Long Island Head Start follows guidelines from CDC and the State of NY to ensure that children and staff are safe with a reduced risk of COVID-19. Long Island Head Start has an inventory of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and has implemented COVID-19 screening procedures and policies to ensure the safety of children, families, and staff.

Long Island Head Start is offering virtual & on-demand learning as well as in-person classes. In addition to on-demand sessions, teachers are providing daily 15-minute live instruction sessions. The program uses the ClassTag to directly connect teachers and families for all their communications needs. Select centers are providing families with grab and go meals. Families are provided support with referrals to community resources based on their individual need.

For ages three to five our Head Start program provides developmental screenings and on-going assessments, School Readiness – transition into Kindergarten, NYS Licensed Day Care Centers, Nutritious Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Snack), outdoor playgrounds, full-day UPK at select centers, before & after care available at select centers .The Early Head Start program provides services for expectant mothers, infants, and toddlers. This program for ages birth to 3 provides diapers and formula while in session, nutritious meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Snack), outdoor playgrounds, individualized Home-Based Services, before & after care available at select centers.

Enroll now! To apply please visit www.liheadstart.org or call (631) 758-5200 for more information.

Rental Assistance Program

The Town of Babylon COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program is designed to assist residents struggling to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Individuals renting a home or apartment in the Town of Babylon as indicated in a lease agreement in effect as of March 2020.
• Renter must have a demonstrated loss of income due to COVID-19.
• Renter must have been current on their rent prior to March 2020 and not be related to the property owner/landlord.
• Applicants will have to disclose any funds they received to assist with missed rent payments such as the New York State COVID Rent Relief Program. Individuals may still qualify for the Town of Babylon’s program if there is still an outstanding rental arrear, but they are not permitted to accept a duplication of award/rent from both programs.
• Renter’s TOTAL household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. For a single person the maximum income is $70,900; for two persons $81,050; for three persons $91,150, etc.

Monthly rental payments can go up to HUD’s established 2020 Fair Market Rents by unit size, (see below for full details).

The initial Inquiry form is available from Friday, February 26, 2021, at 12:00 pm to 11:59 pm on Friday, March 19, 2021. For more information, please call 1.800.375.1014. Click here for the program overview.

 PROGRAMA DE ASISTENCIA PARA ALQUILER 

El Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de la Ciudad de Babylon COVID-19 está diseñado para ayudar a los residentes que luchan por pagar el alquiler debido a la pandemia de COVID-19.

Criterio de elegibilidad:

• Individuos que alquilan una casa o apartamento en la ciudad de Babylon como se indica en un contrato de arrendamiento vigente a partir de marzo de 2020.
• El arrendatario debe tener una pérdida demostrada de ingresos debido a COVID-19.
• El arrendatario debe haber estado al día con su alquiler antes de marzo de 2020 y no estar relacionado con el propietario / arrendador de la propiedad.
• Los solicitantes deberán divulgar los fondos que recibieron para ayudar con los pagos de alquiler atrasados, como el Programa de alivio de alquileres COVID del estado de Nueva York. Las personas aún pueden calificar para el programa de Town of Babylon si todavía hay un atraso de alquiler pendiente, pero no se les permite aceptar una duplicación del premio / alquiler de ambos programas.
• El ingreso familiar TOTAL del inquilino debe ser igual o inferior al 80% del ingreso medio del área. Para una persona soltera, el ingreso máximo es de $ 70,900; para dos personas $ 81.050; para tres personas $ 91,150, etc.

Los pagos de alquiler mensuales pueden llegar hasta los alquileres de mercado justos de 2020 establecidos por HUD por tamaño de unidad (consulte a continuación para obtener detalles completos).

El formulario de consulta inicial está disponible desde el viernes 26 de febrero de 2021 de 12:00 pm a 11:59 pm del viernes 19 de marzo de 2021. Para obtener más información, llame al 1.800.375.1014. Haga clic aquí para ver la descripción general del programa.

1) There is free COVID-PCR testing being done around the corner from the LISH Plant/CI office with results in 3-5 days; it is a drive-through style like Stony Brook. The PCR is free,
 the rapid is at a cost. No appointments required and they are open 7 days a week with some nights until 8 pm.
https://www.delivermymeds.com/Covid-19-Lab-Test-Free-Long-Island
 
2) CVS Minute Clinic is also offering to drive through testing- this requires an appt. but is also free and is PCR with results in 3 days. 
https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing
 
3) People can also check this site, which lists testing sites available by zip code etc.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you