When he was fresh out of high school, longtime NYCHA employee Juan Santiago found the U.S. Navy to be just the place to pursue his ambitions at the time. Having only left his home in the Bronx on a few occasions to visit extended family in the Dominican Republic, the young Mr. Santiago “really wanted to… MORE
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On November 10, NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ and NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) President Eric Enderlin joined with Trinity Financial and a group of business, nonprofit, and community leaders to celebrate the opening of Van Dyke III, a supportive and affordable housing development in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. The 100 percent affordable housing project was realized… MORE
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Another season of Harvest Festivals celebrated fall-themed activities for families at NYCHA’s Eco-Hubs. Held on Saturdays throughout October, the free events featured pumpkin carving/decorating, games, raffles, arts and crafts, as well as a DJ, photo booth, dancing, and a variety of healthy snacks. A total of 445 visitors attended the festivities at the five Eco-Hub sites operated… MORE
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In October, NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) completed two projects that will bring improved heating systems for residents and parking access for persons with disabilities, as well as two other projects to restore gas service to 79 apartments in the Bronx and 60 apartments in Manhattan. CPD oversees more than $1 billion in construction projects across the Authority’s portfolio that are funded with federal,… MORE
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After 2,000 young NYCHA residents took to the basketball courts on 78 teams in the Junior Knicks Basketball League, six teams emerged to battle for this season’s league throne. In the end, teams from Carver Houses in Manhattan, Hammel Houses in Queens, and Bronx River Houses in the Bronx captured league championships in the 11-and-under… MORE
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NYCHA departments and developments celebrated Customer Service Week 2021 from Monday, October 18 to Friday, October 22 by organizing activities on the theme of “Power of Service.” Below are some highlights of how NYCHA colleagues spent the week visiting developments, reviewing best practices, motivating each other, and sharing tips and resources as the Authority demonstrated… MORE
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NYCHA Chair Greg Russ was among the featured speakers at the National Association of Minority Contractors’ (NAMC) 52nd Annual Conference in Queens on October 14-15. The conference, hosted by the NAMC New York Tri-State Chapter at Terrace on the Park, covered key issues affecting Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) construction… MORE
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The limited English proficient (LEP) community at NYCHA relies on them to be able to comprehend information about the Authority’s various programs, activities, and services. Since 2008, employees with NYCHA’s Language Services Unit (LSU) have been working to ensure that all residents, Section 8 voucher holders, and applicants with limited English proficiency can be adequately informed in their native… MORE
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Meet Sam Awelewa, Lead Oversight Team Specialist NYCHA is proud of our hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this employee spotlight, meet Sam Awelewa, Lead Oversight Team Specialist in the Environmental Health and Safety Department. A resident of Brooklyn, Mr. Awelewa has worked… MORE
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In September, NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) marked the completion of two City-funded projects in Manhattan and Brooklyn as well as three federally funded projects in the Bronx that will bring a variety of benefits and improved services for residents. CPD oversees more than $1 billion in construction projects across the Authority’s portfolio that are… MORE
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For their moment in the spotlight at the Mets’ home stadium, two NYCHA employees decided to make it a family affair. Carpenter Christopher Tantillo and information technology staffer Darnes Taveras were each given the special opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Mets baseball game at Citi Field after having won complimentary tickets in… MORE
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There’s a basketball revival taking place for youth across NYCHA. Teams of young boys and girls are competing in a new Junior Knicks Basketball League through October 16 at 26 NYCHA sites, including 14 newly refurbished basketball courts. A modified restoration of a former citywide league at NYCHA, the Junior Knicks league was organized in partnership with Madison Square… MORE
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In August, NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) marked the completion of City-funded upgrades to two daycare center playgrounds at Washington Houses and Carver Houses in Manhattan. In addition, CPD completed federally funded exterior building repairs at Glebe Avenue-Westchester Avenue in the Bronx as part of Local Law 11, also known as the Facade Inspection & Safety Program. As… MORE
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NYCHA’s summer celebration of basketball extended to Staten Island on August 26, when Stapleton Houses welcomed its own newly refurbished basketball court. NYCHA Chair Greg Russ joined residents and community groups for the court opening festivities, which included a ribbon cutting and backpack giveaway. Among the community partners who helped make the improvements possible were… MORE
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Brooklyn Law School student Leilani O’Sullivan was inspired to pursue a career in public service after growing up in Queens and learning of the challenges many New Yorkers face when it comes to housing stability. Sabrina Randhawa, who will be entering her third year at New York Law School, wanted to explore the impacts of the legal… MORE
