Continuing to Support Communities Hit by COVID-19

While the worst of the pandemic is hopefully behind us, we continue to serve many individuals and families in Queens who were hard hit by the COVID-19 outbreak. As we begin to return, program by program, to on-site operations, we are doing everything we can to keep our participants safe, to help families get back on their feet, and to provide vital services for some of our most vulnerable neighbors:

• Food Pantries: Our pantries at our Forest Hills Community Center and our Pomonok Community Center continue to offer expanded hours to serve families in need of food assistance. If you are in need of food, please call 347-287-9001 or email fhpantry@qchnyc.org (Forest Hills) or zsimmons@qchnyc.org (Pomonok) to make an appointment.
• Housing & Homelessness Prevention Services: Our Housing & Homelessness Prevention Services are still being conducted by telephone. Contact our Housing Department at Msotomayor@qchnyc.org or 347-659-5671. To meet our staff and learn more about our program, click here for our dedicated Housing Support page.
• Summer Camps: We are happy to announce that QCH is operating 15 Summer Rising programs (summer camps with academic enrichment) for more than 1,000 elementary and middle school students this summer. To enroll in one of our programs please email loconnell@qchnyc.org.
• SYEP: Our Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is back in full operation, providing a combination of remote and in-person work opportunities for more than 1,600 youth.  
• Senior Centers: We are providing Grab & Go lunches at four of our centers and are beginning to offer limited activities, both indoors and outdoors. To find info on each center, please contact each site.
• Meals for Homebound Seniors: Our drivers/deliverers continue provide daily meal service to an expanded number of homebound seniors living in Corona, Elmhurst, Forest Hills and Rego Park.  For assistance, call 347-507-0486.
• Friendly Visiting Services for Isolated Seniors: We are connecting volunteers by phone to more than 800 older adults who live alone in our community. If you are in need of friendly visiting or would like to volunteer, please email volunteer@qchnyc.org.
• ESOL Classes: Beginning in August, we will be providing ESOL classes both remotely and on site. For more information, please call 718-592-5757 x216 (day classes) or x222 (evening classes) or email EnglishSchool@qchnyc.org.
• Young Adult Food Sector Employment Initiative: Our Young Adult Food Sector Employment Initiative classes are still being offered virtually. In addition to chef-led courses on food prep and food safety, all students are receiving customer service training, internships, and support locating jobs. Email asumpterdelves@qchnyc.org for more details.
• Emergency Case Management Support for Our Families: QCH program staff are in regular contact with our participants and their households to make sure they are safe, healthy, and connected to available resources during these unsettling times. We are assessing needs related to financial hardship; ability to afford food and rent; health & mental health services; and access to remote learning technology and child care. For those in need, we are making referrals for case management services, housing assistance, immigration counseling, benefits enrollment assistance and emergency cash relief.
• Financial Counseling: Financial Counseling is being offered virtually through our partnership with Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners and the NYC Office of Financial Empowerment. A counselor is available, regardless of income or immigration status, to provide personalized guidance and can help you address a wide range of personal financial topics, including managing debt. To schedule a session, please email iteran@neighborhoodtrust.org.