Regina Carter Named 2026 David Prize Finalist

Regina Carter, founder of Repurposed Life and President of the Morris Houses Resident Association, was named one of 15 finalists for the 2026 David Prize, recognizing her work to furnish homes for NYCHA residents free of charge while keeping usable furniture out of landfills. 

The David Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes New Yorkers who have bold ideas about how to strengthen communities, culture, and the future of the city. Five winners receive $200,000 in unrestricted funding over two years. Ms. Carter is a finalist in the “Environment and Sustainability” category.  

Ms. Carter founded Repurposed Life five years ago and incorporated it as a nonprofit in 2024. She works with businesses, hotels, colleges, and individual donors to divert usable furniture and household items from landfills and place them directly into the hands of residents who need them through pop-up distribution events across the city. She began the organization in the Bronx and later expanded across the five boroughs.  

“It’s important that people have housing, but there are things that come with housing that aren’t automatically available,” Ms. Carter said. “A bed, a dresser, furniture – those things help turn a house into a home. There will be a lot of emotions if I win. I’ll be happy, and I’m sure there will be a sense of validation. This is proof that other people recognize how important this work is.” 

Ms. Carter sees being a finalist as both a personal honor and a recognition of community achievement. She credits the organization’s success to the volunteers, residents, and community partners who help collect, sort, transport, and distribute donations. She highlighted Morris Houses Resident Association Vice President Lisa Rose and other community members who donate their time to support neighbors by picking up furniture, sorting clothing, and helping older adults get the furniture to their apartments. 

“It’s not just me,” Ms. Carter said. “This would be overwhelming if I was doing this by myself. This is a resident-led, community initiative. The support from residents and volunteers is what makes it possible. People step up and step out to help.” 

As part of The David Prize selection process, Ms. Carter presented about her life and her work to the Prize’s advisory board on June 11. Winners will be named later this summer. 

Whether or not she receives the award, Ms. Carter said the recognition highlights the importance of community-led solutions to support residents. “When you help people, they want to spread the good news,” she said. “This recognition helps more people learn about what we’re doing and why it matters.” 

She’s currently coordinating an August pop-up at Gowanus Houses in Brooklyn for pre-registered residents. Ms. Carter is working with a Hilton hotel that temporarily closed in 2019 and had room furnishings (including beds, chairs, linens, and other items) cleaned and stored for when they would reopen. The hotel closed permanently due to the Covid pandemic but wanted to find a way to repurpose the furnishings and help the community. Ms. Carter is seeking to partner with resident associations to host pop-ups for these items in every borough. 

Read Regina Carter’s finalist page on The David Prize’s website here: Regina Carter | The David Prize. 

Featured photo is Regina Carter.