News & Media

EBT card skimming is a growing issue affecting many SNAP recipients, particularly seniors in New York City. Affected individuals, like 91-year-old S. Lai, discover their benefits drained shortly after they’re deposited, often leaving them without crucial food assistance. Community organizations report increasing cases of fraud, with over $43 million in reimbursements issued for stolen benefits. Despite security features like the Freeze Card function, many seniors continue to struggle. Advocates call for stronger protections, including chip-enabled cards.

Many older adults in Southern Brooklyn, like F. Wong and G. Chen, are deeply concerned about the potential cuts to federal programs like SNAP, which provide essential support for food and healthcare. A recent survey by Homecrest Community Services found that over 50% of respondents, mostly seniors, ranked healthcare access as their top priority, followed by public safety and government services. With the general election approaching, residents are urging candidates to address these issues, as rising costs and uncertainty around services are putting increasing strain on their communities.

Ahead of the 2025 NYC General Election, Homecrest Community Services surveyed over 300 low-income, immigrant South Brooklyn voters on their priorities. The top three concerns identified for the next Mayor are: Healthcare Accessibility, Community Safety, and Government Program Access. Additionally, language and translation needs were the second most cited family challenge (over 40%), highlighting an urgent need for inclusive, multilingual public systems. Homecrest leadership emphasized these issues are crucial for families to live with dignity and hope.

Homecrest Community Services released a survey detailing Brooklyn residents' top priorities ahead of the 2025 election, gathering over 300 anonymous responses from low-income community members. The three primary concerns voters want the next Mayor to address are: Healthcare Accessibility, followed by Community Safety and Government Program Access. Homecrest's President and CEO noted the results underscore non-negotiable daily needs for families to live with dignity and hope.

NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced a historic $5 million capital funding initiative to repair and upgrade older adult centers citywide, improving safety and accessibility. With NYC’s older adult population rapidly growing, the investment will support infrastructure needs like bathrooms, HVAC systems, and accessibility features. Homecrest CEO Wai Yee Chan praised the initiative, noting that new upgrades will help centers better serve older adults and foster active, connected communities.

More than 100 residents, aged 14 to 96, attended Homecrest's new safety workshop series, Safe · Seen · Strong (3S), which is taught by William Kwok, Ed.D., and partnered with The Asian American Foundation and others. The interactive session focuses on personal safety and bystander intervention.

Participants practice skills like setting boundaries, creating distractions, and documenting incidents. Homecrest's goal is to expand the 3S initiative citywide to build mutual trust and ensure every Asian community member feels "safe, seen, and strong."

Homecrest Community Services' Sunset Park branch celebrated its first anniversary with a community event. Local elected officials joined the celebration, while staff inside the center continued their vital work assisting clients. Since opening, the center has helped thousands of residents with services ranging from SNAP benefits and housing to citizenship applications. The article emphasizes the center's commitment to providing respectful, ongoing support, which clients find invaluable. Future plans include creating more senior centers in the neighborhood.