VOL. 47 NO. 3 APRIL 2017 INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 6 11

One-Stop Human Rights Ready for the Kiosk Hero Limelight

NYCHA CHAIR ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP TO PRESERVE PUBLIC HOUSING On March 27, Chair & CEO Shola Olatoye Farm in a Box addressed more than 900 affordable housing leaders at the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment (NAHRO) annual meeting in Washington. She announced that NYCHA and NAHRO have banded together to build a national movement of Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and their advocates and partners. The coalition will lobby at the local, state and national levels for increased investment in public housing as a critical public health measure. Here is an excerpt of her address. I’ll be honest, when the President proposes a $6.2 billion cut to HUD’s budget and a reported two-thirds slash to the capital fund — you have to wonder if public housing will even have a tomorrow, let alone a “better” one. Luckily, where I’m from, we don’t take these kinds of threats lying down. Public housing authorities and housing administrators have embraced private investment not as a last resort but as a bridge to a 21st century business model. As public housing is faced with a fundamental shift in funding, programs like RAD (the (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14) A NYCHA resident and Green City Force graduate launches farm inside a shipping container.

Lexington Houses resident Paul Philpott at work in his shipping container farm, Gateway Greens.

AUL PHILPOTT, 25, has grown various veggies to empower young people to grow real food by help- on his farm, Gateway Greens, such as kale, col- ing them grow crops in vertical farms built in shipping P lard greens, Swiss chard, and a variety of herbs, containers. Philpott’s farm uses hydroponic technology, in including sage, thyme, and oregano. But Gateway which plants are grown in water instead of soil. Hydro- Greens doesn’t look the way most people imagine ponic farming can be done literally anywhere. farms. Instead of rolling hills, barns, and tractors, Philpott, a recent graduate of the Green City Force Philpott’s farm is housed inside of a 40-foot shipping (GCF) Urban Farm Corps, was chosen to speak at GCF’s container in Brooklyn. Urban Farm Corps graduation on January 19. As a GCF NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye addresses housing leaders in A resident of Lexington Houses in East Harlem, Corps Member he maintained the Red Hook Farm and Washington, D.C. Philpott is one of the first group of entrepreneurs to work helped build the three farms at Bayview, Howard, and with Square Roots, an urban farming company that aims Wagner Houses. The NYCHA (CONTINUED ON PAGE 9) FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA LETTER FROM THE CHAIR A SUSTAINABLE NYCHA

APRIL IS TRADITIONALLY THE MONTH when people funding for this year has been cut by tens of millions of dollars by HUD. These cuts around the world focus on the quality and sustainability alone will jeopardize the progress we have made in the past two years with our of our precious environment. There's no question that strategic plan. It will mean longer waits for repairs, fewer staff at developments, a unified focus on sustainability is urgent: You need and limited programming for residents. look no further than the destruction that Superstorm We are now looking at very tough, very unpopular choices to try and preserve Sandy inflicted on NYCHA developments and the rest the housing we have now. We will definitely need to build affordable and market- of our City to understand that climate change is real rate housing on our properties to generate revenue. We must continue to use and devastating. Individuals, corporations, organiza- the RAD program to convert properties to Section 8, as we did with Ocean Bay- tions and governments all have a role to play in pro- Bayside, to protect as much housing as possible for our residents while reducing tecting and restoring the health of our planet for our the burden on the Housing Authority so we can focus our resources on other generation and generations to come. developments that can’t be converted. As part of our NextGeneration NYCHA strategic We need your help. Now is the time for the entire NYCHA community to plan, the Authority has already made a number band together and fight for the funding and support public housing residents of significant steps toward reducing NYCHA’s need and deserve. Please support your elected officials, your community-based impact on the environment by improving our organizations, your resident association leadership, and the Authority as we energy conservation, using sustainable materials, continue to lobby for funding for NYCHA. More than ever, your partnership is implementing recycling at every development, planting farms to provide residents critical—for your future, and the next generation of NYCHA residents. with locally grown produce, and more. We will continue these efforts to help keep our city a safe, healthy place for all residents to live. In this issue, you will read about some of our sustainability initiatives, many of which will create jobs for residents, and our environmental heroes who are making it happen. But sustainability is not just about environmental quality of life. At this moment Shola Olatoye in time, for NYCHA, there is an even more pressing sustainability issue. Our Chair and CEO

Statement from NYCHA Chair NYCHA BOARD MEETINGS Shola Olatoye on Dr. Ben Carson’s YCHA’S BOARD MEETINGS, open to the public, take place on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the NYCHA 12th floor conference room at 250 Broadway. People appointment as Secretary of N who wish to speak during the public comment period must pre-register at least 45 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin and can only comment Housing and Urban Development: about items on that meeting’s agenda. Each speaker’s time is limited to three minutes. “NYCHA WILL CONTINUE to The public comment period concludes either when all speakers are finished or after work to make safe, decent housing the 30 minutes allotted by law for public comment, whichever comes first. a reality for all families as we face Copies of the calendar for the upcoming board meeting are available on NYCHA’s critical challenges. We will work with website or can be picked up at the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 250 Broadway, Secretary Carson to fortify federal 12th floor, after 3 p.m. on the Monday before the meeting. Copies of the dispositions housing infrastructure, foster new of prior meetings are available on NYCHA’s website or can be picked up from partnerships, and improve the the Office of the Corporate Secretary no earlier than 3 p.m. on the Thursday after living conditions of public housing the board meeting. Any person requiring reasonable accommodation in order to residents. The stakes for our 400,000 participate in the meeting should contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at residents are high, and they demand 212-306-6088 no later than five business days prior to the meeting. For additional we protect the resources we have to information regarding the calendar of meetings, dispositions, dates, and times, please serve the families and seniors who rely call 212-306-6088. upon public housing.” For those unable to attend the board meetings, please visit http://on.nyc.gov/ boardmeetings at the time of the meeting to watch live. You may also watch past board meetings by visiting NYCHAnnel, NYCHA’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/c/nycha.

