A note from our Executive Director:

These are unprecedented times, we have suffered great losses these past few weeks, and we will all need time to heal.  We have adapted to the new “normal”, and social distancing is now as a common phrase in our vocabulary.

At last, we are starting to see the flattening we hoped to achieve by staying home, and through it all, our staff at FDC has been working tirelessly to address the emerging needs of our community and the families for whom we serve.

Although we work remotely - and our new coworkers are children, spouses, roommates, parents, pets and more – we remain dedicated to Strengthening the Flatbush Community.


#FlatbushStrong

Warm Regards,
Robin Redmond

 

Rest assured, although our physical locations are closed, FDC as an organization is OPEN. We are available to you by phone or email. 


Department Updates


Economic Development 
 
Click here to view our COVID-19 Business Directory 

FDC has been working with the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association and the Newkirk Plaza Merchant Association to make a public, updatable merchant list of all businesses in the Ditmas Park, Flatbush commercial corridor during COVID-19. This public list provides the status of most businesses (open, closed, special hours, etc) that we will continue to update as we connect with merchants.  If you're open and your business is not on this list please email Business Name, Address, Phone number, and Business Hours to nleonard@fdconline.org. 


*Again, this public list will become more robust as our neighbors and partners share business information about the changing business landscape due to COVID-19. Please share widely!*
 

Additional small business financial assistance resources:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance
Grants of up to $10,000 are available to small businesses to cover immediate operating costs. Click the link to view eligibility requirements.

SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Providing small businesses and nonprofits with low-interest, fixed-rate loans of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue. An advance of up to $10,000 can be awarded within three days of application, which can be used to cover immediate operating costs.

SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Provides loans of up to $10 million to eligible small businesses and nonprofits to help them keep employees on the payroll. The loan is forgivable if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

SBA Express Bridge Loans Pilot Program
This pilot program gives SBA Express Lenders the authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing.

Federal Payroll Tax Credits
Refundable tax credits available for eligible employers to offset the costs of newly authorized paid sick leave and childcare benefits.  




Youth 

 
Click here to view our official Youth Department Facebook Page
Check out our first FDC staff Read Aloud.  Valarie Walker reading, Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney. 
Housing & Advocacy



Flatbush Tenant Coalition (FTC)

Check out our tenant coalition's (FTC)  official Website & Facebook for up-to-date information on how they are actively continuing to support tenant power & advocating the rights of tenants across Brooklyn. 

1. You can look up your building, and find out who your landlord is, what other buildings they own, and a whole lot more, at https://whoownswhat.justfix.nyc/en/

2. You can text for your rent history and it comes by mail in a few days. Text "rent history" to 646.783.0627. When you get the rent history, email it to us!! We'll be able to look at it and let you know if you might be overcharged, etc.


3. Sign this petition demanding that Governor Cuomo #CancelRent, #CancelMortgages, #HouseTheHomeless bit.ly/NoRentNow


4. Check out our Rent Strike Toolkit. Many, many people can't pay rent. Whether it is voluntary or involuntary, we need to use this moment to build tenant power!


5. Please spread the word that there is an eviction moratorium right now for 90 days. No one can be evicted for any reason. Also, housing courts are closed. Landlords cannot start any new housing court cases for eviction! Tenants can still start court cases for emergency repairs and if they are illegally locked out.
 

My2020census.gov. Pass it on. #GetCountedNYC

While we’re all going through this difficult time together (and let’s remember all of the people around us on the front lines), let’s not forget that there are some other super important things still happening — like the census. It determines billions of dollars for education, housing, transportation — and yes, healthcare. Decisions being made at every level of government depend on census data, and if we don’t show up in the numbers, we’ve got a very big problem. So take 5 minutes (yep, that’s all you need; no more long forms) and fill out your form. Super important — and super easy.

Learn more about the Free Meals Program



As you know everything is changing quickly and a lot of information is being shared. We recommend the following places for accurate information:

 

NYC (Official website of the City of New York)
CDC (Official website for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
WHO (Official website for the World Health Organization)
HHS (Health and Human Services)



*NYS Rescheduled Special Election and Primary Day*

June 23, 2020

It is important that we New Yorkers #GetOutTheVote

If you wish to maintain social distancing and make your vote count, download, complete and mail your absentee ballot request form using this link today. 

Be sure to mail your completed application to your Borough Office Board of Elections (see below).  Your request should indicate "temporary illness" as the reason (the definition of which has been expanded to cover the risk of the coronavirus).
Do not delay, mail your absentee ballot request today!

BOROUGH OFFICES OF THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS 

Manhattan, 200 Varick Street, New York, N.Y. 10014 (212) 886‐2100 

Bronx, 1780 Grand Concourse, Bronx, N.Y. 10457 (718) 960‐0730 

Brooklyn, 345 Adams Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 (718) 797‐8800 

Queens, 118-35 Queens Boulevard 11th Fl., Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375 (718) 730‐6730 

Staten Island, One Edgewater Plaza, Staten Island, N.Y. 10305 (718) 876‐0079  



Now, more than ever, our organization and the community we serve need your support to ensure our ability to continue providing vital services & supports during this difficult time. 
 
Donate Today
We look forward to reopening our doors and programs as soon as safely possible.
 
In the meantime, as we are practicing social distancing, we hope you stay safe and connected. Remember, we are here for you.
We’ll continue to provide updates on social media and on our website to keep you informed.
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Copyright © 2020 Flatbush Development Corporation, All rights reserved.


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