New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

🌟 Be a part of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)'s Talent Showcase! 🎤🎨 We're on the lookout for talented artists, dancers, musicians, and poets from NYCHA residents throughout the city. Showcase your skills by submitting video entries to [email protected] by October 26, 2024. Let's celebrate the rich talent within our community! ✨ #NYCHAResident #NYCHATalentShowcase

On August 2, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)'s Whitman Houses celebrated the grand re-opening of its outdoor recreational facilities with a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony. 🏀✨ The event marked the unveiling of refurbished basketball courts and a brand-new handball court, much to the delight of the Fort Greene community. Led by Resident Association President Julie Sharpton, the celebration brought together residents, community members, City Councilmember Crystal Hudson, former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Albert King, and WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association)'s Epiphanny Prince, who came together to support the revitalization of this essential space. “These new courts are a true blessing – people are calling them the best in all of NYCHA!” shared Ms. Sharpton. Residents had long advocated for these upgrades, offering input and ideas that shaped the final design, ensuring it reflects the community's needs and aspirations. The newly renovated space, featuring fresh hoops, enhanced lighting, and improved landscaping, is already creating opportunities for residents to connect, be active, and enjoy their neighborhood. As Ms. Sharpton so beautifully put it, “It’s not just a basketball court – it’s community. There’s unity in community, and this space is a testament to that.” 🌟 Check out the full story here: https://on.nyc.gov/4dR7hfa #NYCHAEvents

Empowering #NYCHA Residents Through Art with a $3M Grant! 🎨 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments across New York City are set to experience a creative transformation, thanks to a generous $3 million grant from the Mellon Foundation and the Public Housing Community Fund The new initiative, From Roots to Arts, will bring together local artists and residents to lead inspiring arts programs in all five boroughs. This program not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our communities but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and connection among NYCHA residents. Read the full story on PIX11 News: https://on.nyc.gov/46WIgN2 #ResidentEmpowerment #FromRootsToArts

Connecting Communities: Barthé's Exodus and Dance Restoration Richmond Barthé’s Exodus and Dance is a monumental 8-foot by 80-foot frieze that has graced New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)'s Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn since 1941. Known to residents as “The Wall,” this significant piece of public art is currently being restored at EverGreene Architectural Arts, Inc.’s conservation studio. It stands as Barthé’s largest work, deeply influenced by Christianity, Black history, African lore, theater, and dance. The restoration of Exodus and Dance is part of #NYCHA's Connecting Communities Initiative, which aims to link residents to public spaces, enhancing social, psychological, and economic well-being. The frieze, which features Black figures engaged in a dance, was inspired by Marc Connelly’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Green Pastures and the 1929 ballet Shingandi. Originally commissioned during the Works Progress Administration era, the frieze was installed at Kingsborough Houses without Barthé’s knowledge, despite its powerful representation of Black culture. As this iconic artwork undergoes restoration, the surrounding Kingsborough Housing Plaza will also be revitalized, transforming into a vibrant public space for community gatherings, performances, and activities. This renewed area will honor the rich cultural heritage of Kingsborough Houses, featuring additional art installations, community murals, and interpretive signage that reflect the stories, memories, and dreams of the African American community. Story from EverGreene Architectural Arts, Inc.: https://lnkd.in/et_T2U3q #ConnectedCommunities #NYCHA #RichmondBarthe

🎓✨ New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) students are off to college, and we're here to make the transition smoother! Thanks to Project Move-In Day, 40 NYCHA residents received duffel bags filled with essentials to help them transition to living in dormitories or off-campus housing. #NYCHA students were chosen via an application process beginning in early summer and received duffel bags packed with wireless earbuds, a portable speaker, portable charger, flash drive, extension cord, shower caddy, comforter, sheet set, pillow, towel, pop-up hamper, reusable water bottle, and more. Each recipient also received $25 Lyft gift cards, and 10 students won a raffle prize of a MacBook. 📚🏠 Meet Jamir Person from the Bronx and Trinity Escoto from Manhattan, two of the lucky recipients. Jamir is heading to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and said "I feel pretty good to be selected to get a duffel bag because I know many people applied for it, and to be chosen out of many is a blessing." Trinity, off to Penn State University said, "I’m very grateful, though I am a bit nervous to start college soon – but I’m also very excited to meet new people and to decorate my room." Huge shoutout to NYC Service the New York Yankees Public Housing Community Fund and Supreme clothing company for making this possible. 🎉 Read the full story here: https://on.nyc.gov/3AAtTCd #ResidentEmpowerment #ProjectMoveInDay

🏘️ Transforming Staten Island’s West Brighton Houses: A New Era Begins 🛠️ As renovations get underway at a Staten Island public housing complex that was recently turned over to private managers, some New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents say they're experiencing a long-forgotten feeling: optimism. https://lnkd.in/e3-s3PiJ Cruz Ruiz, a 90-year-old retired sailor, is one of about 1,300 residents benefiting from these upgrades. Living in one of the unique bungalow-style apartments, Cruz has faced heat and hot water issues for 15 years. But now, as crews work on gut-renovating units and repairing rooftops, he feels a sense of renewal. “We needed that change for a long time,” Cruz said in an interview by Gothamist Radio: https://lnkd.in/eM_yJ6wh West Brighton is the first Staten Island development to join the #PACT program, which secures private funding for comprehensive renovations. NYCHA and developer BFC PARTNERS closed a $332 million deal in June to revitalize the complex, addressing years of neglect and disinvestment. Jonathan Gouveia, #NYCHA’s EVP for Real Estate, highlighted the significance of this transformation: “The deterioration had built up over time, and NYCHA lacked the funds to restore these homes. But with PACT, we’re making substantial investments to improve living conditions.” While some critics express concerns over private management, residents like Resident Association President Shekina Butler are seeing real progress. “There was no work being done on campus. Absolutely nothing,” Butler said. “So to have all these people here, every day, completing job after job after job, it is amazing.” As work continues, the project aims to reopen 12 vacant bungalows and convert others into a new senior center, ensuring that West Brighton becomes a vibrant, sustainable community once again. Story and radio interview via Gothamist by David F. Brand 📸 Gothamist #AffordableHousing #PublicHousing

