Community Resource Fair at Bracetti Plaza

NYCHA’s Bracetti Plaza hosted a community resource fair on June 5 to provide information and access to resources for a range of services for local residents.  

Andre Cirilo, NYCHA’s Deputy Director for Community Safety Strategies, said the event was the first of its kind for the development in Manhattan’s Alphabet City neighborhood and was intended to bring various resources on education, jobs, and community programs directly to the residents. Similar to a pop-up safety event held in early March, Mr. Cirilo said the resource fair was also meant to provide assistance and show support for the residents who have raised some concerns regarding safety at their development.   

Several local organizations, including Henry Street Settlement, Good Old Lower East Side, Inc. (GOLES), and Educational Alliance, were on hand at Bracetti Plaza on East Fourth Street to answer questions and provide information about their community services. Residents also had the opportunity to meet with NYCHA property management staff as well as representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD’s Explorers and Auxiliary programs, and the offices of City Council Member Carlina Rivera and Assembly Member Harvey Epstein.   

In addition to the vendor tables, the event featured a youth rock climbing wall, book donations, police horses, and a DJ.  

Therese Mitchell, Resident Association President at Bracetti Plaza, said she enjoyed attending the fair and was pleased that residents were given the opportunity to connect with a variety of important resources. 

“It was a very good event; they were offering info about jobs, training, and a lot of other information that’s needed at this point,” Ms. Mitchell said.