Public Housing Community Fund, NYCHA, and Con Edison Announce Nine Winners of the Resident Climate Action Grants Program
On Monday, April 22 – Earth Day 2024 – the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF) announced the nine newest winners of its Con Edison-funded, NYCHA-focused Resident Climate Action Grants Program. Originally launched during Climate Week 2022, the PHCF’s Resident Climate Action Grants Program was created to foster innovative efforts in sustainable development and community empowerment within NYCHA resident communities.
This year, PHCF selected nine winning proposals from public housing residents to receive grants of up to $5,000 each for projects they dreamed up to address climate-related challenges, enhance community sustainability practices, and improve the daily lives of NYCHA residents. Winning proposals came in from all five boroughs; each one will leverage residents’ knowledge and leadership to foster environmental stewardship and resilience in NYCHA communities.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to empowering NYCHA residents through the Resident Climate Action Grant Program,” said PHCF Executive Director Alex Zablocki. “These grants are a testament to our residents’ innovative spirit and dedication, as well as their passion for sustainability and community resilience. By putting the power directly into the hands of those who know their communities best, we are fostering environmental stewardship and building a stronger, more sustainable future for all New Yorkers. Congratulations to all our grantees! We can’t wait to see your projects come to life and inspire further climate action across our city.”
The winning proposals represent a range of sustainability efforts, from garden revitalizations and recycling programs to energy efficiency campaigns, art programs, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education programs. Each project will be led by the residents who proposed them and supported by the PHCF and its sustainability consulting partner, Kinetic Communities, who will provide technical assistance to grantees throughout project implementation.
The 2024 Resident Climate Action Grants will go to fund winning proposals in the following NYCHA communities:
(Image credits: Public Housing Community Fund)
● Carey Gardens: Residents proposed a Youth Climate Action Exhibition, a series of workshops followed by a grand exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library.
● Red Hook West Houses: Residents proposed a Tree and Edible Plant Initiative and Stewardship Program, envisioned as an important next step as residents witness the completion of Sandy-related resiliency construction in their community.
● Claremont Consolidated: Residents proposed a new Family Day concept that will be themed using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, STEAM, and clean energy concepts.
(Image credit: Public Housing Community Fund)
● Morris Houses: Residents proposed a hands-on initiative to redistribute gently used office furniture and housewares to the residents of Morris Houses, enhancing their living conditions at no cost.
● LaGuardia Houses: Residents proposed an inclusive, community-wide garden project to enhance their living environment by incorporating more greenery and beautification for their landscape.
● Polo Grounds Towers: Residents proposed “Big CLIMATE Small CHANGE,” a program to create a community-led ornamental garden with solar fountains and lighting, new seating, and landscaping to help reduce Polo Grounds Towers’ carbon footprint while beautifying its open spaces.
● Wagner Houses: The Inner City Green Team (ICGT), based at Wagner Houses, is a resident-led initiative whose winning proposal aims to expand its Right to Recycle Collection Initiative, which has created a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness at Wagner. Since 2021, the program has diverted nearly 150 tons of recyclable materials from landfills.
● South Jamaica Houses: Residents proposed a dual-faceted project for South Jamaica Houses, aimed at leveraging its smaller size and lush greenery to foster community engagement and beautification.
● Stapleton Houses: Residents proposed an expansion of the community garden at Stapleton Houses from three to 20 gardening beds, aiming to involve a broader segment of the community in gardening activities, including more seniors, youth, and students.
Funding provided by the Resident Climate Action Grants will make positive changes across NYCHA communities in all five boroughs that will positively impact the lives of over 23,000 residents. Meanwhile, the Public Housing Community Fund also plans to raise additional funding to support and expand this program and its potential impact on even more public housing residents in the future.
To learn more about the Public Housing Community Fund and the Resident Climate Action Grants Program, please visit www.communityfund.nyc/climate-action.