Upcoming Meetings: The NYCHA April 26, 2017 July 26, 2017 November 29, 2017 May 24, 2017 September 27, 2017 December 20, 2017 JOURNAL June 28, 2017 October 25, 2017 ESTABLISHED 1970 • CIRCULATION 200,000 * Note: There will be no board meeting in August. The May and December PUBLISHED BY THE NEW YORK CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS board meetings are scheduled for the second-to-last Wednesday. 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 www.nyc.gov/nycha

2 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA NYCHA Chair Meets NEXTGEN NYCHA CUSTOMER SERVICE: with Electeds to Discuss We’re Getting It Done! Federal Budget Cuts Initiative: “Get It Done” Mission: Between August and December 2016, close out all the work orders related to painting, floor tiles, carpentry, and plumbing at NYCHA that were opened before 2016. Launch projects that promote residents’ health and safety and beautify their developments. Budget: $50 million

Accomplishments: • Completed 34,011 work orders for “They’re definitely getting it painting, floor tiles, carpentry, and done. According to my neigh- plumbing. Half of these were more bor, the workers who painted than a year old. her apartment were really co- • Paved the basements at Patterson operative and courteous. They and Marcy Houses to eliminate a came on time, did a wonder- breeding ground for pests. ful job, and even helped put • Completed full-scale pest things back. My neighbor was extermination at Patterson, Mitchel, really happy about that. And and Bronx River Houses. At Patterson the painting of public spaces Houses, there’s been a 40 percent (the hallways and stairwells) From left to right: State Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, City Council Speaker Melissa decrease in pest-related complaints. was really necessary. I put Mark-Viverito, NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, and City • Installed 150 self-service kiosks at out a flyer saying: ‘NYCHA Council Member Ritchie Torres. property management offices and is doing a good job sprucing CCC walk-in centers so residents can things up – let’s do our part in LECTED OFFICIALS State Senator Jeffrey Klein, the complete the annual recertification, maintaining it!’” REPRESENTING New York City Council, and the Mayor. Chair apply for a transfer, pay their rent, —Margaret Brewer E at the federal, state, and city Olatoye explained that the outlook and more. Howard Houses resident level met with Chair Shola Olatoye for NYCHA is ominous, but could • Replaced or repaired roofs and to discuss how to advocate for have been even worse had the roof tanks at Tompkins and public housing in the face of the NextGeneration NYCHA strategic Melrose Houses. most significant federal budget cuts plan not been launched in 2015. • Replaced or repaired 273 common NYCHA has ever faced. Attendees “Federal cuts will directly impact area doors at 16 developments. included Congresswoman Nydia half a million New Yorkers who call • Upgraded the grounds at Howard Velazquez, State Assembly Member NYCHA home. They will mean slower Houses, including the entranceway, Steven Cymbrowitz, City Council repairs, less maintenance to our lobby and elevator floors, and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, aging buildings, and fewer services fencing. and City Council Member Ritchie for our residents,” the Chair said. • Makeovers of six property Torres, plus representatives from “This is not business as usual. It is management offices. the offices of Congressman Hakeem a serious situation and we need all • Pruned trees at 85 developments. Jeffries, Congresswoman Grace of our allies to stand with us. Some • Public space painting, grounds Meng, Congressman Jose Serrano, tough choices have to be made and repairs, and mailbox replacement are Before Congressman Adriano Espaillat, we need everyone’s support.” in progress at several developments. Before and after photos of the repaved walkway at Howard Houses.

Harlem Center for Education 1East 104th Street Harlem Center PH Level FOR EDUCATION New York, NY 10029 www.harlemctred.org FREE TASC-Prep (GED) Classes Walk-In Placement Testing Fridays at 10:30AM FREE College & Financial Aid Assistance To register, please call (646) 524-5563, ext.2 After

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 3 Brownsville Art Matters THE AMAZING NYCHA ONE-STOP WONDER From print and scan to verify and certify, your development self-service kiosk does it all!

Pay your r ent Complete Apply for annual housing recertification VERY DAY, LANGSTON Hughes artists with a connection to Brownsville. Apartments residents and com- From that call, curators from the Brooklyn Sig n up for E munity members are treated to Arts Council and the Brooklyn Museum a stunning outdoor art exhibit called narrowed down the submissions to a par king “Brownsville Matters,” which celebrates number that were voted on by Browns- the culture and identity of Brownsville ville residents at a community meeting. through Technicolor paintings and cap- The resulting display includes work by tivating photos, showing beauty that’s 11 Brooklyn artists: Maria Belford, Ebony Check Scan and often overlooked in the neighborhood. Bolt, Cheryl Bowers, Laurent Chevalier, upload ArtBridge, a non-profit organiza- Dominique Davenport, Sophia Dawson, R EES tion that taps emerging artists to help Jazmine Hayes, Kisha Johnson, Tristan documents transform urban spaces, put out a call for Lamour, Christine Stoddard, and Mal- Events colm Williams. Brownsville Matters is a partnership between ArtBridge, NYCHA, Brownsville Community Justice Center, and the Munici- pal Art Society of New York and partially supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The exhibition R ead is on display until January 25, 2018, so there’s plenty of time to go check out some the beauty in Brownsville. For more informa- tion about the exhibition, visit http://art- Jour nal bridge.org/project/brownsvillematters. Print copies of your documents

Visit your management office today and ask your property management staff for more information on everything you can do with the One-Stop Kiosk! Langston Hughes Apartments residents and community members don’t have to travel far to admire beautiful art; it’s right in their neighborhood. 4 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Workshop Highlights the Ease of Online Annual Recertification YCHA AND VISION Urbana, a cation process is for both residents and community-based organization on employees to complete. Before the online N the Lower East Side of Manhattan, system was created, residents spent hours hosted an online recertification workshop filling out up to 30 pages of annual recer- at the Primitive Christian Church (La Iglesia tification documents every year. With the Primitiva) on February 16. Spearheaded online system, the process is much faster. by Reverend Dr. Marc Rivera, pastor of The event featured remarks from Primitive Christian Church and member of Reverend Rivera and NYCHA Chair & NYCHA’s Faith Leaders Advisory Commit- CEO Shola Olatoye. City Council Member tee, the event provided an opportunity Margaret Chin and NYCHA employees for community organizations to learn how helped seniors complete their annual simple NYCHA’s online annual recertifi- recertification online and by paper. One of

A Conversation with Reverend Dr. Marc Rivera, Reverend Marc Rivera helps one of his parishioners at the February 16 online annual Pastor of Primitive Christian Church recertification event.

