de nuestro vecindario. Estamos comprometidos a asegurar que esta pandemia no se convierta en una excusa para retractarse de nuestra libertad de marchar y protestar, y para una mayor marginación de nuestro vecindario. También estamos comprometidos con nuestra misión original de organización comunitaria y desarrollo de liderazgo con jóvenes y residentes, de modo que a medida que desmantelamos el sistema diseñado para mantenernos despreciados, lo estamos reemplazando por uno que sea justo, resistente y liderado por los activos invaluables de las personas que lo viven.

Si puede, haga una donación a organizaciones en el terreno y a quienes recauden dinero para fianzas de manifestantes como el George Floyd Memorial Fund, Minnesota Freedom Fund, Black Visions Collective, Reclaim The Block, Campaign Zero, y M4BL.Por favor estén seguros y cuídense los unos a los otros. #BLACKLIVESMATTER

Aquí hay actualizaciones que debe conocer:

ARTE Y CULTURA:

• ¡Llamando a todos los adolescentes de 12 a 19 años! En colaboración con Pepatian, THE POINT ofrece programación de artes para adolescentes en línea! Esto incluye Palabra Hablada, Baile Hip-Hop y mucho más. Visita www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning para registrarte para una clase y asegúrese de visitar el sitio web todos los lunes para obtener un horario actualizado.

• Continuamos formando equipo con la oficina del senador estatal Michael Blake para ofrecer “comidas para llevar” a personas mayores y familias con niños en edad escolar. Estamos entregando hasta 300 comidas por día más máscaras faciales de 11:30 -12:30 PM, los lunes y de miércoles a viernes.
• El Foro de Candidatos del Distrito 15 del Bronx-Wide People se llevará a cabo el 9 de junio de 6 a 7:30 p.m. a través del Facebook de NWBCCC. Preguntaremos a los candidatos del Distrito 15 del Congreso cómo van a luchar por la Plataforma Popular del Bronx. Con esta plataforma, estamos diciendo alto y claro que este es el comienzo de un nuevo día para el Bronx, donde nuestra agenda y nuestros planes marcan el camino a seguir. Para obtener más información sobre la Plataforma de Personas del Bronx, visite:https://www.northwestbronx.org/bronx-peoples-platform

• Aunque gran parte de nuestra programación pública para junio está cancelada, ¡aún esperamos organizar una celebración digital durante el 17º Desfile Anual de Fish Parade de Hunts Point y el Festival de Verano el sábado 20 de junio! El tema de este año es “Sobre el Río y en Nuestro Barrio”. A medida que continuamos presentando nuestro calendario, tenga en cuenta que estamos conmemorando a nuestros seres queridos perdidos durante la pandemia con una vigilia digital y celebrando a los socorristas, los cumpleaños y Clases de 2020. Si desea participar, visite www.thepoint.org/fish-parade para mas información.

  Si tiene alguna necesidad, sugerencia o desea contribuir a la comunidad, comuníquese con nosotros a info@thepoint.org. Considere donar a THE POINT, asegúrese de suscribirse a nuestro boletín informativo y verifique las actualizaciones en www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc, y en Instagram @thepointcdc.

  Con nuestro más profundo amor y gratitud,

  THE POINT CDC

May 22, 2020

Dear POINT community,

ARTS AND CULTURE:

• Calling all teens 12-19 years old! In collaboration with Pepatián, THE POINT is offering teen arts programming online! This includes Spoken Word, Hip-Hop Dance, and much more. Please visit www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning to register for a class and be sure to visit the website every Monday for an updated schedule!
• The Bronx Children’s Museum would like to support children, caregivers and educators in meaningful ways throughout the school closures. What educational resources do children and families really need at this time? Please give us your feedback by filling out this short 5-question survey. English: https://forms.gle/SWRVkxSLrvE6xjBC Spanish: https://forms.gle/vDdixdgTvbLZRc1s9