Earlier this year, the iconic Nivola Horses made their long-awaited return to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)'s Wise Towers, much to the delight of residents who cherish these beloved sculptures. 🐎🏙️ The horses, crafted by the late Italian artist Costantino Nivola in 1964, have been a central part of Wise Towers' cultural fabric for decades, serving as both a neighborhood landmark and a cherished playground memory for many. The journey to restore the Nivola Horses was not without its challenges. Over the years, the statues had suffered from vandalism and neglect, prompting concerns about their preservation. In 2021, they were removed due to repairs needed on a water main line beneath their location. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the PACT Renaissance Collaborative (PRC) and the Wise Towers Resident Association, the horses have been beautifully restored and are once again a symbol of the community's resilience and pride. As part of the #PACT program, Wise Towers underwent comprehensive upgrades, including the full restoration of the Nivola art pieces. Residents were also given the opportunity to learn more about the artwork and its significance through trips to the Magazzino Italian Art Museum, fostering a deeper connection to their community's heritage. "The horses are part of the legacy of this development," said Ernesto Carrera, President of the Wise Towers Resident Association. "[...] They’ve brought us together and shown us the importance of preserving our heritage. They symbolize our history and resilience." The revitalized plaza, which now features a new playground, basketball court, and mural, continues to be a gathering place for residents of all ages. As Wise Towers resident Lovely Joseph puts it, "They’re not just statues; they’re part of our identity here." Full story: https://on.nyc.gov/3AKQxaJ #NYCHA #ConnectedCommunities #ResidentEmpowerment #NivolaHorses #PublicArt #CommunityHeritage #WiseTowers

🌟 #NYCHA Health Corps Members Honored for Service to Their Communities In June, NYC Service honored 120 AmeriCorps Members at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, including 38 dedicated New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Health Corps Members. These individuals were recognized for their tireless work in public health and health equity across NYCHA communities, making New York City healthier and more equitable. 🌍💪 Launched in 2022, the NYCHA Health Corps provides residents with full-time training and work opportunities at community-based nonprofits and public agencies. This second cohort included 38 residents who served 10 months, contributing to improved health outcomes in public housing developments. In addition to on-the-job work experience focused on improving health outcomes in neighborhoods across the city, NYCHA Health Corps receive approximately 200 hours of learning and professional development in public health, a living allowance of up to $23,800, an education award up to $5,176, a MetroCard for commuting, and more. Full story: 🔗 https://on.nyc.gov/3yQmlKV #ResidentEmpowement #NYCHAHealthCorps

🌍 Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month: A Spotlight on #NYCHA’s Recycling Entrepreneur Brigitte Charlton-Vicenty 🌍 #BlackPhilanthropyMonth (BPM) is a global movement for funding equity across the Black diaspora. This year’s theme, "Afro-Futures of Giving," emphasizes the importance of supporting afrofuturistic and green initiatives—a mission embodied by The Inner City Green Team (ICGT), founded by New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) resident Brigitte Charlton-Vicenty. Charlton-Vicenty’s passion for environmental justice was ignited when she realized there was an opportunity to enhance NYCHA's compliance with NYC’s recycling laws. With determination and vision, she turned this challenge into an opportunity, winning $20,000 in the NYCx Co-Lab Challenge to launch a successful recycling program at a NYCHA development in Brownsville. Today, ICGT not only advances environmental sustainability but also creates green-collar jobs for NYCHA residents, addressing both unemployment and environmental issues in marginalized communities. Charlton-Vicenty’s work, which she calls her "green ministry," is a powerful example of how Afro-futurism and environmental justice intersect to create lasting impact. As we honor Black Philanthropy Month, let’s recognize the incredible contributions of leaders like Charlton-Vicenty who are shaping a sustainable future for all. 💚 Full story New York Amsterdam News: https://on.nyc.gov/3AGON2g #Sustainability #GreenJobs #EnvironmentalJustice

Celebrating New York City Police Department Detective Walter “Wally” Brant's Retirement: A Legacy of Community Service 🎉👮♂️ On his last official day on the job, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) community in Brooklyn gathered to honor the retirement of NYPD Detective Walter “Wally” Brant. After 31 years of dedicated service, including 23 years as a Community Affairs Officer for PSA 2, Detective Brant was given a hero’s sendoff with a ceremonial "walk out." Detective Brant has been a familiar and trusted face in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Brownsville, East New York, and Crown Heights. Through countless community events, youth programs, and senior activities, he has built strong bonds and positively impacted the lives of many residents. Reflecting on his career, Detective Brant said, "I put a lot in but got a lot out. It’s been a long, fun ride, with some ups and downs, but I think I did well. I made a lot of friends, changed a lot of lives, and they taught me a lot, too.” As he steps into retirement, Detective Brant looks forward to finding new ways to serve the community he loves. Thank you, Detective Brant, for your unwavering commitment and for making a lasting difference in the #NYCHA community. Full story: https://on.nyc.gov/3yPIGIy