Albany Housing Authority - Albany, NY
Menu

Back to AHA News

Category Archives: Featured News

FSS Success Story

By albanyhousing | Published: January 14, 2021

Erika Connor

ERIKA NEVER GIVES UP

Erika came to the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)Program with goals to increase credit worthiness, maintain a good job and eventually become a home and business owner. During tough times, it hasn’t always been easy.

Erika says, “setting goals and sticking to them are tough tasks.” In order to maintain her full-time employment and continue to be qualified to access her escrowed FSS funds, she began working overnight to accommodate her family. Of this sacrifice she says, “ Though it all, I never gave up – no matter how tough it got, I kept pushing.” What inspired her dedication is “my children and being that example…they are depending on me.’ Erika continues, saying that “the most important things to accomplish your goals are consistency and always believing in yourself.”

Erika is leaving today with a large check, which she earned through years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice to make it to the end of the program. Going forward, she plans to “get a better vehicle and save the remaining, continue to build my credit, purchase a home [and] start my own home day care business. This is important for me to accomplish to be that example for my children and show them that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

During her journey, Erika explains, “The FSS program helped me to be more open to receive help from my community resources. It taught me never to be afraid to ask for help. FSS has been a key asset in helping me with online applications, job leads – if FSS was unable to help, they would be sure to refer me to other resources. FSS was the help to me gaining a job with New York State Tax and Finance.”

Of the FSS Program and The WAGE Center Erika says, “the staff will strive to help bring the best out of you. I am a living testament to that. It wasn’t until I came to know of The WAGE Center that I found out about the FSS Program. [It] has helped me abundantly. It has pushed me harder for my goals in life and to believe in what I can achieve with a little courage and skill.”
FSS Program Coordinator, Amibel Tineo says, “ Erika’s perseverance and re-siliency that have developed throughout these last years to push past her inner doubts and fears are traits I admire greatly about her.” All of us at The WAGE Center are looking forward to where Erika goes from here.

If you are interested in learning more about the FSS Program, please call 518-380-5600.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

NYS Homes And Community Renewal Announces Expansion of Covid Rent Relief Program Through February 1, 2021

By albanyhousing | Published: December 29, 2020

NYS Homes And Community Renewal Announces Expansion of Covid Rent Relief Program Through February 1, 2021

Applications for COVID Rent Relief Program Available Online at HCR.NY.GOV/RRP

Previous Applicants Do Not Have to Reapply to Receive Consideration

Click on the link here

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas today announced the COVID Rent Relief Program will be reopened for application with expanded eligibility criteria in an effort to serve New Yorkers who may have not had the opportunity to initially apply and those who may have been previously ineligible. HCR will accept applications from households starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 18 through Monday, February 1, 2021.

“HCR is acutely aware that this pandemic has put more pressure on New Yorkers who were already housing insecure, and these improvements to the Legislature’s original program will expand access to rent relief while building on Governor Cuomo’s eviction protections,” Commissioner Visnauskas said. “We worked around the clock for months to ensure rent-burdened households received the assistance for which they qualified. But more can be done. Governor Cuomo has taken repeated action to protect residents from eviction and foreclosure, and as a long-time housing advocate, he understands that our efforts must be unending. Tenants need our support in order to offset the long-term implications of this public health and economic crisis.”

The Program’s eligibility has been changed to no longer require households to have been considered “rent burdened” prior to the pandemic in order to qualify. Rent burden is defined as paying more than 30 percent of monthly gross income towards rent.

Residents that previously applied for COVID Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered. HCR will re-evaluate all applications that were denied according to the new criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants.

To qualify for this one-time subsidy, low-income renters impacted by the pandemic must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Must be a renter and have a primary residence in New York State;
  • Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;
  • Before March 7, 2020, household income must have been at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size; and
  • Households must be “rent burdened” during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.

For the purposes of assessing applicant income, cash benefits and unemployment benefits are both included in the calculation.