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Under a new NYCHA pilot program, caretakers who sweep, mop, and clear garbage at six Brooklyn developments will be restored to traditional work schedules, helping to ensure that residents’ buildings are cleaned regularly and maintained throughout the week. Caretakers will no longer be assigned Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) and will go back to being responsible for cleaning specific buildings each… MORE
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When she stepped in front of the mound at the Mets’ Citi Field for her spotlight moment, NYCHA’s Edith Irizarry-Oviedo wanted to pay tribute to her father and longtime employer. The Brooklyn resident made sure to wear a Mets jersey, but it was her father’s NYCHA cap that had special significance as she threw out… MORE
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Basketball is taking center stage this summer at developments across NYCHA. Thanks to its collaboration with law enforcement partners, NYCHA is celebrating the opening of more than a dozen renovated basketball courts. These vital communal play spaces help keep residents and youth active and safe during the warmer months. “These investments in this kind of court are tremendously powerful; kids will play on… MORE
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Tannishia Mattis of NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES) can attest to the benefits of the office’s referral services for residents. Prior to joining the REES staff, Ms. Mattis contacted the office seeking help with employment opportunities, and a referral specialist directed her to some career training programs. Then, when a temporary community associate… MORE
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Meet Matt Curry, Elevator Mechanic at Mott Haven Houses We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet Matt Curry, Elevator Mechanic at Mott Haven Houses in the Bronx, who works on one of… MORE
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NYCHA has announced the launch of the newly formed Team for Enhanced Management Planning and Outreach, or TEMPO, a program dedicated to outreach, inspection, and remediation in NYCHA apartments where there is known or presumed lead-based paint, and where a child under the age of 6 lives or routinely spends more than 10 hours per… MORE
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Throughout New York City’s battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, NYCHA has relied upon nearly 9,000 essential employees to help ensure the seamless delivery of services to hundreds of thousands of public housing residents across the city. They were among NYCHA’s dedicated staff who continued to show up to their job sites at the height of the pandemic, while others transitioned to working remotely, to… MORE
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NYCHA Neighborhood Administrator Nymiah Branch has more than 35 years of experience to draw from when it comes to understanding the needs of NYCHA residents. After growing up with his family in Brooklyn’s Boulevard Houses for 20 years, Mr. Branch lived on his own at Breukelen Houses in Brooklyn for another 16 years. It was that experience which inspired… MORE
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NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) marked the completion of two projects at Queens’ Astoria Houses in June that will bring a variety of benefits and improved services for residents and the surrounding community. CPD oversees more than $1 billion in construction projects across the Authority’s portfolio that are funded with federal, State, and City investments.… MORE
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Greenhouses that could help the NYCHA community engage in urban farming and mitigate food insecurity while providing educational and career development opportunities. A site plan that aims to improve connectivity and pedestrian safety by prioritizing pedestrian traffic flow across the developments. Such design concepts were among the proposals developed by a group of NYCHA residents and architecture students… MORE
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NYCHA’s Capital Projects Division (CPD) marked the completion of several projects in May that will bring a variety of benefits and improved services for residents and the surrounding community. CPD oversees more than $1 billion in construction projects across the Authority’s portfolio that are funded with federal, State, and City investments. The department works to preserve and modernize public housing for NYCHA… MORE
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NYCHA has unveiled across its portfolio a more efficient, user-friendly redesign of the online portal that residents access to complete their Annual Recertification. The revamped system is among a number of key measures implemented by the Authority as it seeks to improve how services are delivered to residents as part of the Blueprint for Change Transformation Plan. NYCHA… MORE
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During his time as a caretaker at NYCHA’s Central Office in Manhattan, Ian Morris has consistently been willing to take on other duties in addition to his regular responsibilities. After serving as a NYCHA caretaker for more than 20 years, Rosa Cummings has become a mentor to fellow caretakers, encouraging them to take pride in their job. … MORE
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NYCHA’s Breukelen Houses in Brooklyn celebrated a welcomed addition to the community with the opening of a newly upgraded basketball court. Residents, led by Breukelen Resident Community Council President Angel King, and NYPD officials, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, and NYCHA’s Chief Operating Officer Vito Mustaciuolo gathered on May 15 to cut the ribbon for the court’s first official day. Ms. King, a 32-year resident… MORE
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For more information on IPM and pest control at NYCHA, click here. To report pests, please call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or use the MyNYCHA app or website.