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

• We are continuing to team up with the office of State Senator Michael Blake to offer “grab and go meals” to seniors and families with school-age children. We are handing out up to 300 meals per day plus face masks from 11:30-12:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Next week, May 27th from 4-5 PM, THE POINT will be hosting another bi-weekly “Community Conversations” virtual meeting. The topic this week is “NY-15 Congressional Election”. Please register here to join the conversation and fill out this form about the election.
• Every year, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars flow to the owners of a fleet of New York City power plants, known as “peakers”, that fire up to meet periods of high energy demand on the grid. These inefficient peaker plants spew harmful emissions into neighborhoods already overburdened by pollution, such as the South Bronx, exacerbating widespread health problems, including the current COVID-19 crisis, which is particularly deadly for people with respiratory problems. Please join us for a webinar where members of the PEAK Coalition will detail the finding of their new report, “Dirty Energy, Big Money,” which exposes the environmental and economic harms these power plants are inflicting on communities in New York City, and introduce measures the organizations are taking to replace peakers with renewables and battery storage.

COUNT DOWN TO THE FISH PARADE!

• Although much of our public programming for June is canceled, we are still looking forward to hosting a digital celebration during the 17th Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade and Summer Festival on Saturday, June 20! This year’s theme is “Over the River and In Our Hood”. As we continue to unveil the schedule here are some ways you can participate now:
  • We are honoring our loved ones who’ve passed away during the pandemic with a digital vigil. Please fill out this form to commemorate them during our celebration.

  • If you are part of the ‘Class of 2020’ or had a birthday during the pandemic we want to acknowledge you! Please fill out this form to be included in a special Instagram shoutout.

If you have any needs, suggestions, or would like to contribute back to the community, please reach out to us at info@thepoint.org. Consider donating to THE POINT, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check back for updates at www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc, and on Instagram @thepointcdc.

 

With our deepest love and gratitude,

THE POINT CD

May 8, 2020

Dear POINT community,

As the birds are chirping, the sun is out, and the warmer weather hugs our bodies we at THE POINT CDC want to remind you that by staying home, social distancing, and exercising patience NOW, we can bask in a less risky and more enjoyable summer. As a collective, we can get a hold of this pandemic but we must be in accordance with the phases Governor Cuomo has set out for the reopening of our city. Phase IV, the final reopening phase, includes arts/entertainment and education, however, because the phases will be monitored closely in order to prevent a future outbreak the exact date of Phase IV is still unknown. We predict that by the end of June we should be able to open our doors, nevertheless, we are taking our own precautions and modifying what a summer at THE POINT looks like. This includes fewer people at our main campus in any given moment, no summer rentals. and a hybrid summer programming that continues some of the virtual structures we’ve set in place during this pandemic so that if another outbreak shall arise we are equipped to continue services with as little interruption as possible. THE POINT CDC is committed to organizing a dynamic and engaging summer and as soon as details about our modified schedule become available we will share it with you all. In the meantime, here are some updates: 

ARTS AND CULTURE:

• Starting next week, in collaboration with Peptian, THE POINT we will start offering teen arts programming online! This includes spoken word, mural making, dance, and much more. Please visit www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning to register for a class and be sure to visit the website every Monday for an updated schedule! 
• Our Fem Flava conference has moved to a later date in the year (TBA), however, the organizers of Fem Fava would like to invite you to participate in the “Fem Flava Virtual Teaser”, a virtual mini version of the conference featuring performances, workshops, and vendor highlights. Join us Saturday, May 16th from 2-4PM on zoom, register here!