The subsidy for eligible applicants will be calculated as: the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the household’s rent burden during the months of April, May, June and July of 2020. For applicants who were not considered rent burdened on March 1, 2020, the subsidy will be calculated to bring them to the 30 percent rent burden threshold.

Applications are available on the COVID Rent Relief Program portal on HCR’s website here: https://hcr.ny.gov/rrp

The Program’s online application is available in both English and Spanish. Over the next week, HCR will provide translated applications in six foreign languages – Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian-Creole, Korean, and Bengali. The Agency will also work with local Not-For-Profit organizations to ensure New Yorkers receive the assistance they need to apply.

Throughout the application period, residents who need help or have questions about their application can contact HCR’s COVID Rent Relief Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. Call Center representatives are available Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

HCR will also allow to applicants who are unable or uncomfortable applying online to do so over the phone rather than by mail. More information on this assistance and expanded language support on the hotline and will be available on HCR’s website in the coming days.

About the COVID Rent Relief Program

Since July, HCR has reviewed and processed over 90,000 applications to the COVID Rent Relief Program to determine eligibility according to requirements of the legislation.

In October, HCR issued a report to the State Legislature on the program, which included breakdowns of payment information by county, by average payment amount, and disbursements made by race/ethnicity. The report is available online at: https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP#rrp-report

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Snow Emergency Declared – City Of Albany

By albanyhousing | Published: December 17, 2020

Snow Emergency

City of Albany Declares Snow Emergency to Begin Friday, December 18 at 8:00 a.m.

Mayor Sheehan Closes All City Buildings to Public Thursday

Mayor Sheehan Urges Residents to Stay Off Roads

Please be advised the City of Albany has issued a SNOW EMERGENCY that will begin on Friday, December 18, at 8:00 a.m. At that time, all normal parking rules and regulations are temporarily suspended.

  • During the first 24 hours of the snow emergency, all vehicles must be parked on the even numbered side of the street.
  • Beginning Saturday, December 19, at 8:00 a.m., all vehicles must be parked on the odd numbered side of the street for the next 24-hour period
  • Vehicles may begin to park on the odd numbered side of the street for the second 24-hour period beginning Saturday, December 19 at 7:00 a.m.

If you are parked on the wrong side of the street during the snow emergency, your vehicle will be ticketed and may be towed.

After the second 24-hour period, please stay tuned for further announcements.  For SNOW EMERGENCY information, call 518-476-SNOW (7669) or visit the City of Albany’s website at albanyny.gov, facebook.com/AlbanyMayorKathySheehan, instagram.com/AlbanyMayorKathySheehan, and twitter.com/MayorSheehan

“Reports originally anticipated today’s snow storm would conclude early this morning, however the late shift in weather patterns have extended the duration of the storm well into the early afternoon, and has already led to significantly higher snowfall totals than expected,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “The City’s Department of General Services employees have been working around the clock since the first snow fell, however the rapid increase in snowfall over the last several hours has made travel especially difficult. Please stay off the roads and allow our DGS crews the space needed to safely and efficiently clear the snow.”

Important Contacts During the Snow Emergency:

  • For general snow inquiries call the Department of General Services at 518-434-CITY (2489).
  • To report power outages and determine area repair schedules, call National Grid at 800-642-4272.
  • In an emergency, call 911.
  • For real-time weather information, visit the National Weather Service.

During the SNOW EMERGENCY, the City of Albany has made available additional parking at various lots throughout the City:

ARBOR HILL/SHERIDAN HOLLOW

  • Parking Area Adjoining Arbor Hill Softball Field (North Lark St.) • 230 Colonie St. (Playground Lot) • 178 Colonie St. (Playground Lot) • Ten Broeck Mansion (Parking Lot & Sidewalk West End) • Quackenbush Garage (Please see note below regarding limited availability)

PINE HILLS

  • Ridgefield Park (Enter on Partridge St.) • Woodlawn Park Little League • Waterson Park (Westland Hills) Enter on Colvin Ave.