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A newly renovated basketball court is officially ready for play at NYCHA’s Wagner Houses in Harlem. Mayor Bill de Blasio took some of the first shots with local youth on May 7, after he was joined by NYPD leaders, other law enforcement officials, and community members to cut the ribbon for the opening of the… MORE
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The latest request for expressions of interest from the Authority asks applicants to submit proposals that center resident engagement, enhance placemaking, invest in ambitious energy and sustainability upgrades, and create jobs and economic opportunities for NYCHA residents On May 5, NYCHA released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to attract development partners for new projects under the Authority’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program to repair and preserve more… MORE
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NYCHA was recently recognized for excellence in financial reporting with a Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The GFOA award was bestowed to the Authority for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2019. The report was judged by… MORE
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Taking part in the spirit of Earth Week, groups of NYCHA employees volunteered to help the Farms at NYCHA sites prepare for the upcoming farming season. Starting on Earth Day, April 22, through April 24, the farms held one-day sessions where NYCHA employees pulled weeds, raked, picked up trash, and made compost all in the name of sustainability. A… MORE
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The RFP to address estimated $366 million in capital needs follows publication of Working Group recommendations and reflects key milestone in resident- and community-driven process On April 23, NYCHA announced a first-of-its-kind Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking proposals from teams comprised of developers, general contractors, and property managers to comprehensively address the capital needs at Fulton, Chelsea, Chelsea Addition, and Elliott Houses. The four developments, which include 2,073 apartments across 24… MORE
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Largest community solar project in New York City completes installation of 1.8 megawatts of solar arrays across 27 rooftops, with NYCHA residents helping to power the solar team On Earth Day, NYCHA announced the substantial completion of 1.8 megawatts of rooftop solar arrays on 27 buildings across Queensbridge North and Queensbridge South Houses, the largest public housing project in the country. This solar installation is the first to reach completion as part of NYCHA’s solar program, and is… MORE
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Having lived most of her life at a NYCHA development before joining the organization as an employee, Krystal Camacho is still looking out for her community. When the former resident of Wald Houses in Manhattan’s Lower East Side became part of NYCHA’s workforce nearly two years ago, Ms. Camacho saw the opportunity as a way to give… MORE
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In the five years since NYCHA began implementing the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, more than 7,500 residents have benefitted from completed major building improvements, façade upgrades, and apartment renovations. As part of its NYCHA 2.0 plan, the Authority aims to use PACT to fully renovate and preserve 62,000 apartments, bringing comprehensive repairs and building upgrades to more than 142,000 residents across the city. So far, more… MORE
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Upon entering a training program for a construction apprenticeship, NYCHA resident Carlos Robles only needed to think about his 8-year-old son. The resident of Manhattan’s Wald Houses – who is currently receiving unemployment assistance – is determined to find work in the construction industry that will allow him to support his son and give his family a… MORE
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Public housing across the nation is getting revitalized thanks to creative housing preservation programs like the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), which converts developments from Section 9 public housing funding to project-based Section 8 funding (a form of Section 8 that provides enhanced protections for residents). This enables public housing authorities to raise significant amounts of funding to repair and upgrade their properties. At the same time, RAD ensures that homes remain permanently affordable… MORE
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NYCHA’s Office of Safety and Security wants residents of Bracetti Plaza to know that safety issues always take top priority. In response to calls by residents to address some recent safety concerns at the development in Manhattan’s Alphabet City neighborhood, the Office of Safety and Security hosted a community pop-up event in the two lobbies on East Third… MORE
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A new, free program from NYCHA and CUNY’s New York City College of Technology (City Tech) will give a group of NYCHA young adults a crash course on designing projects that could help improve their community. For six weeks starting in March, NYCHA residents and current architecture students from City Tech will collaborate through the virtual ARCHscholars program to research indoor and outdoor… MORE
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NYCHA is improving service to residents through its Blueprint for Change Transformation Plan. A key initiative of this Transformation Plan is a restructuring of the Authority’s property management operations known as the Neighborhood Model. Through this model, NYCHA aims to address various operational challenges that arise as a result of the large scale of the organization, which manages nearly 173,000 apartments in 316 developments… MORE
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Meet Karina Reid, Caretaker at South Jamaica Houses We’re periodically featuring the hardworking staff members who are making a difference for residents. Learn more about how we’re becoming a better landlord through their efforts. In this installment, meet Karina Reid, Caretaker J at South Jamaica Houses in Queens. A resident of Brooklyn’s Howard Houses for… MORE
