November 2020

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

On November 18, 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 than 4,400 apartments in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx.  This RFEI is the first step in unlocking funds necessary to address critical… MORE

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

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

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

This year’s recipients of the NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarships are training to be the next generation of advocates, public servants, social workers, nurses, and journalists – and, amidst a global pandemic, they’re demonstrating adaptability in pursuit of their degrees, by adjusting to online classes and learning from home.   On October 29, NYCHA and CUNY virtually celebrated 22 residents for their academic excellence,… MORE

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

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been released the final Where We Live NYC Plan, the City’s blueprint for fair housing in the five boroughs.   Where We Live NYC is the City’s five-year plan to break down barriers to opportunity and build more integrated, equitable neighborhoods. Updated to reflect the disproportionate impact the COVID-19… MORE

As a young man growing up at NYCHA developments across all five boroughs, Domingo Morales never used to think about the best uses for his trash.   It wasn’t until he came across a Green City Force (GCF) training program flyer at his mother’s home in Wilson Houses that he was put on a pathway toward promoting a more sustainable future. GCF partners with NYCHA’s Office… MORE

NYCHA staff is actively working to address pest issues for residents. There are numerous strategies the Authority has implemented to improve pest conditions at NYCHA developments, including Targeted Relief. Targeted Relief focuses on inspecting apartments where residents have had two or more verified pest complaints and making repairs during the inspections. It also includes addressing… MORE

Kudos for Longtime Service to Residents and the City Each month, NYCHANow recognizes the staff who’ve achieved more than five years of service, in multiples of five. Congratulations to the employees who reached these milestones in October! 5 Years of Service 10 Years of Service 15 Years of Service 20 Years of Service 25 Years… MORE

NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department works to ensure decent, safe, and sanitary environments for our residents and employees. To promote safe and healthy environments, EH&S inspects work performed at NYCHA related to mold, lead, asbestos, heat, elevators, fire safety, and pests. EHS&S also maintains a complaints forum and investigates reports of unsafe EH&S… MORE