CENTER SQUARE

  • Washington Park (All Roadways and Parking Areas)

SOUTH END

  • Krank Park Area
  • Franklin St. (Between Schuyler St. & Bassett St. – East Side) • Lincoln Park (All Interior Roadways & Parking Area)

CENTER SQUARE/MANSION

  • 77 Philip St. (Playground)
  • 88 Philip St. (Playground)

NORTH ALBANY

  • North Second St. & North Third St. (Above Pearl St.) • Parking Area across from North Albany American Legion Post

WEST END

  • Bleecker Stadium (Parking Area & Roadways) • North Side of Livingston Ave. (Opposite Judson St.) Parking Lot

Conflict Streets:

Signs have been installed on streets throughout the City that have both odd and even numbered addresses, or no addresses at all, indicating what side of the street is even and what side is odd for purposes of snow emergencies.  Please take notice of these signs when moving your vehicle during the Snow Emergency.

Zone C Residential Permit Parking Holders:

During a SNOW EMERGENCY and for 24 hours after the end of a SNOW EMERGENCY, individuals with a residential parking permit in Zone C will be allowed to park for free in the Quackenbush Garage (Orange Street between Broadway and Water Street).

For individuals with Zone C permits (Ten Broeck Triangle, Clinton Avenue, N. Hawk Street, Hall Place), levels 4, 5, and 6 are available for parking at the Quackenbush Garage.

To utilize the free parking within the Quackenbush Garage, the resident must take a ticket upon entering the garage.  When exiting, the resident must go to customer service where they must confirm their last name and plate number.  Only one ticket will be validated per plate number and last name.

Vehicle Towing:

If your vehicle has been towed, call Albany Police Department at 518-438-4000, Center Station 518-458-5660, or South Station 518-462-8049 for information on how to retrieve your vehicle.

City Buildings:

Mayor Sheehan has announced she has declared a State of Emergency in the City of Albany effective 6:00 AM. All City of Albany Buildings, including City Hall, will be closed to the public Thursday, December 17.

Sidewalk Snow Removal:

It is imperative that property owners keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear for pedestrians in wheelchairs and pedestrian walkers to safely pass by. According to City Code 323-21, it is the responsibility of all property owners’ and/or residents to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks and accessibility ramps adjacent to their property within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

If your sidewalk is not in compliance within 24 hours of the last snowfall, the Department of General Services may clear the sidewalk of snow and ice, and the property owner will be issued a bill for the cost of removal and charged a fine.

Other Snow Event Information:

Snow emergency brochures, which outline all Snow Emergency procedures, can be found here:

http://www.albanyny.gov/Libraries/General_Services/When_it_Snows_in_Albany_Flyer.sflb.ashx

Thank you for your cooperation.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

The Food Pantries Food Connect Map

By albanyhousing | Published: December 10, 2020

The Food Pantries has created a great new resource called The Food Pantries Connect map, helping others find all food pantries and participating organizations.

You can visit the map by clicking this link: map.thefoodpantries.org/

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

ALL AHA Offices Closed to Walk-Ins – Effective December 14th, 2020

By albanyhousing | Published: December 9, 2020

To minimize the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and out of an abundance of caution, all Albany Housing Authority offices are closed to walk-in traffic until further notice.

While we recognize the inconvenience this may cause, we take our commitment to the safety of this community very seriously. These measures have been taken in a concerted effort to protect our clients, residents and staff.

Documents may be placed in any of the drop boxes found at every site manager’s office and the front and rear entrances of 200 South Pearl Street.

Rent payments (Check or Money Order) may be placed in the drop box located outside of the building, to right of the 200 South Pearl Street entrance. Please make sure your name and address is written clearly on your payment

DO NOT PUT CASH IN THE DROP BOX

While our doors may be closed during this time, our phones lines remain open. Below is a list of services available online and via phone:

  • We encourage you to use our website from home, 24/7 at albanyhousing.org to make payments, apply for housing, and view Section 8 Landlord payments. We’ve made a number of enhancements that make it easier than ever to manage these tasks digitally.
  • We continue to offer customer support by calling 518-641-7500 (Option 1) 24/7. Using this phone number you can check your rent balance and your status on the waiting list.
  • Please report any maintenance issues using the maintenance line 518-447-0047 24/7.