REVEREND DR. MARC RIVERA is the bring in the voices of our communities NYCHA’s Digital Vans was also at the event initiatives, including the MyNYCHA app, Pastor of Primitive Christian Church (La to open discussions about NYCHA— to provide computers and assistance. the NYCHA Self-Service Portal, and the Iglesia Cristiana Primitiva), which has and hopefully we’ll be able to move Organizations in attendance included new self-service kiosks in every property served the Lower East Side community NYCHA forward. No one has the pulse Grand Street Settlement, Henry Street management office—where residents for 60 years. Reverend Rivera recently of the community more, in my opinion, Settlement, Good Old Lower East Side, can pay their rent, complete their online joined NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye’s than the faith community—not just and LES Power Partnership. Attendees recertification, and even browse job new Faith Leaders Steering Commit- churches, but synagogues, temples, also heard about NYCHA’s other digital opportunities. tee. Though born in Puerto Rico, he and mosques. We interact with our has lived on the Lower East Side most communities on a daily basis; we hear of his life, including in Smith Houses their concerns, worries, and their cel- with his family for about six years. He ebrations. Now, that doesn’t mean that once worked on Wall Street at IBM, we’re going to change the agenda or but left to join the church full time, and the goals or the direction of NYCHA, has been a member for 40 years. Many but we’ll certainly bring a fresh insight members of his congregation reside in to the conversation, which I think is key. NYCHA developments. And we’re able to bring information back to our constituencies. What is your role as a member of the committee? What did you think of the first Although I am Latino and the constitu- meeting? ency that I represent is mainly Latino, For me it was a breath of fresh air my concern is not only for Latinos, because I was expecting a cold, bu- it’s also to make sure that the poor, reaucratic, agenda-driven discussion, disenfranchised, and marginalized and yet it turned out to be a dialogue, are served to the best of our ability. a conversation. I sensed genuine Social justice issues—housing, im- concern for the tenants of NYCHA and migration, poverty, education, care of how NYCHA is perceived through the seniors—have always been a priority media. What I saw in the first meeting for this church. I also want to help the was open and genuine discussion of public perception of NYCHA, which the reality of NYCHA. I think this type always tends to the negative. How can of communication is critical. I don’t we address that and bring the truth to always like the truth, but it helps pro- the congregation? I speak to a group vide context and then you’ll be able of people every Sunday; how can I let to know how to move forward. That’s them know that whatever you’re hear- why I think the communications piece ing in the media may not be true. is critical, and it has to be a dialogue, not one way down with those in power Why did you become involved with speaking down. People move bet- the Faith Leaders Committee? ter with the truth, the public can see This group of clergy leaders wants to through smoke and mirrors.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 5 A Human Rights Hero Who Calls Butler Houses Home

He helped convict the Souleymane Guengueng with the book he wrote describing the abuse and murder of more than dictator who imprisoned relatives of victims over the course of 700 people, which helped bring Chadian dictator Hissène Habré to justice. and tortured him many years. This evidence helped bring the ruthless dictator to justice: Mr. Habré coming. What gave you the strength place to live. We rented an apartment in SOULEYMANE GUENGUENG was an was sentenced to life in prison in 2016 to keep fighting for justice? Jamaica, Queens, but it was very expen- accountant in his homeland of Chad for the murder and inhuman treatment My father taught me to be strong, to never sive, $2,000 a month. We were evicted who was imprisoned unjustly by the of about 40,000 people. Mr. Guengueng be afraid. I am the type of person who because we couldn’t afford it. We had to president, Hissène Habré. He spent immigrated to the United States a de- wants to help and empower everyone. live in a shelter for three years—six people more than two years in jail, suffering cade ago. When I was in prison, in darkness, people in one room. In March 2016, we got this torture and abuse. After his release in The records you collected on the abuse were suffering and would die in my arms. It apartment [at Butler Houses], and it’s a 1990, Mr. Guengueng gathered tes- and murder of more than 700 people was that pain and suffering that motivated blessing. It was like coming to paradise, timony from other survivors and the were used to convict former dictator me to overcome my own pain and stay for my whole family. It was so incredible, Hissène Habré of these horrible crimes. strong to tell the world what happened. I so much better. Do you feel like a hero? brought back evidence to the families of I still continue to help people, sur- I hear others say I’m a hero, but I don’t the people who didn’t know what hap- vivors of torture and immigrants from believe it. I’m just a citizen. I couldn’t ac- pened, because they deserved closure, French-speaking African countries. I’m cept that treatment as a person or citizen. they had a right to know the truth and like a mentor, helping them adjust to life According to my faith in God, we are all have it put out there. in America. I’m excited to continue help- born heroes. God gave me the mission to How did it feel to leave your homeland ing people. come out of this alive and be a voice for and immigrate to America? Any words of wisdom that you live by? others, and that’s why I’m here. Whatever It was an obligation to leave Chad and You can mold your life as a baker makes the obstacles, it’s impossible to contain continue this fight. My family and I need- bread. You can always change it and mold the march of people trying to fight for ed to be safe. It was hard—I was without it to how you want it, good or bad, big truth. God gave them the strength to fight my family, my wife and children, for many or small, however you like. Also, we must Souleymane Guengueng with his family in their against it, and no one can defeat that. years. And when my family arrived, it learn from experience and get the most Butler Houses home. Mr. Habré’s conviction was a long time was hard for us to afford an apartment, a out of the bad that happens to us.

NEW RESIDENT BOARD MEMBERS ADD THEIR VOICES TO NYCHA LEADERSHIP

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO als bring years of ings for residents and for the past 20 years at three recently appointed Jacqueline service as commu- supporting activities not-for-profit agencies and Arroyo and Jacqueline Young nity leaders and their that impact Wise is currently the Low-Income and reappointed Victor A. personal experi- Towers’ residents and Housing Compliance Manager González to serve as resident ences to help us im- the surrounding com- at Comunilife, a community- members of the NYCHA Board prove quality of life munity. As a NYCHA based health and housing of Directors. for all our residents,” board member, Mr. service provider. Resident members attend said Chair Olatoye. González has worked Jacqueline Arroyo, a monthly board meetings along “Now more than to streamline main- resident of Louis Armstrong with Chair Shola Olatoye, ever, resident input tenance requests for Houses, regularly attends General Manager Michael Kelly, Victor A. González is critical as we con- Jacqueline Young apartment repairs Jacqueline Arroyo meetings and town halls on other appointed board mem- tinue to implement and improve family initiatives like the Rental Assis- bers, and NYCHA leadership. At these NextGeneration NYCHA, our long-term services for formerly homeless residents tance Demonstration and NextGenera- meetings, they vote on contracts, resolu- strategic plan to create safe, clean, and and senior citizens. tion NYCHA. While raising two children, tions, policies, rules and regulations, and connected public housing.” Jacqueline Young, a 30-year public Arroyo pursued a career in City service, other administrative matters. They also Victor A. González is serving his third housing resident currently residing at working for 15 years for two City agen- serve as representatives of the Authority term on the NYCHA board. A public hous- Lenox Road Houses, raised two daugh- cies. She is currently employed in the at events, including press conferences and ing resident for more than 50 years, Mr. ters as a single mother. She served as New York City Department of Education Family Days. González lives in Wise Towers and was the president of the resident association from as a supervisor in the Office of the Audi- “The voices of NYCHA community former president of the resident associa- December 2014 until January 2017. Ms. tor General, and has also worked at high members are central to our mission and tion. He has worked extensively with advo- Young has worked on behalf of formerly schools in the South Bronx, Williamsburg, inform all of our work. These individu- cacy groups, organizing workshop meet- homeless and low-income individuals and Lower Manhattan. 6 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA #NYCHAWomenWork IN CELEBRATION OF Women’s History month, NYCHA launched #nycha- womenwork, a photo campaign to celebrate the Authority’s female employ- ees. Employees were asked to send in photos with signs that answered the question, “Why do you do what you do at NYCHA?” There were many great answers, includ- ing from LaGuardia Houses Caretakers Celine De- Hoyos, a NYCHA employee since 2008 and a resident of Gompers Houses, and Sylvia Carattini, a NYCHA employee since 2000 and a resident of Johnson Houses (top left). DeHoyos wrote, “I love my work every day” and Carattini wrote, “Keeping NYCHA clean and free of garbage, preparing apart- ments for rentals, and a love for NYCHA.”