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On February 23, 2021, NYCHA announced the re-release of the PACT Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit prospective rehabilitation partners. The RFQ supports the Authority’s aim to undertake the largest Section 8 conversion program in the country through NYCHA’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) initiative. The PACT RFQ enables NYCHA to streamline the PACT procurement process by… MORE
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NYCHA resident Shakeema Scott was working as a federal officer for 10 years when she decided to take a “leap of faith” and enroll in training for the construction trades. Fellow NYCHA resident Chris Bishop had been unemployed and searching for jobs for nearly a year when he looked to construction training for a solution. The two former construction… MORE
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NYCHA Chair Greg Russ knows that improving and preserving NYCHA’s aging buildings through PACT and Blueprint for Change aren’t risks for residents but instead bring great benefits. That’s because his efforts as head of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority – his previous position – are bringing beautiful, modern apartments to residents there. A recent article in the Star Tribune describes how the federal… MORE
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“Love where you live.” That was one of the messages from NYCHA residents who produced videos detailing how they are helping to shape safety interventions in their communities. Led by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, a virtual summit held in late January brought together NYCHA resident leaders, local government officials, and policy makers to discuss how these safety interventions can influence policy. … MORE
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Residents of Staten Island’s Stapleton Houses may soon notice some brightly colored signs promoting health and wellness, family support, youth programming, and career opportunities while walking the grounds. The yellow and black directories are not calling attention to self-help services but rather to a dedicated outdoor space where residents can get access to a variety of information on beneficial community resources. Dubbed “Stapleton… MORE
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The Federal Monitor approved NYCHA’s initial Pest and Waste Management Action Plan for improving the Authority’s benchmarks for waste and pest control across NYCHA’s 316 developments. The approval of the plan follows several improvements the Authority has made over the past two years, from the creation of a dedicated Waste Management department that prioritizes prevention and intervention… MORE
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Over the past two years NYCHA has developed a sophisticated online system for tracking lead activities; conducted more than 91,000 visual assessments; and organized several outreach campaigns to better identify apartments where children under the age of six are present The Federal Monitor has approved NYCHA’s initial lead-based paint Action Plan for improving the Authority’s benchmarks for lead compliance and abatement. NYCHA has already proactively been implementing many of the initiatives in this Action Plan. The Monitor’s approval will… MORE
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To date, more than 7,500 NYCHA residents have benefitted from major building improvements, facade upgrades, and apartment renovations completed since 2016. The work was accomplished as part of the Authority’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, which is a key component of the NYCHA 2.0 strategy to repair and preserve over 62,000 apartments while safeguarding… MORE
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Equipped with tape measures and a mobile app, a group of current and former NYCHA residents were on a mission this past fall to document a segment of the Authority’s tree canopy to better examine the trees’ positive impacts on the surrounding community. Over the course of two months, the crews inspected more than 3,000 trees of varying species… MORE
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For many people across the world, digital communication was the only way to have face-to-face family gatherings this holiday season. But for those lacking the technology, the holidays may have been even less of a family occasion than usual. One NYCHA senior, however, was able to get connected this Christmas, thanks to the quick actions of NYCHA staff. Justine Samuel, who said… MORE
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NYCHA’s Skilled Trades Pilot Program, developed as part of the Authority’s Blueprint for Change’s Transformation Plan, is already transforming how NYCHA operates. Since its implementation on October 26, overall productivity has increased by 18 percent for maintenance and skilled trades repairs. The program focuses on decentralizing the skilled trades, which includes staff who make apartment repairs, such as painters, plasterers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians, and changing the work order system, so staff have… MORE
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At its 64th annual celebration of its founder, the nonprofit Hudson Guild honored NYCHA residents who took action during an unprecedented time to assist their neighbors in the Chelsea community with essential services. The virtual awards ceremony was held on December 9 to commemorate Hudson Guild founder Dr. John Lovejoy Elliott by recognizing Chelsea neighborhood leaders for outstanding… MORE
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NYCHA’s farms celebrated the holiday season with winter-themed events where residents offered their visions on the future of local Eco-Hubs in addition to receiving healthy food donations. The free Winter Cheer events also provided the NYCHA community with holiday decorating and hot cocoa, as well as raffle prizes for those attendees who shared feedback on Eco-Hub programs. Approximately… MORE
