A Thanksgiving Story
Seniors at Astoria Houses had something extra to appreciate this Thanksgiving, thanks to a food drive held by staff in the Sandy Project Management Operation Office of Disaster Recovery. The unit’s community outreach team and others work closely with residents in NYCHA’s Sandy-damaged developments. So when staff decided to have a food drive, “they knew that the NYCHA-run senior center at Astoria Houses could put their efforts to good use,” said Michele Moore, Senior Advisor to the Vice President for Disaster Recovery.
“This will be a great joy to seniors at Astoria Houses, who have a gathering space but no steady funds to provide lunch,” said Resident Association President Claudia Coger, who has lived at Astoria Houses for 61 years. “The extra food will go into our food pantry and will really help.”
“It feels good when my job can also help residents in my own community,” said Vanessa Jones-Hall, a community outreach worker who resides at Astoria Houses.
“We recognize that residents’ lives are still being affected at the Sandy-damaged developments, and we take that to heart in all of our interactions with them,” said Deputy Program Manager Mike Cooper.
The close support between staff and residents can go both ways. When disaster recovery administrator Sylvia Williams lost her brother not long ago, Ms. Coger consoled Ms. Williams on her loss. When they met on the 27th floor of 250 Broadway for the group photo, there were hugs all around.
“Sometimes it only takes a few words to make a big difference,” Ms. Williams said.