To reach a staff member directly, please call (518) 641-7500 and use option “2” for the spell by name directory. Fax numbers for staff and their e-mail addresses will be available on their voicemail should they be on another call. Please remember that our staff will be handling an unusually high volume of calls at this time and leaving only one message is encouraged.

Documents for the following departments can be faxed to:

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and Applications/Move-Ins-(518) 641-7548

Public Housing- (518) 641-7549

Managers and all other employee fax numbers will be available on their voicemail.

Appointments, Inspections, and Work Orders:

If you or any person you live with has been experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness, a fever (100.4 F or 37.8 C or higher), has recently traveled out of the Capital Region, or has any reason to believe you may have been personally exposed to an acute respiratory illness or around people who are ill, please let us know immediately. This information will be kept confidential in our office and is for preventative purposes only.

  • Emergency Work Orders-Will be addressed as soon as possible. Emergency protocols will be used.
  • Inspections- At this time inspections are being performed as scheduled

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work through this together.

Also posted in Office of the Executive Director | Tagged , | Comments closed

Financial Well-Being Tuesday Tip

By albanyhousing | Published: December 8, 2020

Credit Tips:

  • Monitor and check your credit card usage.
  • Carrying large balances in proportion to your available credit can negatively impact your credit score.
  • Try to pay down balances if you can, while making the minimum payment on time.
  • Visit www.annualcreditreport.com for learning resources about credit, and free access to your report.

 To learn more about credit and methods to improve your overall credit health, join the SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being educators for the following free, live, online webinars:

Understanding and Managing Credit

Your Credit Score: How to Repair, Maintain, and Build Up a Credit Score

About the SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being: 

The SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being is a unique educational initiative that features an innovative approach to providing free financial education to community organizations and individuals. The SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being is intended to guide and encourage participants to focus on achieving personal economic stability and financial independence through a series of free workshops that aims to have a lasting impact on the community. SEFCU products and services are not discussed in these seminars. The SEFCU Institute is the recipient of both the national and statewide 2018 Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award (more than $1 billion asset category).

For more information, or to schedule a free, private, group session email: financialwellbeing@sefcu.com.

We hope to see you soon!

Megan Maloney

Financial Wellness Educator

SEFCU Institute for Financial Well-Being

SEFCU

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Albany Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative to Hold Public Meetings on Police Reform

By albanyhousing | Published: December 2, 2020

 

Albany Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative to Hold Public Meetings on Police Reform

ALBANY, NY – The City of Albany is announcing seven (7) much-anticipated public meetings to solicit input for its Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Chief Eric Hawkins, and the members of the City of Albany Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative want the public’s input as they continue the important work of eliminating structural racism and bias through transforming policies, procedures, and programs within the Albany Police Department. The City of Albany is grateful for the public’s continued willingness to make its voice heard as we reimagine policing in our community.

To download a video overview of the public meetings on Police Reform from Mayor Sheehan and the Chairs of the Working Groups, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DUj0pZVMEj9DtyoZo-nqUL7Vwg1_TgcG/view?usp=sharing

The public meetings will be held virtually on Zoom at the following dates and times:

  1. Wednesday, December 9th, 2020; 6:00pm-8:00pm
  2. Friday, December 11th, 2020; 6:00pm-8:00pm
  3. Tuesday, December 15th, 2020; 6:00pm-8:00pm
  4. Wednesday, December 16th, 2020; 6:00pm-8:00pm
  5. Monday, January 4th, 2021; 6:00pm-8:00pm
  6. Wednesday, January 6th, 2021; 6:00pm-8:00pm
  7. Monday, January 11th, 2021; 6:00pm-8:00pm

Residents can register to speak at one of the public meetings using the form at the following link: https://www.albanyny.gov/Government/MayorsOffice/PoliceReformCollaborative.aspx

Community members also have the option to submit written comments by emailing coareform1@gmail.com or via USPS to the following address:

Police Reform

c/o Office of the Mayor

24 Eagle St.

Room 102

Albany, NY 12207

 

Comments can also be submitted via phone call or text to (518) 618-2268.

