Brooklyn Coronavirus Update and Open Thread: Feeding Brooklyn, Crime Falls (4/22/20)

We’re in the sixth week of sheltering in place and the 22nd day of home schooling for New York City schools.

The Brownsville Community Cultural Center and Williamsburg butcher shop The Meat Hook are both offering meals to the needy, our sister pub Brooklyn Paper reported. The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg has pivoted to sheltering and feeding first responders, a rep told Brownstoner.

If you need to find a food pantry (or a virus testing site) near where you live, this online database set up by two Brooklynites is searchable by zip code.

Of Brooklyn businesses who filled out a Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce survey, 84 percent could not get government aid in the form of paycheck protection loans, the Commercial Observer said.

Unemployment makes it difficult for many to meet their basic needs, and 44 percent of New York City renters who responded to a PropertyNest survey say they lack funds to pay May 1 rent. The New York City Council is voting today on a relief package to keep people housed and fed while the shutdown continues.

Major crime has fallen almost 30 percent in Brooklyn, but certain crimes — ones that are easier to commit in a pandemic — are up: Burglary and car theft. Murders increased from four to six in the 28-day period ended April 12, vs the same time period last day, Brooklyn Paper reported.

How are you weathering the shutdown, and what are your concerns and thoughts? What do you think should be done in Brooklyn to combat the spread of the virus and save local businesses and jobs? Please feel free to comment in a respectful manner (please, no personal attacks, nothing libelous). If you are not already logged in, go up to the top right hand side of the page and log in to be able to comment.