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

• We are continuing to team up with the office of State Senator Michael Blake to offer “grab and go meals” to seniors and families with school-age children. We are handing out up to 200-250 meals per day from 11:30-12:30 PM, Monday through Friday. 
• Next week, May 13th from 4-5PM, THE POINT will be hosting another bi-weekly “Community Conversations” virtual meeting. The topic this week is “Emergency Preparedness”. Please register here to join the conversation and fill out this form about WIFI. 
• Note that all of our June public programmings are canceled, however, in the next few weeks, we will be unveiling how you can join us for a digital celebration of our annual Fish Parade! As part of the celebration, we would like to honor our loved ones who have passed away during this pandemic with a digital vigil. If you are interested in honoring your loved one in this way please fill out this form to be included. 
• Let’s celebrate! If you are part of the ‘Class of 2020’ or had a birthday during the pandemic we want to acknowledge you! Please fill out this form to be included in a special Instagram shoutout.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• Join THE POINT CDC, Gotham Gazelle, and City Limits for a virtual 15th Congressional District Democratic Primary Debate. You can watch the debate on facebook.com/citylimitsnews, Thursday, May 14th from 6-8 PM.  
• To prevent the community spread of COVID-19, all registered voters may apply for an Absentee Ballot to vote in the upcoming June 23, 2020 elections. Click here to request an absentee ballot for yourself.

If you have any needs, suggestions, or ways to contribute back to the community, please reach out to us at info@thepoint.org. Consider donating to THE POINT, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check back for updates at www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc, and on Instagram @thepointcdc.

With our deepest love and gratitude,

THE POINT CDC

8 de mayo de 2020

Estimada comunidad de POINT:

Mientras los pájaros cantan, sale el sol y el clima más cálido abraza nuestros cuerpos. En THE POINT CDC queremos recordarles que al quedarnos en casa, distanciamiento social y ejercer paciencia AHORA, podemos disfrutar de un verano con un ambiente menos riesgoso y más agradable. Como colectiva, podemos controlar esta pandemia, pero debemos estar de acuerdo con las fases que el Gobernador Cuomo ha establecido para la reapertura de nuestra ciudad La Fase IV, la fase de reapertura final, incluye artes/entretenimiento y educación, sin embargo, debido a que las fases serán monitoreadas de cerca para evitar un brote futuro, la fecha exacta de la Fase IV aún se desconoce. Predecimos que para fines de junio deberíamos poder abrir nuestras puertas, sin embargo, estamos tomando nuestras propias precauciones y modificando el aspecto de un verano en THE POINT. Esto incluye menos personas en nuestra instalación principal en un momento dado, no alquileres de verano, y una programación híbrida de verano que continúa con algunas de las estructuras virtuales que hemos establecido durante esta pandemia, de modo que si surge otro brote, estamos equipados para continuar los servicios con la menor interrupción posible. THE POINT CDC se compromete a organizar un verano dinámico y atractivo y tan pronto como los detalles sobre nuestro horario modificado estén disponibles, lo compartiremos con todos ustedes. Mientras tanto, aquí hay algunas actualizaciones:

ARTES Y CULTURA:

• ¡En colaboración con Peptian, en THE POINT comenzaremos a ofrecer programación de arte para adolescentes en línea a partir de la próxima semana! Esto incluye la palabra hablada, creación de murales, baile y mucho más. ¡Visite http://www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning para registrarse en una clase y asegúrese de visitar el sitio web todos los lunes para obtener un horario actualizado!
• Nuestra conferencia ‘Fem Flava’ se movió a una fecha en el futuro que se anunciará pronto, sin embargo, los organizadores quisieran invitarlos a participar en “Fem Flava Virtual Teaser”, una mini versión virtual de la conferencia con presentaciones, talleres y vendedores. Únase a nosotros el sábado 16 de Mayo sobre zoom, ¡regístrese aquí!

DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO:

• Seguimos formando equipo con la oficina del senador estatal Michael Blake para ofrecer “comidas para llevar” a adultos mayores y familias con niños en edad escolar. Entregamos hasta 200-250 comidas diarias de 11:30-12:30pm, de lunes a viernes.
• La próxima semana, 13 de mayo de 4 a 5 p.m., THE POINT organizará otra reunión virtual quincenal de “Conversaciones de la comunidad”. El tema de esta semana es “Preparación para emergencias”. Regístrese aquí para unirse a la conversación y complete este formulario sobre WIFI. 
• ¡Tenga en cuenta que todas nuestras programaciones públicas de junio se cancelan, sin embargo, en las próximas semanas, revelaremos cómo puede unirse a nosotros para una celebración digital de nuestro desfile anual de “Fish Parade”! Como parte de la celebración, nos gustaría honrar a nuestros seres queridos que fallecieron durante esta pandemia con una vigilia digital. Si está interesado en honrar a su ser querido de esta manera, complete este formulario para incluirlo.
• ¡Celebremos! Si forma parte de la “Clase de 2020” o si cumplió años durante la pandemia, ¡queremos reconocerlo! Complete este formulario para ser incluido en un mensaje especial en Instagram. 