Residents’ comments will be reviewed and considered by the Collaborative working groups as they compile a draft report.

Additional information about the Albany Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative can be found at the following website: https://www.albanyny.gov/Government/MayorsOffice/PoliceReformCollaborative.aspx

The public is encouraged to periodically check the website for information and updates related to the public meeting schedule and the collaborative.

###

 

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Virtual Strengthening Families Program

By albanyhousing | Published: November 12, 2020

Please join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a Virtual Strengthening Families Program:
Youth Ages 11+ and Parents/Caregivers

Date: The series begins on Wednesday, December 5th and runs for four weeks:
12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/30
Youth Program: 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Parent/Caregiver Program: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

All programs to be held via Zoom. Zoom meeting information will be provided prior to the program start for all registered participants. Certificates of completion will be awarded to those who attend all four sessions.
(Parents/caregivers may also enroll in this program without having their youth participate.)

Adapted for a virtual platform, this version of the Strengthening Families Program is a four-week online program for parents/caregivers and youth ages 11 – 18. Parents/caregivers and youth will participate in separate virtual workshops learning ways to build on existing strengths, improve family communications skills, and share ideas on how to build family relationships.

Youth programs will include 30 minutes of interactive, hands-on activities to discuss teen development, communication skills, managing emotions, and how to practice mindfulness and positive self-talk. Youth will be encouraged to share their activities and knowledge with their parents/caregivers.

Parent/caregiver programs are one-hour in length, and help participants enhance their parenting skills. Parents/caregivers, who are the experts on their families, will develop a deeper understanding of how their personal and parenting knowledge and behavior affects their children. This program will also include helpful family activities, and activities for parents/caregivers to share with their youth.

Additional Topics include:

  • Understanding tween and teen development,
  • Strategies to improve family communication,
  • Internet and social media safety,
  • Creating a better understanding of tween and teen challenges,
  • Helpful discipline strategies

The Strengthening Families Program strives to empower families. We celebrate family strengths, improve communication skills, and provide support to both youth and parents/caregivers – even if done virtually!

Advanced registration is required by contacting Maria at mkd59@cornell.edu or text/phone 518.598.9937.

VSFP with CCE Albany. December. 2020

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

The latest news from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region

By albanyhousing | Published: November 2, 2020

Upcoming (Virtual) Events

Trainings and Workshops

To help individuals who are interested in exploring entrepreneurship, we’re offering a new series of workshops. Check out our calendar!

In the News

The Community Loan Fund was in the news. 

Spectrum News and CBS 6 news covered the grant award ceremony in Schenectady where Small Business Assistance Program checks were disbursed to local businesses.

Find out the latest news and events from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, by clicking HERE.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

The Time for Reckoning: Confronting Systemic Racism, Seeking Justice and Reimagining Society Symposium

By albanyhousing | Published: October 28, 2020

Here is a link to

“The Time for Reckoning: Confronting Systemic Racism, Seeking Justice and Reimagining Society Symposium.”

https://nynow.wmht.org/timeforreckoning/

This one-hour program is co-sponsored by the Center for Law and Justice in Albany and the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany – in conjunction with several community partners. The symposium strives to create an ongoing dialogue between community members of color who live in urban communities where tensions with police run high and elected officials whose job is to protect and serve the public. The symposium also presents conversations with nationally-known experts on systemic racism and bestselling authors who discuss ways to imagine and begin to create a more just society built upon a foundation of racial equality.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Prime Time Teen Night Live

By albanyhousing | Published: October 26, 2020

Prime Time Teen Night Live

Basketball Workouts – Programs – Food – Music – Mentors – Game Room

Middle School – 6:00PM – 7:30PM

High School – 8:00PM – 10:30PM

Every Other Friday starting 11/6/2020

at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area

21 Delaware Avenue

Prime ime

dgordon@bgccapitalarea.org or 518-462-5528

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Online Orientation Session – A4TD

By albanyhousing | Published: October 26, 2020

IMG_7419

Online Orientation Session

Wednesday, October 28th at 9:00AM

Learn about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

A federally funded jobs training program specifically designed for older job seekers.

