Gov. Hochul Launches Website with Resources for Ukrainian People and Allies in New York

On March 24, 2022, Governor Hochul announced the launch of a new website containing resources offered by New York State to help the Ukrainian people and their allies in New York. This comes after the Governor’s announcement about warning consumers about scams and cybersecurity threats amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

To show additional support, Governor Hochul also announced that the Ukrainian flag will be flown on the Capitol building, the Executive Mansion, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services headquarters.

Governor Hochul spoke about the current Russian invasion in Ukraine by saying,

“Ukraine’s resilience against Vladimir Putin’s tyranny is an inspiration to the rest of the world, and many New Yorkers are already doing their part to support humanitarian efforts.”

said Governor Hochul.

“In moments like these, New Yorkers always stand together to support those in need. We are proud to provide trusted resources for those who want to lend a helping hand for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters here in New York.”

This directive is part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to support Ukraine. Just last week, the Governor had announced an Executive Order to prohibit state agencies and authorities from contracting with entities that continue to do business in Russia.

In early March, Governor Hochul announced actions to strengthen the Department of Financial Services (DFS) enforcement of sanctions against Russia. This includes the expedited procurement of additional blockchain analytics technology.

In February, Governor Hochul ordered all state agencies and authorities to divest public funds from Russia and stop doing business with Russian companies.

Resources that are available on the website include:

Support Services

The Office for New Americans (ONA) provides a variety of free support services to all immigrants and refugees in New York State, regardless of status, such as:

• Access to free legal support including asylum applications and deportation defense through its network of legal service providers
• English language courses through its network of Opportunity Centers.
• Access to mental health support groups through its Golden Doors Program
• Workforce readiness tools include resume writing, digital literacy skills, and credentialing evaluation
• Support to access developmental disability services through the ONA Ramirez June Initiative

Visit the Office of New Americans website here or contact their hotline at 1-800-566-7636. The NYS New Americans Hotline connects immigrants and refugees to free services across the state. The Hotline operates from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, except holidays. All calls are confidential and assistance is available in over 200 languages, including Ukrainian and Russian.

If you are a U.S. citizen in Ukraine, the U.S. State Department has resources for those wishing to depart. They offer travel conditions and land border guidance for surrounding countries including Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova.

U.S. citizens in Ukraine should complete this online form so that the State Department can communicate with you. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Ukraine can call 1-833-741-2777 (in the United States) or 1-606-260-4379 (from overseas) for immediate assistance. You can also visit the Ukraine Crisis page on the State Department’s website here.

The Consulate General of Ukraine in New York is currently providing consular services. All consular services which require receiving documents from Ukraine, including the issuance of new passports and visa services, have been suspended until further notice.

If you have visa or passport questions, you can contact the Consulate General by emailing [email protected] or calling either 212-371-6965 or 212-371-5690.

Ukrainians in New York and those who are experiencing an emergency (e.g. detention), can call the Consulate’s hotline number at 917-325-1444 for assistance.

Immigration Assistance

Protections may be available for eligible Ukrainians already present in the U.S. As a result of the Russian military invasion, the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months. Individuals that are eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the U.S. since March 1, 2022. Ukrainians eligible for TPS can contact the NYS New Americans Hotline for free legal assistance at 1-800-566-7636.

The Consulate General of Ukraine in New York is currently providing consular services. All consular services which require receiving documents from Ukraine, including the issuance of new passports and visa services, have been suspended until further notice.

If you have visa or passport questions, you can contact the Consulate General by emailing [email protected] or calling either 212-371-6965 or 212-371-5690.

Ukrainians in New York and those who are experiencing an emergency (e.g. detention), can call the Consulate’s hotline number at 917-325-1444 for assistance.

Immigration Assistance

Protections may be available for eligible Ukrainians already present in the U.S. As a result of the Russian military invasion, the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months. Individuals that are eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the U.S. since March 1, 2022. Ukrainians eligible for TPS can contact the NYS New Americans Hotline for free legal assistance at 1-800-566-7636.

If you have recently been granted asylum, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, through contracted providers, offers free services to asylees across New York State.

Visit a provider in your area that can assist you with:

• Finding employment
• Free health screening and immunizations
• Accessing other support services

Find a provider in your area here and learn more about refugee services and assistance for immigrants here.

Emotional Support

If you need 24-hour phone support, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 1-800-985-5990. Callers can connect with counselors for support in over 100 languages via third-party interpretation, including Ukrainian and Russian.

If you need a 24-hour Crisis Text Line: Text GOT5 to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

For 24-hour support for deaf or hard-of-hearing American Sign Language users, the national Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is now offering direct crisis counseling and support for deaf or hard-of-hearing American Sign Language users via a dedicated videophone option.

Disaster survivors and responders can connect with trained DDH crisis workers fluent in ASL by dialing 1-800-985-5990 from a videophone enabled device or via an “ASL Now” link which can be accessed at DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov

Humanitarian Aid

Be sure to avoid scams. Anytime disasters occur, scam artists, prey on individuals that are trying to simply help. The invasion of Ukraine provides an opportunity for scammers and fraudsters to set up fake charities or pose as war victims. Others may also design websites to mimic a legitimate charity’s official site to steal unsuspecting donors’ money and personal information.

To prevent scams and donation money ending up elsewhere, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection recommends taking the following safety precautions:

• Verify the request. Scammers are now often posing as a friend, family, or romantic interest on social media and requesting donations. If you receive an unsolicited request for donation relief online, even if you feel it is from someone you know, connect with that person directly through a different communication link to verify the request. Do not click on any links or complete any forms before verifying the source. Also, if this request is coming from someone you’ve recently met online, it is most likely a scam and you should be cautious.
• Research the charity. Don’t rely on a charity website alone. Search online before donating to any charity using the name of the group plus search terms like “review” and “scam.” The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking with give.org, charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, and candid.org to see reviews and ratings for charities.
• Resist high-pressure tactics. While the situation calls for our urgent attention, consumers should resist being pressured to donate immediately. Scammers often pressure you to donate immediately, causing you to overlook the red flags in their story. Beware of direct emails from “victims” and solicitors who employ emotional stories insisting you donate immediately. Do not give money over the phone to unsolicited telemarketers. Instead, ask the caller to send written materials about the charity and where to donate, if you choose.
• Keep personal information private. Never give your Social Security number, credit card, debit card number, or other personal identifying information to an unsolicited charitable request. If donating online, ensure that your internet connection is secure before following through on the donation request.
• Ask how your money will be spent. Consumers want to know that their money is going directly to the victims affected. A genuine charity should be able to let you know how much of your donation will go directly to the program as opposed to administrative fees.
• Donate by check credit card. Never give money using cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other option that would be difficult to trace. Contribute by check or credit card to ensure that you have a record of the donation. Make checks out to the charity and not to an individual. If you choose to donate via a charity’s website, check that the website is secure and your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of a fraudulent attempt to receive donations, you can file a complaint with New York. State Division of Consumer Protection here.

The Division’s Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding State holidays, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 1-800-697-1220.

Source: