Making Masks for Frontline Staff

By Valerie Pepe, Business Analyst Specialist, Environmental Health & Safety Dept.

Many of us New Yorkers and NYCHA employees have been through a handful of lifechanging events, such as 9/11, the blackout of 2003, and Superstorm Sandy. And each time, we made it through the challenges as one, becoming closer and learning from each other as a result. These events made us stronger and more resourceful, better able to tackle anything that came our way again. 

Then COVID-19 hit our city and NYCHA family, something with no beginning or even a clear ending.  Our lives have been changed overnight: working from home, homeschooling our children, not being able to visit our senior relatives, and practicing social distancing. I felt compelled to do what I could to help my NYCHA family. 

So, my boyfriend Fernando Quintero (who retired from NYCHA after 40 years of service) and I decided to make masks for frontline staff. So far, we have made over 35 masks for superintendents/assistant superintendents and caretakers. We used the t-shirts from the benefits I organize to make the masks; they are washable since they are 100 percent cotton. Staff can use them either when taking public transportation to work or, if needed, on the job site. Since I live on Staten Island, we plan to donate them to NYCHA developments there.

My decision to put my energy into helping my NYCHA coworkers is a personal one. I’ve lost a family member to COVID-19 and another one is being treated for the virus at a local nursing home. I needed to do something to get me through this difficult time. Having worked for NYCHA nearly 27 years, I understand the demands out in the field and wanted to help my fellow co-workers in this time of crisis.   

We hope this little gesture will remind colleagues that the entire NYCHA family is thinking about them.

Caption for photo above: At Berry Houses, from left to right: Caretaker Patty Villegas, Assistant Superintendent Justin Calnan, Superintendent Earl Lindsey, Caretaker Eugene Sheftall, Business Analyst Specialist (EHS) Valerie Pepe, Homemade mask distribution at Berry Houses (from left to right: Caretaker Patty Villegas, Assistant Superintendent Justin Calnan, Superintendent Earl Lindsey, Caretaker Eugene Sheftall, Business Analyst Specialist (EHS) Valerie Pepe, Caretaker Joyce Currie, and Caretaker
Valentina Chestnut