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 7 NOTICE New York City Housing Authority Significant Amendment to the Agency Plan for FY 2017 HE PUBLIC IS advised that the Significant Amendment to the FY 2017 Agency Annual Plan will be available for public inspection at NYCHA’s principal office, located at 250 Broadway, New York, NY, starting March 17, 2017, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TPlease call 212-306-3701 to make an appointment to review the Significant Amendment to the FY 2017 Agency Annual Plan and supporting documents. The Significant Amendment to the FY 2017 Agency Annual Plan will also be available at the following locations:

• On NYCHA’s webpage, http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nycha/about/annual-plan-financial-information.page • At the management office ofeach NYCHA public housing development during regular business hours. • At the community centers/borough offices listed below during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Manhattanville Senior Center Soundview Community Center Staten Island Community Operations 530 West 133rd Street 1674 Seward Avenue Borough Office New York, New York Bronx, New York 126 Lamport Avenue Staten Island, New York Taft Senior Center Queens Community Operations 1365 5th Avenue Borough Office Brownsville Senior Center New York, New York 70-30 Parsons Boulevard 528 Mother Gaston Boulevard Flushing, New York Brooklyn, New York Sedgwick Community Center 1553 University Avenue Bronx, New York

Public Comment The public is invited to comment on the Significant Amendment to the FY 2017 Agency Annual Plan at a public hearing to be held on May 2, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at:

Borough of Manhattan Community College 199 Chambers Street New York, New York 10007

The location listed above is both handicapped accessible and can be reached using public transportation. For transportation information, go to http://tripplanner.mta.info or call the MTA/NYC Transit Travel Information Line at 718-330-1234.

Written comments regarding the Significant Amendment to the FY 2017 Agency Annual Plan are encouraged. To be considered, submissions must be received via United States Postal Service mail or fax no later than May 2, 2017. Faxed submissions will be accepted at 212-306-7905. Comments may be sent to the following address and may also be emailed to [email protected].

Public Housing Agency Plan Comments Church Street Station P.O. Box 3422 New York, New York 10008-3422

Bill de Blasio, Mayor Shola Olatoye, Chair and Chief Executive Officer

8 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Behind the Scenes: Green City Force Wins National Award CHECKING OUT SANDY RECOVERY for NYCHA Urban Farms Projects “A model for success that programs offering job training and WORK AT OCEAN BAY-OCEANSIDE can be replicated across academic programs to young people the country” across the nation. GCF works with NYCHA residents ages 18 to 24 on REEN CITY FORCE (GCF) full-time service projects and provides transforms underused areas them with education on sustainability Gat NYCHA developments and green technologies, a stipend, free into lush green spaces full of fruit and transportation, assistance with job and vegetables, bringing beauty, enhanc- college placement, and more. ing the environment, and improving New York Congresswoman Nydia residents’ health. Velazquez, who presented the award, Last year, GCF Urban Farm Corps said, “As our nation—and our planet— Members built and maintained three work to counteract and slow climate new farms at NYCHA at Bay View, change, we need more young people Howard, and Wagner Houses while pursuing jobs in renewable energy and also helping to maintain the farm at environmental sustainability. I believe Red Hook Houses. For their urban Green City Force provides a model farming efforts, GCF was named for success—that can and should be 2017 Project of the Year by The Corps replicated around the country.” Network at its annual conference in Urban Farms at NYCHA is part of Washington, DC, in February. Building Healthy Communities, a pro- The Corps Network supports over gram to improve health outcomes in 130 service and conservation corps 12 neighborhoods in New York City.

On March 22, NYCHA staff gave NY1 installation. In addition to new roofs, the a tour of Ocean Bay-Oceanside in the development is receiving new electri- Rockaways to show how much prog- cal, mechanical, and plumbing systems ress has been made on Sandy recov- that were damaged in the storm, new ery work at the development. Ocean site lighting, flood proofing, upgraded Bay-Oceanside, home to more than playgrounds, as well as a full renovation 400 families, was hard hit by Super- of its senior center. NYCHA expects to storm Sandy and is one of more than complete the project at Ocean Bay- 30 developments the Authority plans to Oceanside by the end of the year. build back stronger as part of its Sandy Recovery work at Ocean Bay-Oceanside Recovery to Resiliency Program. is funded by the Federal Emergency The tour included a visit to one of the Management Agency (FEMA). In 2015, development’s roofs; roofs of all seven NYCHA received almost $3 billion in buildings that make up Ocean Bay- FEMA funding—the largest single Oceanside were replaced and now have FEMA grant to be awarded in history. steel dunnage that will hold stand-by For updates about NYCHA’s generators to provide full back-up power. Sandy Recovery to Resiliency work, A Green City Force Corps Member waters vegetables at Bay View Houses Farm in Brooklyn. The generators will arrive in June for visit on.nyc.gov/nycha-sandy.

FARM IN A BOX (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Journal spoke with Philpott to learn more environmental impact: They can be indoors Paul’s farm is about his farm and the importance of like my farm and grow crops all year-round, located in one of local foods. even if the season outside is not right for it. these 320-square- foot shipping Why are hydroponic farms and local What have you learned being an entre- containers located foods important? preneur with Square Roots? in a parking lot Having more local food can help make We learn so much about sales, profit, near Marcy Houses a change to the food system we cur- customers, marketing, and working in hy- in Brooklyn. rently use. One thing we need to change droponic systems, but the thing that will is bringing produce from California and stick with me the most is to sell my story, Florida and other faraway places to our not just the produce I am selling. where the food comes from but who is produce will go from my hands to theirs. stores. Buying locally grown vegetables growing your food and how it’s grown. They will know the farmer that put his and fruit will diminish our already high What are your goals with your farm? I plan on starting memberships to my time and love into their fresh produce. carbon footprint and grow more jobs in I want to bring more awareness around farm. All members will have weekly har- I would also like to work with a culinary urban agriculture. One of the best things this idea of local food, urban farming, vests to pick up or have delivered to their school to help students get a full under- about hydroponic systems is their minimal and agriculture. It’s not just knowing doors. No matter which they choose, the standing of the food they’re making. FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 9 Cut the Carbon NYCHA’s energy reduction efforts will make NYC cleaner, greener & create jobs NYCHA DOESN’T SHY away from can have a major impact on curbing challenges—and the NYC Carbon the effects of climate change, which Challenge is no exception. The Authority affects us all,” remarked Chair and announced in February that it pledges CEO Shola Olatoye. “We are doing to reduce its buildings’ greenhouse gas our part to not only meet the City’s emissions by 30 percent over the next greenhouse gas emissions reduction 10 years as part of the City’s Carbon goals but to also protect both health Challenge. This is about the same as and quality of life for this and the next taking 70,000 cars off the road for a year, generation of New Yorkers.” improving air quality for all New Yorkers. This work—which will create Section NYCHA is the largest organization to 3 jobs—is already underway. NYCHA participate in the Challenge, joining is investing $300 million to upgrade 20 of the City’s top residential property heating, hot water, interior and exterior managers, owners, and developers. lighting, and ventilation systems in “As the nation’s largest housing buildings across the City. For example, authority and residential landlord, we NYCHA is modernizing heating systems so that they respond to indoor NYC Parks 2017 temperatures instead of only outdoor 37th Annual Spring Double Dutch Tournament temperatures—a key way to eliminate