We are actively enrolling in this paid training program.

If you are an unemployed job seeker 55+ we are looking for you.

Join us at :

https://zoom.us/j/96227581691

phone: 1-646-876-9923

Meeting ID: 962 2758 1691

any questions? call 518-769-0004

www.a4td.org

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

“Our Beloved Community” Mass Food Distribution

By albanyhousing | Published: October 19, 2020

“Our Beloved Community” Mass Food Distribution

Come receive food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other items

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 9:30am until food is gone
833 Broadway, Albany, NY

• Please do not arrive before 9AM
• Food will be given out at 9:30
• There will be healthcare vendors you can interact with
• Everyone must practice social distancing & wear masks
• Share this information with others

Food Distribution - Flyer - North Albany - Oct 2020

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

Your Vote Counts

By albanyhousing | Published: October 19, 2020

9-30-20 Your Vote Counts (1)

Voting Early can help you stay safe from COVID-19

All New York voters are also eligible to vote absentee during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can request an absentee ballot by visiting absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov

Early Voting sites are open Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, November 1. You can vote at any of the early voting sites in your county.

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

FATHERING CONFERENCE

By albanyhousing | Published: October 19, 2020

JOIN US FOR THE 6TH ANNUAL NEW YORK FATHERING CONFERENCE

3 SESSIONS DELIVERED VIRTUALLY, ON-LINE
ZOOM Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3900268993
SESSION I SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.
SESSION II SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.
SESSION III SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Session I: Keynote by Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Grace Baptist Church
Other presentations: Food Insecurities with Daniel Bonnet, New Rochelle Community Action Partnership
Civic Engagement with Mayo Bartlett, PLLC, Civil Rights Attorney, Education with Professor Rebekah
Zwick, PhD, Westchester Community College

Session II: Keynote by James Rodriguez, Fathers & Families Coalition of America, Inc.
Other presentations: Employment with Nashon Halevi, Westchester Co. Office of Workforce Development,
Child Care with Nicole Masucci, Child Care Council of Westchester, Mental Health how to reduce stress
and anxiety

Session III: Keynote by Andre Rainey, Mayor City of Peekskill
Other presentations: will address: Effective Fathers with Scott Leach, NYC Director of Fatherhood Initiative;
Making the Holiday Happier, community resources that support family development; Grandpas
United, how this program of local grandfathers stands in the gap for families.

Fatherhood Conference Flyer FINAL WEB ADA

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

BusPlus River Corridor

By albanyhousing | Published: October 16, 2020

RIVER CORRIDOR BRT
Building 40 Miles Of Bus Rapid Transit

Overview

The Capital District Transportation Authority is building a 40-mile network of Bus Rapid Transit service to connect the Capital Region. CDTA is the only upstate transit system to build and operate BRT service, beginning with the introduction of the BRT Red Line, which provides rail-like service, along the Route 5 corridor linking Albany, Colonie, Niskayuna and Schenectady.

CDTA’s BRT network is expanding with a second line, travelling along the “River Corridor”, connecting neighborhoods, downtowns, and employment centers in communities adjacent to the Hudson River. The 16-mile BRT Blue Line will provide enhanced service from Albany’s South End to Menands, Watervliet, Troy, Cohoes, and Waterford.