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Construction is nearly complete and a housing lottery is underway for a new 180-unit affordable apartment building on NYCHA’s Van Dyke campus in Brooklyn. The 100 percent affordable housing project, known as Van Dyke III, includes 179 permanently affordable residential apartments and one superintendent’s unit, and will set aside 54 apartments for formerly homeless residents in the Brownsville neighborhood. Approximately 90 percent of the 12-story building… MORE
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NYCHA resident Adrienne Gregoire calls them the “aha” moments. They are the times when Ms. Gregoire sees her fellow seniors learn to use digital gadgets like tablets and discover the wide-ranging benefits of technology. “It’s incredible that there’s always something to learn, and it gives you hope,” said Ms. Gregoire, 69, who grew up in NYCHA housing in… MORE
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A force of hundreds of staff from across the Authority is now working with their colleagues to share news about the organization’s plan for the future and help ensure that various issues are resolved for the NYCHA community. Known as Change Ambassadors, these employees have committed to a voluntary role to support the Change Network under NYCHA’s Transformation Plan. As NYCHA implements its Blueprint… MORE
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They are on the front line of helping to identify potential safety hazards for NYCHA workers and the larger community. NYCHA’s Safety Associates take on a volunteer role in addition to their regular job duties to ensure that safety-related issues are reported to their supervisors and help prevent on-the-job injuries. They also serve as advocates for safer working conditions, and with… MORE
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New heating system upgrades are nearly complete for NYCHA residents living at two Brooklyn developments and one property in Manhattan. All new equipment has been installed and is awaiting final testing for boiler replacement projects at Fiorentino Plaza and Long Island Baptist Houses in Brooklyn as well as Robinson Houses in Harlem. All three projects are more than 90 percent complete and are… MORE
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More Than 2,900 Manhattan Residents to Benefit On November 30, NYCHA announced a Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) deal with PACT Renaissance Collaborative (PRC) to provide more than $271 million in major repairs and renovations for 1,718 NYCHA apartments throughout Manhattan. The money will be used to modernize apartments and buildings at each of the 16 selected sites, while also providing residents with access to employment opportunities affiliated with… MORE
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The issue of clean air took center stage at a NYCHA virtual open mic event for youth on November 19. Hosted by NYCHA’s smoke-free liaisons, the interactive event promoted the importance of living in a smoke-free environment and allowed participants to share their vision of clean air for all. The open mic was held in sync with the… MORE
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The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) celebrated Veterans Day this year with a Veterans in City Government CityTalk Panel. The virtual event featured a panel of veterans who now work at City agencies such as NYCHA, ACS, DORIS, DOT, DoITT, FDNY, and DVS. The five inspiring panelists discussed their professional journeys, from enlisting… MORE
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NYCHA residents at four Queens developments may start to notice faster repairs and fewer delays with skilled maintenance jobs, as well as a more efficient work order process, under a new pilot program that has taken effect in the community. The Authority’s Skilled Trades Pilot Program – which launched in late October at Astoria Houses, Ravenswood Houses,… MORE
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Thinking about quitting or cutting back on your tobacco use? In recognition of the Great American Smokeout campaign, NYCHA is encouraging all employees who are seeking cessation information to enroll in the City’s Employee Smoking Cessation Assistance Program (ESCAPE). The American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is observed this year on November 19 and encourages smokers to take an important step toward a healthier life and reducing the risk… MORE
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Like many students her age, Connie Aleman planned to attend college away from home. The resident of Saint Mary’s Park Houses was all set to enroll at Ithaca College during the summer of 2015 when those plans suddenly had to be pushed aside. Shortly after her high school graduation, Ms. Aleman’s mother passed away, forcing the then-17-year-old aspiring college student to step in… MORE
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A new community center has been dedicated at NYCHA’s Marcy Houses, creating a safe activity space for youth and adults that will bring educational and cultural programming to the neighborhood. City officials, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and City Council Member Robert Cornegy, Jr., marked the opening on November 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the development in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Also in attendance… MORE
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With a range of health and safety protocols in place, the Harvest Festivals at NYCHA’s farms delivered another season of fall-themed family fun this October. The free events provided the NYCHA community with pumpkin carving/decorating, arts and crafts, as well as music, potato sack races, and a variety of healthy snacks. A total of 435 visitors, including more than 250 children, participated in the festivities at five Farms at NYCHA sites. The… MORE
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The pandemic may have temporarily forced them out of service, but NYCHA’s Digital Vans are now hitting the road again. And residents can feel safe to jump on board the free computer-labs-on-wheels, thanks to a variety of health and safety measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We realize our obligation to ensure the safety of our residents and staff… MORE
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