Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is excited to launch a new partnership with technology startup Benefit Kitchen.

Benefit Kitchen is a free financial literacy platform that connects working families with a path out of poverty. In under 10 minutes, you can learn about your eligibility and estimated dollar amounts for up to 18 federal, state, and local benefits, unlocking up to $13,000 for your household annually! The quick screening also provides information about how to apply for Food Stamps, Medicaid, WIC, TANF, HEAP, tax credits, child care and other benefits.

We’ve partnered with Benefit Kitchen to add local benefits and resources to the screener. The Myrtle Avenue screener will reveal both government/non-profit resources as well as local merchant offerings, which helps stretch household budgets even further (ie. discount eye exams for families eligible for Medicaid, local grocery stores that accept SNAP).

Project Goals:
We’ve set a goal to complete 2500 screenings this year in our community!  We want to reach as many residents as possible, and unlock as many benefits as possible. We’ll send trained volunteers to our program events, community events, local meetings and partner organizations to assist with the screening. We’ll also launch an outreach campaign to tell people how they can complete the screening on their own – it’s easy!

If you’re interested in becoming a Benefit Kitchen volunteer, please reach out to us at info@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689 ext 3#.

Project Funders:
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Benefit Kitchen are one of five winning teams selected to receive $100,000 from SBS’ Neighborhood Challenge Program. We were selected from a pool of 12 finalists who pitched their proposals to a panel of judges at the Hub @ Grand Central Tech in spring 2017. Awardees will use funding to implement tailored, data-driven solutions that build the capacity of CBOs to address the challenges in their commercial districts.

Grantees will have one year to complete projects that address a significant commercial district challenge and have a measureable impact on the commercial district management organization’s operations. Beyond the year of implementation, Neighborhood Challenge projects are intended to serve as catalysts that have the potential for long-term sustainability and positive economic impact. Neighborhood Challenge receives funding from the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Project Partners & Supporters:
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership
Benefit Kitchen
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
Afro Punk Army