Free Air Conditioner
Free air conditioners are available to low income NYC residents who have a medical condition made worse by heat, and either receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and did not receive an air conditioner by the Home Energy Assistance Program within the past 10 years. Income-eligibility requirements also apply. For more detailed information and requirements, call (212) 331-3126, or visit the Department of Human Resources Administration at 1932 Arthur Ave. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Secure Valuable Electronics
The NYPD’s Operation I.D. helps residents register their valuable portable electronics, free, with the owner’s name and contact information.  Registering electronic equipment deters thieves from selling stolen property and helps the NYPD return goods to their rightful owner.  Find out more at https://on.nyc.gov/2IrsOfd.

Free Legal Help
Councilman Andy King hosts a mobile van offering free civil legal services on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Evander Childs football field, 800 E. Gun Hill Rd. Legal assistance includes domestic violence/family law, orders of protection, divorces, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, and immigration. For more information and required appointment, call (718) 684-5509.

Free Museum Admissions With Library Card
Owners of NYC library cards can enter 33 of the city’s cultural institutions free, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Each library’s website will have its own page for the Culture Pass. Cardholders log in using their library card ID, make a reservation and print or download a pass which can be used as often as they want throughout the year. The program is currently funded for three years, but is expected to be extended.

Commercial Lease Help
Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition offers free legal help to small businesses in negotiating commercial leases with their landlords. Businesses have to be in New York City, must be non-franchise, have a household income below 500 percent of the federal poverty guideline, and have a new or renewal lease. For more information, contact Evy Viruet at (718) 584-0515 ext. 100. 

Rent Freeze Programs
University Neighborhood Housing Program offers assistance in applying for a rent freeze through the state SCRIE/DRIE programs. Eligible applicants must be at least 62 years old, have someone in their house at least 62 years old, or disabled (receiving SSI/SSD benefits). Sessions are available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave. (corner of East 196th Street). For more information and to RSVP, call (718) 933-2539. 

Free Meals Application
Breakfast and lunch are now free for all students in NYC public schools.  The New York City Department of Education (DOE) asks all parents, regardless of income, to complete a School Meals Form at http://nyc.applyforlunch.com. A hard copy is available at your school’s main office.

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Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.