overheating, cut energy usage, and Come join us for a FREE April 29, 2017 meet the carbon reduction goal. Double Dutch Tournament Check in begins at 9:30 a.m. “Since the release of NYCHA’s Competition begins at 11:00 a.m. Participants are welcome to register as a

Sustainability Agenda last April, we team or unattached for this competition. Sorrentino Recreation Center have been working closely with sister Divisions include beginners, intermediate 18-48 Cornaga Ave. and advanced. Teams and individuals will be agencies and industry leaders to launch Far Rockaway, New York 11691 judged in the categories of compulsory, an ambitious energy-efficiency pro- (718) 471 - 4818 speed and freestyle, singles, and doubles. gram,” said Bomee Jung, NYCHA’s Vice President of Energy and Sustainability. For individuals without a team, For more information and to register, please “These upgrades provide brighter light- pairings will be chosen at 10:30 a.m. contact Stanley Brown or Monet Davis at (718) 471 - 4818. ing and more comfortable and reliable A recently installed wireless energy module, heating, and also help lessen the future Contact (212) 360-1430 or which automatically monitors the heat in impacts of climate change.” [email protected] for more information regarding accessibility. Requests apartments and provides residents with Learn more at www.nyc.gov/ for special accommodations should be made consistent, comfortable temperatures. carbonchallenges. by April 26, 2017. Turning a Rainy Day into a Gorgeous Garden Rainwater collection supports landscaping as it protects sewer systems HE BRONX’S EDENWALD Houses “We want all our communities to is getting a little greener, thanks to withstand the challenges of climate Ta $10.6 million project to improve change,” NYCHA General Manager drainage there. As part of its “Green Michael Kelly said about the project.

Infrastructure Program,” the City’s Depart- “Working hand-in-hand with partner NYC DEP ment of Environmental Protection (DEP) is agencies like DEP, we are adding ‘green’ An illustration of pavement and a rain garden at Edenwald Houses that allow water to be absorbed building a system to divert rainwater from components to our developments that into the ground. the sewer system and the nearby Hutchin- will improve quality of life for residents son River, so it can be absorbed into the and the surrounding community.” also irrigate landscaping (supporting the able drainage systems is a smart and ground. Elements of this new system The new system will capture about 10 growth of healthier plants that beautify environmentally sound investment,” include rain gardens on the grounds that million gallons of stormwater each year, the grounds, provide more shade in the said State Assembly Speaker Carl allow water to be absorbed, rain collec- reducing sewer backups, easing pres- summer, and enhance air quality). The Heastie. “These upgrades protect New tion systems on rooftops, and special sure on the sewer system during heavy improvements are expected to be com- York City’s waterways, particularly the pavement in courtyards, pedestrian areas, rain, and decreasing sewer overflows into pleted by the end of the year. Hutchinson River, and create more wel- and parking lots. the Hutchinson River. This rainwater will “The addition of these new sustain- coming urban spaces.” 10 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Wheels Keep Turning Ready for the Limelight From Citi Bike cyclist to bike share champion This year’s Lee Strasberg Scholarship winners HEN OMAR ARIAS, 22, national grant from Better Bike Share are cool, confident, and talented. first heard about Citi Bike’s Partnership to increase bike share mem- W discounted membership bership among people of color and in for NYCHA residents, he knew it was a low-income communities. great deal he didn’t want to pass up. “We partnered with Citi Bike and NYCHA residents 16 years and older the Department of Health and Mental can join Citi Bike for just $5 a month Hygiene to change the perception and get unlimited rides all year. What of bike riding and bike sharing and he didn’t know was that his enthusiasm improve health among low-income would lead to a new role with Citi Bike: people in Brooklyn,” said Tracey Ca- Community Champion. pers, Executive Vice President of Pro- “When I signed up, I also got my grams/Organizational Development friend to sign up, too,” said Arias, who’s at Restoration. “The best people to lived in King Towers his entire life. “We sell the effort to the community are used the bikes last summer to travel people from the community, people through Central Park, to go check out who are a part of the neighborhoods new places to eat and to hang out. we are trying to reach.” It became our transportation option As a Champion, Omar attended resi- because we didn’t want to pay for the dent association meetings and handed subway anymore.” out free day passes, talked about Citi Community Champions are NYCHA Bike at a Family Day in East Harlem and From left to right: Avondre Beverley, Deidra Ephraim, and Tyanna Patten. residents who help with outreach at a block party on the Lower East Side, NYCHA developments on the benefits and led a community bike ride. He also THEY SAID they were nervous, but level. I put my dreams on hold 10 years of joining Citi Bike. Omar and three spoke at a press conference about Citi when this year’s winners of the 34th An- ago because I got married, had children, other young residents from Marcy and Bike with City Council members. nual Lee Strasberg NYCHA Scholarship lost my mother, and got divorced. This is Amsterdam Houses were the first group “Bike sharing is easy and fun; you Competition for Actors and Actresses growth; I’m not who I was 10 years ago of Champions. In return for their work, can get exercise; you can travel around took to the stage, they commanded the and I am loving this journey.” they received free Citi Bike memberships the City and sight-see, and it’s a more room and transported the audience to and incentives for each new bike share independent transportation option be- other worlds. Each winner will receive TEEN CATEGORY: member they enrolled. cause you don’t have to wait for a bus or a full scholarship to the Lee Strasberg Tyanna Patten, 13 Citi Bike worked with community- a train to come, you can just hop on and Theater Institute’s prestigious 12-week Marcy Houses based organization Bedford-Stuyvesant ride. If you think about the MTA fare “method acting” program. Some of Seventh grader Restoration Corporation to hire, train, and the cost of a gym membership, this the Institute’s graduates include John Performance: A monologue she wrote, and manage the first group of Cham- is a way more affordable option. This is Leguizamo, Al Pacino, Sidney Poitier, Adele’s “Someone Like You,” and a dance pions. Restoration received part of a something I believe in,” he said. Jesse L. Martin, James Baldwin, and Favorite Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio “Citi Bike is deeply committed to Scarlett Johansson. “It felt very good to win, but even if I didn’t serving all New Yorkers,” said Anne win I knew I did the best I could. All the Krassner, Citi Bike’s education and ADULT CATEGORY: people who auditioned were really great.” outreach manager. “We are excited to Deidra Ephraim, 36 build on the Champion program this Seth Low Houses YOUTH CATEGORY: year and use the expertise of NYCHA Stay-at-home mother of three children Avondre Beverley, 11 residents to recruit more of their neigh- Performance: “Sabotage,” a monologue Riis Houses bors to this affordable, healthy way to she wrote, and “If I Ain’t Got You” Sixth grader get around.” by Alicia Keys Performed a monologue from This year, Citi and Motivate, opera- Favorite Actors: Oprah Winfrey, Danny “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” tors of the Citi Bike program, will be Glover, and Whoopi Goldberg Favorite Actor: Samuel L. Jackson recruiting citywide for Public Housing “I’m stunned and shocked. This is a big “Winning the scholarship was very Champions. If you are interested, call step. I’m trying to take this to the highest surprising and exciting!” 347-916-0719 or email marketing@ citibikenyc.com. NYCHA residents EXCERPT FROM SABOTAGE: interested in purchasing a Citi Bike membership for $5 a month can visit ”I thought after being divorced for four Omar Arias out exploring the City on Citi Bike. www.citibikenyc.com/pricing/nycha. years I was ready for a relationship. Some- thing new and real! I told myself this time things are gonna be so different. After dating only three months and he asked STOP HATE CRIMES me to be his lady, things started to change HATE CRIMES are escalating in New York. The City and the State are jointly offering a for me. I started thinking all kinds of $20,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction for a hate crime. thoughts, checking his phone whenever To report bias or a discrimination complaint, call the tip hotline at 888-392-3644, he left the room! Maybe I wasn’t ready for or NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text “HATE” to 81336. a relationship.” —Deidra M. Ephraim