COMPROMISO CIVIL:

• Únase a THE POINT CDC, Gotham Gazelle y City Limits para un Debate Primario Democrático virtual del 15º Distrito Congresional. Puede ver el debate en facebook.com/citylimitsnews, Jueves 14 de Mayo de 6-8 PM.
• Para evitar la propagación comunitaria de COVID-19, todos los votantes registrados pueden solicitar una boleta en ausencia para votar en las próximas elecciones del 23 de Junio de 2020. Haga clic aquí para solicitar una boleta en ausencia para usted.

Si tiene alguna necesidad, sugerencia o forma de contribuir a la comunidad, comuníquese con nosotros a info@thepoint.org. Considere donar a THE POINT, asegúrese de suscribirse a nuestro boletín informativo y revise las actualizaciones en http://www.thepoint.org, http://www.huntspoint.nyc y en Instagram @thepointcdc

Con nuestro más profundo amor y gratitud,

THE POINT CDC

April 24, 2020

Dear POINT community,

As news develops, impatience weighs in and our daily lives continue to be shaken by this pandemic, many folks are asking “When will things go back to normal?” Although we empathize with the sentiment of this question we believe that this isn’t the correct inquiry. Last week, Ed Yong wrote “That outlook ignores the immense disparities in what different Americans experience as normal. It wastes the rare opportunity to reimagine what a fairer and less vulnerable society might look like. It glosses over the ongoing nature of the coronavirus threat. There is no going back.” Although we are treading through an uncomfortable spring and into a bizarre summer, THE POINT is committed to assuring that this pandemic does not become an excuse for a retraction of our freedoms and for the further marginalization of our neighborhood. We have the opportunity to megaphone our disparities across the nation and demand local and federal protections of our community. This only works when you get involved and we organize as a collective. Here are some ways to join the effort and resources we would like to offer:

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE:

• Tuesday, April 21st, the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance released their latest report, NYC Climate Justice Agenda 2020: A Critical Decade for Climate, Equity and Health which outlines urgent recommended strategies to enact a Just Transition, including specific timelines and concrete financial and legislative commitments to create healthy and resilient neighborhoods; tackle emissions in an equitable way; support climate adaptation for frontline communities; and generate good, green jobs in the process. Additionally, the report includes an analysis of the overlaps between environmental justice and COVID-19. Read the full report here. 
• If you or somebody you know lives in Hunts Point, Longwood, or the South Bronx, in general, that is vulnerable (elderly, chronically-ill, differently-abled, single parent) please have them register into our Be-A-Buddy network. Our network of volunteers, from the neighborhood, will check-in on you and inform you about local resources you can tap into. Join here.  

ARTS AND CULTURE:

• Please visit www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning and check out our free virtual programming schedule, updated every Monday until June 19th. 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

• We are continuing to team up with the office of State Senator Michael Blake to offer “grab and go meals” to seniors and families with school-age children. We are handing out up to 200-250 meals per day from 11:30-12:30 PM, Monday through Friday. 
• THE POINT will be hosting bi-weekly “Community Conversations” virtual meetings where we’ll talk about different concerns and campaigns impacting Hunts Point. Join us next week, April 30th from 4-5 pm to discuss your energy bill and the impacts of COVID-19. Please register here to join the conversation and fill out this easy survey about energy. 
• The League of United Latin American Citizens released a COVID-19 Spanish language resource kit. Please share far and wide. 

