The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

five people standing behind a table stacked with takeout meals in containers
NYCHA Residents REES Top Story 

Keeping the Holiday Spirit Bright for NYCHA Residents

LaToya

It’s the season of giving. Whether by providing hot meals, warm clothing, or toys for children, there are many ways that NYCHA, resident associations, elected officials, community organizations, and others helped ensure the holiday spirit was enjoyed by all. 

For instance, NYCHA hired eight food businesses operated by NYCHA residents to prepare and deliver holiday meals to residents experiencing gas outages. On December 23, the resident business owners delivered approximately 3,170 meals to families at 42 developments throughout the city. To support their businesses while also assisting New Yorkers in need, NYCHA often hires resident food business owners to provide culturally appropriate meals to their fellow residents. 

  • Lechelle Dawson of 6ix Catering provided 250 meals to residents of Riis Houses in Manhattan. Photos courtesy of Lechelle Dawson.
  • Lechelle Dawson of 6ix Catering provided 250 meals to residents of Riis Houses in Manhattan. Photos courtesy of Lechelle Dawson.

The eight resident business owners who provided meals are Brandi Covington of Tainted Treats/Cooking with Corey; Stephen Johnson of Big Daddi Smoke House; Cornel Robinson of Cornel’s Catering; Niani Taylor of Munch Hours, Inc.; Bernadette Alvelo-Miller of Bernadette’s Place; Jonathan Alexander of L’Boe Catering; Cristiana Franco of Sabor Restaurant & Bakery; and Lechelle Dawson of 6ix Catering. 

The entrepreneurs are graduates of Food Business Pathways (FBP), a business accelerator program operated by NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES). FBP provides free food business training to help NYCHA residents and Section 8 voucher holders reach their dreams of starting or growing their own food business. 

  • Cornel Robinson (top) and his staff prepared 300 meals to deliver to NYCHA residents in the Bronx. Photo courtesy of Cornel Robinson.
  • The holiday menu included baked potatoes, Spanish rice, baked chicken, jerk chicken, and mixed vegetables. Photo courtesy of Cornel Robinson.

Here are some holiday events held for NYCHA residents across the city: