Volunteers Revitalize Three Courtyards at Lower East Side II

August 13, 2026 LaToya

Residents of Lower East Side II Houses are now enjoying three revitalized community courtyards thanks to the more than 300 volunteers who came together on July 23 for the 10th annual She Builds event.

She Builds is part of a community revitalization program led by Rebuilding Together NYC (RTNYC), a nonprofit organization that brings volunteers together to improve homes and community spaces. The organization’s “She Builds Committee,” made up of women in real estate, hosts the annual event, which draws hundreds of volunteers each year. This year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of She Builds and was the organization’s largest event to date.

Over the course of the day, volunteers transformed the three courtyards of Lower East Side II, which have served residents since the development opened in the 1980s. They constructed raised garden beds, planted seedlings and shrubs, rebuilt planters, mulched trees, and repainted benches and picnic tables. Many of the native plants installed were donated by the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance.

“This initiative stands out as a remarkable testament to exemplary collaboration and shared purpose, promising invaluable benefits for our natural environment, the mental health of our community, meaningful progress, and the betterment of humanity,” said Kazi Islam, Resident Association President of LES II. “Together, we are building a legacy of inspiration and positive change that will endure for generations to come.”

NYCHA employees and residents, including RA President Kazi Islam, participated in the event.

The event brought together NYCHA residents and staff, volunteers, and community partners, including Council Member Harvey Epstein, former Comptroller Brad Lander, and award-winning host and home improvement expert George Oliphant.

“Creating and caring for green spaces is about investing in the well-being of our communities,” said Nichelle Hudlin, Strategic Partnerships Manager in NYCHA’s Office of Public and Private Partnerships. “Beautification projects like this create welcoming environments where residents can gather, connect, and take pride in the place they call home. Rebuilding Together NYC has partnered with NYCHA on many beautification projects over the years, and we’re especially excited that this marks our first project together in Manhattan. We are incredibly grateful to Rebuilding Together NYC and all the volunteers who helped transform this shared community space.”

Residents and partners who want to start or help expand a community garden at NYCHA can reach NYCHA’s Farms and Gardens team by emailing gardens@nycha.nyc.gov or calling 212-306-8282.