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT:

• BE COUNTED! If you haven’t already please fill out your census, it only takes 10 minutes! Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services. Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government. 
• REGISTER TO VOTE! Voter Registration Deadline for N.Y. State is: Postmarked by Fri May 29, 2020, and received by Wed Jun 3, 2020, or In-Person Request by Fri May 29, 2020.

Note that all of our June public programmings are canceled due to a mandatory city-wide cancellation of all June public events. However, in the next few weeks, we will be unveiling how you can join us for a digital celebration of our annual Fish Parade! If you have any needs, suggestions, or ways to contribute back to the community, please reach out to us at info@thepoint.org. Consider donating to THE POINT, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check back for updates at www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc, and on Instagram @thepointcdc.

With our deepest love and gratitude,

THE POINT CDC

24 de abril de 2020

Estimada comunidad de POINT:

A medida que se desarrollan las noticias, la impaciencia pesa y nuestra vida cotidiana continúa siendo sacudida por esta pandemia, muchas personas se preguntan “¿Cuándo volverán las cosas a la normalidad?” Aunque simpatizamos con el sentimiento de esta pregunta, creemos que esta no es la pregunta correcta. La semana pasada, Ed Yong escribió: “Esa perspectiva ignora las inmensas disparidades en lo que los diferentes estadounidenses experiencia como normal. Se desperdicia la rara oportunidad de reimaginar cómo sería una sociedad más justa y menos vulnerable. Pasa por alto la continua naturaleza de la amenaza del coronavirus. No hay vuelta atrás.” Aunque estamos atravesando una primavera incómoda y un verano extraño, THE POINT se compromete a garantizar que esta pandemia no se convierta en una excusa para retraer nuestras libertades y para la marginación de nuestro vecindario. Tenemos la oportunidad de megáfonear nuestras disparidades en todo el país y exigir protecciones locales y federales de nuestra comunidad. Esto solo funciona cuando te involucras y nos organizamos colectivamente. Aquí hay algunas maneras de unir el esfuerzo y los recursos que nos gustaría ofrecer:

JUSTICIA AMBIENTAL:

• Martes, 21 de abril, el New York City Environmental Justice Alliance publicó su último informe, NYC Climate Justice Agenda 2020: A Critical Decade for Climate, Equity and Health que describe estrategias recomendadas urgentes para promulgar una Transición Justa, incluye plazos específicos y compromisos financieros y legislativos concretos para crear vecindarios saludables y resilientes; abordar las emisiones de manera equitativa; apoyar la adaptación climática para comunidades de primera línea; y generar buenos empleos verdes en el proceso. Además, el informe incluye un análisis de las superposiciones entre la justicia ambiental y COVID-19. Lee el informe completo aqui.
• Si usted o alguien que conoce vive en Hunts Point, Longwood o South Bronx, en general, que es vulnerable (ancianos, enfermos crónicos, personas con capacidades diferentes, padres solteros), por favor haga que se registren en nuestra red Be-A-Buddy. Nuestra red de voluntarios, del vecindario, lo mantendrán al margen y le informarán sobre los recursos locales que puede aprovechar. Únete aqui.

ARTES Y CULTURA:

• Visite www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning y consulte nuestro programa de programación virtual gratuito, actualizado todos los lunes hasta el 19 de junio. 

DESARROLLO COMUNITARIO:

• Continuamos formando equipo con la oficina del senador estatal Michael Blake para ofrecer “comidas para llevar” a personas mayores y familias con niños en edad escolar. Entregamos de 200-250 comidas diarias de 11:30-12:30pm de lunes a viernes. 
• THE POINT organizará reuniones virtuales “Conversaciones comunitarias” semana por medio donde hablaremos sobre diferentes preocupaciones y campañas que impactan a Hunts Point. Únase la próxima semana, 30 de abril, de 4:00 – 5:00 pm, para hablar sobre su factura eléctrica y los impactos de COVID-19. Regístrese aquí para ser parte de la conversación y llene esta facil encuesta sobre energía. 
• The League of United Latin American Citizens lanzó un kit de recursos en español COVID-19. Por favor, comparta a lo largo y ancho.