This corridor produces 3 million transit rides annually and is undergoing a revitalization with developments that need more service. The Blue Line will serve a dense, urban corridor that connects offices, universities, shopping centers, retail districts, and residential areas in the heart of the Capital Region. These characteristics make it an excellent fit for Bus Rapid Transit service.

Blue Line service will be provided along two routes to provide more options for customers. One route will run from Delaware/Second Avenue to Cohoes, while the other route will run from South Pearl Street to Waterford. BRT offers limited stop service, improving traffic congestion on adjoining roadways. The Blue Line will feature the distinctive BusPlus branding scheme that signifies premium service. Customers will use large, and weather resistant stations, have access to real time information and complimentary Wi-Fi service.

Blue Line Overview 

River Corridor BRT_One Pager_Oct20_Page_1

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

CDL Hosts Wellness Event for Men of Color, Featuring COVID-19 Testing, Colorectal Cancer Screening, Yoga & More!

By albanyhousing | Published: October 16, 2020

Your health and safety are our priorities! We are following strict COVID-19 health & safety guidelines, so space is limited to a small number of participants at a time. Participants are not required to stay for the duration of the event.

¡Su salud y seguridad son nuestras prioridades!! Estamos siguiendo estrictas medidas de seguridad y salud de COVID-19; es por esto que el espacio es limitado a un pequeño número de participantes para mantener medidas de distanciamiento. Los participantes no están obligados a permanecer durante todo el evento.

CDL1CDL2

CDL’s first in-person event during the COVID-19 pandemic will include mental health sessions & nutrition workshops

(Albany, NY)—Capital District Latinos (CDL), an affiliate of the nonprofit Acacia Network, will host a special event, “Wellness Workshops & Health Screenings for Men of Color,” in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Prevention.

The free event will feature onsite COVID-19 testing; prostate and colorectal cancer information; colorectal cancer screening for men 50 and older; mental health sessions with a certified psychologist; nutrition and wellness workshops; yoga and exercise; information on the effects of COVID-19 on men in the LGBTQ+ community, and more.

Free masks, hand sanitizers, healthy refreshments, and boxed lunches will be provided. Workshops will be offered in English and Spanish. Participants will receive $20 gift cards and giveaways, including toiletries and other wellness items.

Your health and safety are our priorities! We are following strict COVID-19 health & safety guidelines, so space is limited to a small number of participants at a time. Participants are not required to stay for the duration of the event.

For more information, contact Micky Jimenez at 518.801.9440 Ext. 5080.

WHAT: Wellness Workshops & Health Screenings for Men of Color

WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

WHERE: Cultural Empowerment & Community Engagement Center (160 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206)

 

Join Us During our Weekly Virtual Wellness Events

Acacia Network, in partnership with our affiliate, the Institute for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly (IPRHE), invites you to participate in our Virtual Wellness Series for Seniors and Essential Workers, which features diverse workshops and events in areas such as physical fitness, relaxation, mindfulness, music and dance, census outreach, and voting information, among others.

These workshops aim to nurture the social-emotional well-being of seniors in our programs, as well as our frontline workers. Everyone is invited to join, FREE of cost!

We hope you’ll join us during one or more of the events listed below:

• Fri, Oct 16 | 11 AM: COVID-19 Conversations: Mental Health, Equity & Resilience
• Mon, Oct. 19 | 11:00 AM: Latin Dance
• Wed, Oct. 21 | 11:00 AM: Total Body Condition
• Fri, Oct. 23 | 11:00 AM: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Music & Poetry
• Mon, Oct. 26 | 11:00 AM: Healthy Financial Habits
• Wed, Oct. 28 | 11:00 AM: Tai Chi
• Fri, Oct 30 | 11:00 AM: Halloween Masquerade Ball

For more info, please contact Angel Santini at asantini@acacianetwork.org or 917-634-6963.

