Thankful for the NYCHA Community
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and togetherness. This year, the NYCHA community united to ensure that NYCHA residents had Thanksgiving meals with their families and friends. From turkey donations to groceries and prepared meals, the outpouring of support from NYCHA resident associations, businesses and community organizations, and elected officials kicked off the season of giving at NYCHA developments across the city.
More than 80 volunteers helped NYCHA and its partners provide nearly 9,000 meals to residents across the city.
Seven food businesses owned by current and former NYCHA residents delivered approximately 5,000 meals to residents experiencing gas outages as part of NYCHA’s larger efforts to ensure a good Thanksgiving for all. The vendors were Cornel Robinson of Cornel’s Catering, Bernadette Alvelo-Miller of Bernadette’s Place, Lechelle Dawson of 6ix Catering, Cristiana Franco of Sabor Restaurant and Bakery, Brandi Covington and Corey Whittenburg of Cooking with Corey, Elizabeth Moolchan of Andy’s Daughter Catering, and Quiafua Royes of Quiafua’s Kitchen. They are graduates of the Food Business Pathways program that was operated by NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability to train residents and Section 8 voucher holders on how to own and operate food businesses.
The Fund for Public Housing partnered with the NYC Hospitality Alliance, which worked with local restaurants to provide 1,400 meals to NYCHA families. Restaurants donating meals included The Rockaway Hotel, Rustik Tavern, Mexology, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, Fusion East, etc. venues, Nneji, and Safari Restaurant.
Carey Gardens Resident Council, the Isaiah Whitehead Foundation, and Coney Island Step Up Project hosted a winter coat giveaway on November 19, providing coats for all ages to residents of Carey Gardens.
On November 22, the Sheepshead Bay/Nostrand held a raffle to provide 60 turkeys to residents.