COMPROMISO CIVIL:

• ¡CUENTA! Si aún no lo ha hecho, complete su censo, sólo le llevará 10 minutos! Su respuesta ayuda a dirigir miles de millones de dólares en fondos federales a las comunidades locales para escuelas, carreteras y otros servicios públicos. Los resultados del Censo 2020 se utilizarán para determinar el número de asientos que cada estado tiene en el Congreso y su representación política en todos los niveles de gobierno.
• ¡REGÍSTRATE PARA VOTAR! La fecha límite para el registro de votantes para el estado de Nueva York es: Matasellado para el viernes 29 de mayo de 2020 y recibido antes del miércoles 3 de junio de 2020, o solicitud en persona antes del viernes 29 de mayo de 2020.

Tenga en cuenta que todas nuestras programaciones públicas de junio se cancelan; debido a la cancelación obligatoria en la ciudad entera, de todos los eventos públicos en junio. Sin embargo, en las próximas semanas, vamos a revelar cómo puede unirse a nosotros para una celebración digital de nuestro desfile anual “Fish Parade”. Si tiene alguna necesidad, sugerencia o forma de contribuir a la comunidad, comuníquese con nosotros a info@thepoint.org. Considere donar a THE POINT, asegúrese de suscribirse a nuestro boletín informativo y regrese por actualizaciones a nuestra pagina www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc, y en Instagram @thepointcdc.

Con nuestro más profundo amor y gratitud,

THE POINT CDC

APRIL 10, 2020

Dear POINT community,

During this difficult time, we find ourselves devastated at the number of people lost due to COVID-19. Our hearts ache and we send condolences to all of our neighbors and families whose loved ones have transitioned. 

On Tuesday, The NYTimes published an article in which new research links air pollution to higher Coronavirus rates. The article states “Most fine particulate matter comes from fuel combustion, like automobiles, refineries and power plants, as well as some indoor sources like tobacco smoke. Breathing in such microscopic pollutants, experts said, inflames and damages the lining of the lungs over time, weakening the body’s ability to fend off respiratory infections.” This is to no surprise to us as our levels of the most harmful air pollutant, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are 8.5 micrograms per cubic meter. This is higher than the average for NYC at 7.5 micrograms. According to the 2018 Census, the asthma emergency department visit rate among children ages 5 to 17 in Hunts Point and Longwood is nearly double the citywide rate. So although this pandemic does not discriminate, our social systems do and it’s unfolding right before our eyes. 

It is important, more now than ever, to continue to serve our community and show up for our most vulnerable. That is exactly what the staff at THE POINT CDC has been up to.  

• We’ve teamed up with the office of State Senator Michael Blake to offer “grab and go meals” to seniors and families with school-age children. We are
  handing out up to 200 meals per day from 11:30-12:30 PM, Monday through Friday. 
• Our after-school staff has been working tirelessly to bring our families virtual programming. Please visit www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning to learn about our offerings and rotating weekly schedule. Note that some of our sessions have been previously recorded and others are live zoom-classes that you will need to register for. All of our programming at this time is FREE. 
• In an effort to build a more resilient and better-connected Hunts Point, The Hunts Point Digital Stewards have been monitoring the strength and dependency of our FREE HUNTS POINT WIFI network; a wireless mesh WIFI network, which provides free communication that is resistant to power and internet outages. Please take advantage of this service during this unparalleled time. Learn more at https://thepoint.org/free-hunts-point-wifi/.
• We understand how vital SYEP is in our community and other marginalized Black/Brown communities across the city. Please consider signing this petition to save NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program. We stand with young people to protect this service, given that it should be modified due to our current state, but not suspended. 

THE POINT is committed to communicating accurate and essential information around the rapid changes happening in and around our neighborhood. We are committed to assuring that this pandemic does not become an excuse for a retraction of our freedoms and for the further marginalization of our neighborhood. 

If you have any needs, suggestions, or ways to contribute back to the community, please reach out to us at info@thepoint.org. Please be safe, continue to wash your hands, wear gloves, wear masks if you need to go outside and always practice social distancing. Consider donating to THE POINT and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check back for updates at www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc and on Instagram @thepointcdc.