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 11 Meet Your Zone Coordinators YCHA REES ZONE Coordinators are your personal guides to achieving your economic dreams. They partner with resident leaders and local organizations to connect residents to jobs and job training, adult education, financial empowerment, and business development services close to home. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, N you can find your Zone Coordinators at the REES office at 787 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they’re out and about in their zones visiting resi- dents and partner programs. Here’s what you should know about Brooklyn Zone Coordinators Rayford Hooks, Kisha Jackson, Evelyn Melendez, and Micah Owino.

bridge, to be a wonderful connector. As a She wants residents to remember: Zone Coordinator you have the opportu- “Sometimes you may get discouraged, nity to fill in missing pieces for residents but we’re here to connect you to and put opportunities in front of them, to opportunities and help you become have conversations that will shape their more self-sufficient.” decision making.”

Rayford Hooks, Brownsville and East Micah Owino, East Brooklyn and Coney New York/Zone 7 ((Brownsville, Cypress Island/Zone 8 (Coney Island Houses, Hills, Howard, Linden, Pink, Tilden, Van Haber Houses, Marlboro Houses, O’Dwyer Dyke, and Woodson Houses, Hughes Gardens, Surfside Gardens, and more). Apartments, Saratoga Village, and more.) He’s a new Zone Coordinator with He’s been a NYCHA employee for Evelyn Melendez, Bedford-Stuyvesant, the newest zone. Micah joined REES 15 years and a Zone Coordinator for Williamsburg, and Bushwick/Zone 5 almost a year and a half ago to launch the three years. Kisha Jackson, Downtown Brooklyn/ (Armstrong, Brevoort, Bushwick, Cooper zone. Prior to NYCHA he worked for the Rayford has worked at senior centers, Zone 6 (Albany, Farragut, Gowanus, Park, Hylan, Lafayette, Marcy, Tompkins, City’s Human Resources Administration, coordinated tree planting for the Million Kingsborough, Red Hook East, and and Williamsburg Houses, Borinquen Pla- where he helped launch pop-up IDNYC Trees Initiative on NYCHA properties, and Red Hook West Houses, Atlantic za, Hope Gardens, Independence Towers, locations to make the ID card more acces- helped homeless veterans transition to Terminal, Warren Street, Wyckoff Palmetto Gardens, Stuyvesant Gardens, sible to neighborhoods across the City. independent living in the Veterans Affairs Gardens, and more.) Williams Plaza, and more.) This zone works unofficially with Supportive Housing (VASH) program. She’s been a Zone Coordinator for She’s got a long history as a NYCHA numerous partners: The HOPE Program, He lives and works on the border three years, though she’s worked for employee. Evelyn was a community cen- St. Nicks Alliance, Chase, Opportunities of East New York/Brownsville: “I work NYCHA for 21 years. You may recognize ter director for 14 years prior to becoming for a Better Tomorrow, and Workforce1 on within my own community. I see residents her as a former community center director a Zone Coordinator in 2013. No matter the Coney Island. “Essentially, we’ve been uti- at BJ’s, at the laundry, at the post office—I at Atlantic Terminal, Farragut, Indepen- position, her job has always been to “assist lizing borough-wide and citywide partners know I have a responsibility and impact dence, and Ingersoll. She also grew up in residents, families, and communities!” for services.” not only the NYCHA community but also Ingersoll Houses, and both her parents …and as a NYCHA resident. She lived Favorite program: NPower, “an orga- my neighbors.” were born and raised in Whitman Houses. in LaGuardia Houses for nine years. Her nization that serves 17-to 24-year-olds and Zone partners include: Jobs-Plus, Zone partners include: The HOPE daughter, Evelynda Santos, currently lives promotes youth who are into technology NPower, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Program, Brooklyn Workforce Innova- at LaGuardia and was featured in the Au- and are trying to break into that industry. Corporation, Brooklyn Public Library, tions, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration gust/September 2016 issue of The NYCHA There were two residents who got into Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizen’s Corporation, Public Housing Communi- Journal for her in-home child care services. the program and were super excited. Council, CUNY’s Green Maintenance ties, Project Home, Impact Brooklyn, Zone partners include: Opportunities We tracked the trajectory, and with this for Buildings Program, SUNY’s Brooklyn Brooklyn Navy Yard, and SUNY’s Brooklyn for a Better Tomorrow, Brooklyn Coopera- program they can jump right into careers in Educational Opportunity Center, Work- Educational Opportunity Center. tive, St. Nicks Alliance, Bedford-Stuyvesant technology. I look forward to working with force1, Brownsville Partnership-Com- Resident success story: “I connected Restoration Corporation, and Jobs-Plus. them on a larger scale in the future.” munity Solutions, and Central Brooklyn a young man to REES for training and Her favorite partner organization: From NextGeneration NYCHA to Economic Corporation. employment opportunities but he wasn’t “St. Nick’s Alliance, because they meet NextGen Careers: “We need to expand His favorite partner: “Green City successful. As a REES staff member, I residents at their level of need. They sup- our partnerships to the future—let’s talk Force. Eighteen to 24 is a critical age. re-introduced him to opportunities and port residents to accomplish what they about next generation careers for youth as Some people haven’t finished school, are this time he was successful and is now a want to do, even if there are barriers, to well. Technology is the future.” out of school, out of work, have become full-time NYCHA employee.” provide residents with what they need to Success story: O’Dwyer Gardens resi- parents, or have challenges at home. I She loves working with the Hope accomplish their goals, such as Metro- dent Nsowaa Stewart participated in the like that GCF is geared toward building Program because “They are an employ- Cards and child care. They’re passionate, NYCHA Resident Training Academy and up the individual and exposes young ment training program for opportuni- family-oriented, and really want to help started her own MWBE business; she now people to things they’d never heard of ties in the retail area and have strong each individual.” consults and contracts for grants. “I think before. They are given the resources to outcomes in the workforce development The best thing about her job? “I love her story is one of the reasons why we do sustain, such a stipend, a uniform, per- industry. Their employer-driven approach that I’m able to change people’s lives. I this work.” sonal development, certifications, educa- helps build more sustainable lives and interact with different organizations and What he loves about being a Zone tion, and they’re AmeriCorps members. communities by training people for stable find out about services they have for the Coordinator: “I see myself as closing I’ve seen young people’s lives personally jobs with room for advancement. From residents at no cost. I really enjoy what communication gaps, as the conduit transform because of GCF.” the time a student enrolls in the program I do. If I impact one person, that’s great for getting information out to residents, What he loves about his job: “I’m there are high expectations in a very because it trickles down to another person stakeholders, and elected officials, and I happy to be the person that can build a professional environment.” and that’s the ripple effect.” really enjoy that piece.” 