An Open Later To The Mayor

An open letter to the Mayor to save the nonprofit human services sector on the frontline of the battle. We run homeless shelters, housing programs, outreach services, senior centers, school-based programs, health centers, youth programs, and more

We have been asking for days that the following actions must be taken by the Mayor now:

1- Issue a blanket hold harmless to all providers on contract obligations which cannot be met as a result of Covid-19 related factors: home visits, occupancy levels, minimum staffing levels, case management sessions, etc..

2- Accelerate cash flow: Suspend all recoupments of advances. Suspend all pre audit of invoices. Suspend all audits. Register all pending contracts and amendments immediately.

3- Commit to payments for workers unable to work due to mandated shutdowns and directives for social isolation: schools, senior centers, etc.

4- Commit to a 10% increase to all contracted providers for documented expenses needed and incurred under this emergency.

The response of the Mayor’s Office to submit requests that will be considered on a case by case basis is completely out of touch with the present reality. In normal circumstances this administration has failed to provide prompt responses on administrative matters such as these. How will they be able to do that now. And how do they think we have the time to submit individual requests for each and every need?

Swift and impactful action must be taken immediately.

Muzzy Rosenblatt

CEO & President

BRC