With our deepest love and gratitude,

THE POINT Management Staff

10 de abril de 2020

Estimada comunidad del POINT,

Durante este momento difícil, nos encontramos devastados por la cantidad de personas perdidas debido a COVID-19. Nos duele el corazón y enviamos condolencias a todos nuestros vecinos y familias de seres queridos que han hecho la transición.

El martes, The NYTimes publicó un artículo en el que una nueva investigación vincula la contaminación del aire con tasas más altas de coronavirus. El artículo establece que “la mayoría de las partículas finas provienen de la combustión de combustible, como automóviles, refinerías y plantas de energía, así como de algunas fuentes interiores como el humo del tabaco. Según los expertos, la inhalación de tales contaminantes microscópicos inflama y daña el revestimiento de los pulmones con el tiempo, debilitando la capacidad del cuerpo para defenderse de las infecciones respiratorias “. Esto no nos sorprende ya que nuestros niveles del contaminante atmosférico más dañino, las partículas finas (PM2.5), son 8.5 microgramos por metro cúbico. Esto es más alto que el promedio de Nueva York en 7.5 microgramos. Según el censo de 2018, la tasa de visitas al departamento de emergencias de asma entre los niños de 5 a 17 años en Hunts Point y Longwood es casi el doble de la tasa de toda la ciudad. Entonces, aunque esta pandemia no discrimina, nuestros sistemas sociales sí lo hacen y se está desarrollando ante nuestros ojos. 

Es importante, ahora más que nunca, continuar sirviendo a nuestra comunidad y presentarse a los más vulnerables. Eso es exactamente lo que ha estado haciendo el personal de THE POINT CDC.  

• Nos hemos asociado con la oficina del senador estatal Michael Blake para ofrecer “comidas para llevar” a personas mayores y familias con niños en edad escolar. Estamos entregando hasta 200 comidas por día de 11:30-12: 30 PM, de lunes a viernes.
• Nuestro personal después de la escuela ha estado trabajando incansablemente para brindar a nuestras familias programación virtual. Visite www.thepoint.org/virtual-learning para conocer nuestras ofertas y nuestro horario semanal rotativo. Tenga en cuenta que algunas de nuestras sesiones se han grabado previamente y otras son clases de zoom en vivo en las que deberá registrarse. Toda nuestra programación en este momento es GRATUITA.
• En un esfuerzo por construir un Hunts Point más resistente y mejor conectado, los representantes Digitales de Hunts Point han estado monitoreando la fortaleza y la dependencia de nuestra red FREE HUNTS POINT WIFI; Una red WIFI de malla inalámbrica, que proporciona una comunicación gratuita resistente a los cortes de energía e Internet. Aproveche este servicio durante este tiempo incomparable. Obtenga más información en https://thepoint.org/free-hunts-point-wifi/.
• Entendemos cuán vital es SYEP en nuestra comunidad y otras comunidades marginales Negras/Latinx en toda la ciudad. Por favor considere firmar esta petición para salvar el Programa de Empleo Juvenil de Verano de Nueva York. Apoyamos a los jóvenes para proteger este servicio, dado que debe modificarse debido a nuestro estado actual, pero no suspenderse.

THE POINT se compromete a comunicar información precisa y esencial sobre los rápidos cambios que ocurren en y alrededor de nuestro vecindario. Nos comprometemos a garantizar que esta pandemia no se convierta en una excusa para retractarse de nuestras libertades y para una mayor marginación de nuestro vecindario. Si tiene alguna necesidad, sugerencia o formas de contribuir a la comunidad, comuníquese con nosotros a info@thepoint.org. Tenga cuidado, continúe lavándose las manos, use guantes, use máscaras si necesita salir y siempre practique el distanciamiento social. Considere donar a THE POINT y asegúrese de suscribirse a nuestro boletín informativo y consultar las actualizaciones en www.thepoint.org, www.huntspoint.nyc y en Instagram @thepointcdc.