12 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA STEAM is FUNdamental GROUP OF FOURTH graders skate park. Last fall, the kids built six- from Todt Hill are learning how foot models of bridges using Popsicle Ato build their own skate park. sticks and paper clips. Although it’s a scale model, the kids “This isn’t about reading a textbook learn the concepts needed to construct or listening to a teacher lecture; students a full-size version themselves, thanks to learn by doing. They build projects with their after school program which uses their hands, discuss ideas, and develop a STEAM curriculum: Science, Technol- creative solutions to tough problems,” ogy, Engineering, Architecture/arts, and Kenneth Jones, Executive Director of the Math. By studying objects found in their Salvadori Center, said. “NYCHA stu- communities, such as buildings, bridges, dents are great! They are engaged and and parks, students learn how these dis- interested. And our studies show that ciplines are part of their everyday lives. the program is making a positive impact The program is run by the Salvadori on the students’ self confidence in their Center, a non-profit organization that has ability to be successful with math and sci- taught STEAM in New York City for the ence as well as their interest in pursuing past 40 years. A grant from the Pinkerton STEAM careers.” Foundation is funding three 12-week And what do the new skate park ex- after school programs for third to eighth perts have to say about the program? graders on Staten Island at JCC Corner- Makaylah Campbell, 10, from Todt stone (serving Richmond Terrace), UAU Hill: “I love science and math. This pro- South Beach Cornerstone (serving South gram wants me to learn even more. My Beach residents), and JCC Cornerstone favorite part with skate parks is that we (serving Todt Hill). The Salvadori Center will get to build one ourselves. I would hopes to expand the program to more love to do this program every day if I NYCHA sites in the future. could, because it inspires me so much.” Todt Hill students explore the components of a skate ramp with Salvadori Educator Emiliano At all three centers, the children U’lanii McDonald, 9, from Todt Hill: Maghallighen, known to the kids as “Mr. M.” are working on skate parks, exploring “This program I think is really special. concepts such as shape and form, force Some people in this world don’t get the skate park, I like to see how much Jessie Zhang, 10, Todt Hill: “The and energy, inclines, and the construc- this program so I make sure to get here force at different angles you can have best thing about this class is that you tion materials used to build skate parks. every time. I also like that I get to work on a skate ramp. I like this program can build stuff. Last time, we built a For their final project, they will design with other people to either help them because it teaches us a lot of things bridge out of paper, Popsicle sticks, a three-dimensional scale model of a or explain what they have to do. With about engineering.” and a hot glue gun.” With Resident Input, Reimagining Green Space at Wald Houses

AT A COMMUNITY DESIGN TEAM MEETING on February 22, Active Design Fellow Emmanuel Oni (left) and Community Organizing Fellow/Lillian Wald Houses resident Destiny Mata (middle) discuss ideas for uses of a space on Avenue D in the Lower East Side. The Community Design Team is a part of the project Opening The Edge, a partnership between the Design Trust for Public Space and NYCHA to work with residents on the design of a lively new green space at Lillian Wald Houses. Design Trust is a non-profit committed to how design can impact public spaces in NYC.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 13 Improving Resident What’s new? Based on feedback from listening sessions with RA members, NYCHA crafted a Association Elections number of new reforms to better support RA leadership. • Online trainings: S WE BEGIN to grapple with the most dire Resident associations are required to hold elections at least once every three years, budget cuts in the history of the Authority, it is based on their bylaws. RAs that have not held elections in the past three years will not A more important than ever that NYCHA residents maintain recognition from NYCHA. NYCHA is launching online trainings for current and resident associations take an active role in helping RA boards this spring to help RAs meet all of their requirements and develop the to make and keep NYCHA safe, clean, and connected. tools necessary to manage elections. The trainings will help RAs meet all of their As we begin to grapple with the most dire budget cuts requirements and develop the tools necessary to manage elections. in the history of the Authority, it is more important than ever that residents take an active role in helping to make and keep NYCHA safe, clean, and connected. • New tenant participation funds process: NYCHA resident associations are democratically NYCHA has decentralized control of the funds and is piloting the use of a credit card elected organizations that work to improve quality to access the funds with 50 RAs. For many years, these funds (provided by HUD to of life in your housing development and the broader support RA activities) were complicated to access and difficult to use. community. Resident associations are encouraged by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban • New Resident Associations: Development (HUD) and can advise housing NYCHA created an awareness campaign to identify and encourage new leadership authorities on matters ranging from maintenance to at developments without an active association. Currently, 250 of NYCHA’s 326 resident services. developments have resident associations. More than 50 new resident associations Developments generally have an association led by have formed since May 2015. a five-member Executive Board featuring a president, vice present, secretary, treasurer, and sergeant-at- The Authority plans to sponsor a NYCHA election day across the City this fall, when arms. Additionally, residents are represented at every NYCHA development that needs to hold an election sends residents to the polls one of nine regional RA organizations across the to elect new leadership. Establishing or joining a resident association is one of the most five boroughs and at the Citywide Council of RA effective ways to contribute to your community. To find out how you can join, email presidents. Collectively, these resident organizations [email protected] to learn more about how to get started. serve as a powerful voice for residents.