 

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

MAKE-UP INSTRUCTION AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MEET SPECIAL EDUCATION GOALS

By albanyhousing | Published: October 16, 2020

MAKE-UP INSTRUCTION AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MEET SPECIAL EDUCATION GOALS

ALBANY, NEW YORK – During the COVID-19 school closures, some students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) did not receive instruction and services according to their Plans.  These students might be eligible for compensatory education services if they did not make adequate progress. Compensatory services make up for instruction and services not provided according to the IEP. The individualized make-up services must help the student progress toward his or her IEP goals.

School districts should first assess each student’s current performance levels. Districts should then compare those levels with that student’s pre-closure performance levels. Districts should also consider what level the student should have achieved if schools had remained open. Review should include looking at all sections of the IEP.

Parents and guardians can and should keep track of student performance and progress as best they can. They should bring any specific concerns to the child’s special education teacher, supportive service provider, and Committee on Special Education (CSE)’s attention.  They should do this in writing. Parents can ask the school for copies of progress monitoring information. They can also ask the CSE to meet to discuss concerns.

School staff members can also bring concerns to the CSE’s attention if the assessments show loss of skills or lack of progress.

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York’s Children’s Law Project can advise and assist parents of low-income children with disabilities at no charge. You can learn more about the Children’s Law Project by visiting https://www.lasnny.org/clp/. If you have questions about an education matter, please contact LASNNY by calling (833) 628-0087.

ABOUT THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY:

Since 1923 the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York has worked to ensure fairness in the justice system and address some of our community’s most serious problems by providing free civil legal aid to low-income individuals and families. The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York fights for fairness, dignity, and justice for those living in poverty and for a society which is inclusive and equitable for all. LASNNY transforms lives, builds community, and empowers people by using the law to address individual and systemic wrongs and inequalities.

###

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York provides effective, free civil legal services and education to and advocacy for people with low income or other barriers to accessing the legal system. We secure basic needs, protect and preserve legal rights, provide equal access to justice, and seek fairness and dignity for our clients. We have 150 staff in five offices, serving 16 counties from the Catskills to the Canadian border.

Legal Aid Society

Press Release
October 16, 2020
For more information contact:

Deanne Grimaldi
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
Director of Development and Communications
Mobile: 518-860-6629
Email: dgrimaldi@lasnny.org

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

MEDICARE 101 WEBINAR

By albanyhousing | Published: October 15, 2020

MEDICARE 101 WEBINAR

Are you currently enrolled in Medicare? Will you be turning 65 over the next year or two?

Learn about eligibility, how and when to enroll, when you can make changes and the insurance options available to you. Review and compare what services are covered/not covered under Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. Detail the costs associated with medical and drug insurance. Explore and evaluate Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Prescription Drug Plans and
Medicare Advantage Plans.
This educational program will simplify the choices you need to make, help you make more well-informed decisions and explain what Medicare means for you.

  • Registration is required for this event at https://bit.ly/2FvshNK
  • At the registration page, please fill in your first name only and leave your last name blank.
  • After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

James Farnham MS, MBA, has thirty years’ experience in insurance and financial services and currently works as a licensed agent. Over the last 10 years, he has taught this program, both live and webinar, for numerous libraries, schools, colleges, universities, businesses, learning centers and adult & continuing education programs. Jim works with individuals to determine the most appropriate coverage and then to assist them in the enrollment process.

Medicare_101_workshop_print

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed

FREE FOOD! Farmers to Families Food Box

By albanyhousing | Published: October 13, 2020

FREE FOOD!
FARMERS TO FAMILIES

Albany County Plaza (260 South Pearl St.) Drive-thru Food Box Pick-up
Fridays: October 16, 23, 30
5:00 – 7:00 pm
The Capital District YMCA is providing our community access to the fresh and wholesome food we need during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Join us to pick-up a box of food including:
Assorted fruits and vegetables Meat and eggs Dairy: cheese, butter, cream cheese, and 1 gallon of milk **Ingredients subject to changes based on availability** Free and open to the community!

JOIN US!
CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA
518.272.5900 x2200
ratwell@cdymca.org
www.CDYMCA.org

Albany_Farmer to Families Promo

Posted in Featured News | Comments closed