Con nuestro más profundo amor y gratitud,  

Equipo administrativo del POINT

MARCH 27, 2020

Dear POINT community,

At this unprecedented difficult time for all of us, I wanted to share how we at THE POINT CDC are responding to the COVID-19 crisis that has impacted how we work, mobilize and build with our community. It has forced us to make some rough transitions nearly overnight but we are the house “where community and creativity connect” and that is the spirit in which we will move forward and out of this.

Three weeks ago, THE POINT was buzzing with our after-school program kids, staff preparing for our 25th Anniversary Conference and Fish Parade 2020. The smell of spring was in the air! As news of the pandemic settled in our communities we modified our programming and worked with other local Bronx agencies to discuss the impact and consequences of shutting our doors.

Fast forward to today. We’ve been forced to cancel all programming, rentals, community engagements, and gatherings. We are following the Department Of Education’s schedule, meaning that there will be no programming and our building will be closed until April 20th. ​We urge you to check back in with us as things are changing quickly.

We have had to reinvent what it means to engage and mobilize our community during this unprecedented challenge. Although our ​South Bronx Resiliency Agenda (SBRCA)​ prepared us for mobilizing relief efforts at a time like this, and although it is not the storm or blackout we expected, we are committed to offering as much relief from the current COVID-19 virus as possible. In the coming days, we will begin to unveil opportunities for online engagements in the main areas of our mission, offering opportunities in youth development, arts and culture and community development. We are fortunate that we have had some resiliency plans in place, and that our dedicated staff will be able to offer free content to our families, links to our partners who are also offering resources, and provide remote services as needed. We ask that you stay tuned to ​www.thepoint.org​ and ​www.huntspoint.nyc​ for regular updates.

THE POINT’s role in this crisis is four-fold.

● First, we must mobilize to assist our families, who are already economically burdened and may have recently been laid off. THE POINT has been distributing food to our families in need .

● Secondly, we must mobilize to assist artists hard hit by the cancellation of events and economic contraction, recognizing that many of their livelihoods were precarious to begin with.

● Third, knowing that our quality cultural programs are community bonding experiences and vessels for human connection across distance we will continue to virtually provide these programs during times of intense and frustrating social distancing.

● Fourth, mobilize in defense of the oppressions and marginalizations our neighborhood has suffered before and have been exacerbated by Covid-19.

○ Rent freeze now campaign- No Evictions!

○ Unemployment resources – If you’re out of work because of the novel coronavirus, you should be eligible to begin receiving unemployment money. Part-time workers and seasonal workers/instructors can receive partial benefits, while gig economy workers are not currently eligible. Some undocumented residents may qualify for unemployment, according to the advocacy group Make the Road.

○ For information about Coronavirus and to make an appointment to get tested, call the NY State Dept Of Health 24-Hour Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

They will assist in the borough you are in and tell you which hospital to go to. Calling does not guarantee you a test you either need to have severe symptoms of it or have been exposed to some who tested positive but you need to be experiencing symptoms. These calls take time because they are screening you over the phone.

○ Health Insurance coverage:

■ NY State of Health, “Special Enrollment Period Open Through April 15th for Uninsured Individuals” (statewide)

■ Community Service Society

○ Information for our immigrant families:

■ Protecting Immigrant Families, “Factsheet: Know Your Rights, Protect Your Health

■ Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York Helpline at 1-888-744-7900 – food resources and support for seniors. Immigrant and Refugee Services – Email immigration.services@archny.org or call 212-419-3700.

○ Mental Health ResourcesNYC.gov, “NYC Well: Text, Call, or Chat

THE POINT is committed to communicating accurate and essential information around the rapid changes happening in and around our neighborhood. We are committed to assuring that this pandemic does not become an excuse for a retraction of our freedoms and for the further marginalization of our neighborhood.

Please consider donating to THE POINT below and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check back for updates at www.thepoint.org , www.huntspoint.nyc and on Instagram @thepointcdc.

With our deepest gratitude and love,

THE POINT Management Staff