NYCHA CHAIR ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP TO PRESERVE PUBLIC HOUSING (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Rental Assistance Demonstration) and health, and with PHAs from have been a lifeline for many PHAs, across the country, we hope to send including New York City, as a long- a powerful message to Capitol term, public-private solution to Hill and the administration: Public address unmet capital needs and to housing infrastructure is crucial to preserve affordable units. the health of 2.6 million Americans. Even with the success of RAD and Our efforts will be focused on 1) other financial tools, we’re going to investing in capital and health need more from Washington. The investments while pushing hard quality and condition of our hous- against any and all attempts to gut ing stock has dramatically declined, public housing with capital and impacting the health and well-being operations cuts; and 2) collaborating of public housing residents across with new and unlikely voices the country, from rural and Indian to target and move legislation housing in Wisconsin to WWII-era and opportunities for targeted housing in North Carolina. We know investments, such as a potential poor housing conditions contribute infrastructure bill. to poor health outcomes, especially Perhaps in our favor is a Secretary among vulnerable populations, such with a career in medicine. There as children, seniors, and the dis- is no one better positioned than abled. This is simply unacceptable. Secretary Carson to not only Housing, like medicine, should “do understand the health impacts of no harm.” deteriorating housing but to actually That’s why I’m proud to announce do something about it. a new collaboration between the Margaret Mead said never doubt New York City Housing Authority the ability of a small, thoughtful and NAHRO. In bringing together group to bring about change. Well, a diverse coalition across sectors, we represent a combined 2.6 million such as labor, construction, business, Americans, so I expect big things!

14 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA Success starts with taking a hands-on approach. Our free, world-class schools allow students to thrive by providing opportunities for critical thinking, emotional development, and creative expression. Apply Now at SuccessAcademies.org

©2017 Success Academy Charter Schools.

FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA 15 CLIENT: Success Academy SA_17_NYCHA_HandsOn_Feb_Mar.indd 1 1/19/17 4:40 PM DESCRIPTION: 4c Ad — Hands-on TRIM: 10.25 X 10.25 NONBLEED PUBLICATION: NYCHA INSERTION DATE: Feb/March issue This advertisement prepared by Girardville Miners’ Cooperative 347.687.7897 • [email protected] Jones’ favorite benefit of the program: Centers, but this is another way to reach Bronx Residents CAN! “I’m excited that someone is giving me residents. Urban Upbound counselors money just to save in my own account.” are on the ground helping people with ELROSE HOUSES RESIDENT tracks with different financial goals: One “We’re really excited about this financial matters at their developments. Darlene Jones has many resident saved $400 in a month; another program and its flexibility to meet They can also have appointments over M financial goals, but developing has been saving $50 a week since enroll- people where they are,” said Tischelle the phone and using text messaging.” a clear path towards achieving them ing in the program. There are small, but George, Assistant Director of REES’ Residents CAN! works heavily in while managing her day-to-day financial important, gains happening here.” partnership with resident associations. responsibilities was a challenge. By sign- Financial coaches tailor the program to Norman McGill, president of the resi- ing up for Residents CAN! (Creating As- meet each resident’s specific needs. For I think this program dent association at Highbridge Gardens, sets and Networking), Ms. Jones is now instance, there’s a crisis track for residents thinks the program is an excellent on her way to creating an emergency with immediate needs such as SNAP (food can be influential within service to residents and the commu- fund, buying a car, and traveling in the stamps) or help with debt collection; a “our neighborhood. When nity. “This program is beneficial for the near future. financial stability track for residents who knowledge – most people fail for lack of Residents CAN! is part of Urban may be seeking additional employment you help people have knowledge,” Mr. McGill said. “There are Upbound’s Financial Fitness Program, a or who want to open a savings account; a better life by showing residents who have bad credit and don’t partner of NYCHA’s Office of Resident and a financial security track for residents them how to take care know that there are ways to fix your Economic Empowerment & Sustainabil- who are interested in investing, retirement credit or residents who have problems ity (REES). Launched last November for plans, or owning a home. of themselves and their maintaining or getting ahead with their Bronx residents at Jackson Houses, Mel- “My counselor has me write down all families, in doing so you finances. I think this program can be rose Houses, and Morrisania Air Rights, my expenses for the month so I can see influential within our neighborhood. the program expanded to Davidson how I’m overspending,” Ms. Jones said. uplift the community, and When you help people have a better life Houses, Highbridge Gardens, and Park- “It’s helpful, encouraging, and motivat- as a whole we all grow. by showing them how to take care of side Houses in March 2017. Residents ing and keeps you consistent. I have themselves and their families, in doing learn budgeting techniques, how to recommended the program to other Norman McGill, Highbridge so you uplift the community, and as a improve their credit, and manage debt; residents. I think if we can get people to Gardens Resident ” whole we all grow.” open savings accounts; and establish start thinking differently about money Bronx residents living in Melrose savings plans. then they can see a different future for Association President Houses, Jackson Houses, Morrisania Air “We’ve had residents realize they themselves.” Rights, Highbridge Gardens, Parkside could be saving hundreds of dollars a Through Residents CAN! Ms. Jones Houses, and Davidson Houses who are month once they enroll in the program,” opened a savings account with EARN, a Asset Building and Financial Literacy interested in signing up for Residents said Dan Ping He, Community Engage- Residents CAN! partner. If she saves $20 unit. “We’ve been referring residents CAN! should contact Dan Ping He from ment Manager at Urban Upbound. a month for six months, EARN deposits to one-on-one financial counseling Urban Upbound at 718-541-4116 or “We work with residents on all different an extra $10 in her account. This is Ms. at the City’s Financial Empowerment [email protected].

Text Message // 7:42 PM “ I have no one to talk to. My parents can’t help me.”

CONNECT. HEAL. THRIVE.

NYC Well is here to listen and help with problems like stress, depression, anxiety and drug or alcohol misuse. Free, confidential, 24/7. Talk 1-888-NYCWELL (1-888-692-9355) Text WELL to 65173 Chat nyc.gov/nycwell

16 FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.NYC.GOV/NYCHA