Summer Programs Available to NYCHA Residents

With summer upon us, NYCHA’s Office of Resident Services, Partnerships, and Initiatives (RSPI) has compiled some programs and other opportunities that residents can take advantage of this summer:

Family Days: A tradition at NYCHA developments across the city for many years, “Family Days” are community celebrations organized and supervised by a development’s resident association in partnership with NYCHA and the NYPD. Family Days bring communities together to enjoy fun activities, music, and food; access beneficial resources; and connect with local elected officials, representatives of City agencies, and NYCHA staff. For information about your development’s Family Day, please contact your resident association or contact the Office of Resident Participation and Civic Engagement at resident.engagement@nycha.nyc.gov.

Summer Meals Program: NYCHA’s RSPI team is now entering its third year of partnership with the NYC Department of Education and resident association leaders to host the Summer Meals Program, which provides free meals to NYCHA residents 18 and under – every weekday from June 27 through August 30! NYC’s Department of Education is also funded the hiring of eligible residents at approximately 20 sites this summer to receive and distribute those free meals. Find out more here.  

NYCHA Farms and Gardens: NYCHA’s resident gardening season is underway. Looking to garden in a green space at your development this year? NYCHA’s Garden Registry Application is a one-page form that must be completed and submitted to your property management office for approval. Download the application in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (traditional), Chinese (simplified), or pick up a paper copy at your property management office. Learn more here: “Season of Growth Summit” Launches 2024 Gardening. Have a question about NYCHA’s urban farm partnerships or want to sign up for gardening updates? Email gardens@nycha.nyc.gov or call (212) 306-8282 and leave a message. 

Free Mental Health Training: In partnership with the NYC Health Department, NYCHA is co-hosting free Mental Health First Aid classes at locations across the city this summer. This skills-based training helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and provide support during non-crisis situations. To find a training near you, visit Upcoming Schedule and click on “Adult Mental Health First Aid – English” to sign up.

Community Programs and Facilities: In partnership with NYC’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), NYC Aging, and the NYC Department of Education, NYCHA community facilities provide residents of all ages an array of programs throughout the summer:

• Community Centers: 105 locations will host summer day camps for youth ages 5 to 12 from July 2 to August 30, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.
• Older Adult Centers: 107 locations will provide a variety of programs for older adults (ages 60 and up), Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.
• Day Care Centers: 62 locations will provide programs for children ages 3 to 6, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm

NYCHA’s Teen Expansion Program: In partnership with DYCD and the NYPD Office of Community Affairs – whose officers will take part in programs at each of the 123 community centers where the program operates – NYCHA’s Teen Expansion Program runs from July 8 through August 30. It provides a range of activities and opportunities for teens and young adults ages 13-24, including:

• Visual and performing arts
• Spoken word and open mics
• Sports
• Workforce development
• Educational and personal development workshops
• Computer labs
• Culinary arts
• Movie and game nights
• Reducing acts of violence and anti-violence programming
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Meditation and yoga
• Special events and field trips

The program operates seven days a week: 6pm through 11pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 11pm on weekends. Contact your local community center for more details.

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP): The Summer Youth Employment Program, administered by DYCD, provides career and workforce opportunities to tens of thousands of youths and young adults ages 14 to 24. This includes NYCHA residents who received priority preference in the community application process and select residents who had access to reserved slots in “MAP to Success” and “CareerFIRST,” two SYEP special initiatives that focus on certain NYCHA developments throughout the city.

All participants will earn the State minimum wage of $16 an hour and may work up to 25 hours per week for six weeks in July and August. RSPI secured worksites at NYCHA central offices and at dozens of property management locations for youth enrolled in SYEP.

The NYCHA Childcare Business Pathways Program is a free 15-week program created for public housing and Section 8 voucher holders to start and grow successful home-based childcare businesses as part of NYC’s efforts to support entrepreneurs and increase licensed childcare providers. The next cohort will begin in the last week of July 2024, with 25 residents enrolled for this summer session. Participants receive NYS-mandated childcare business training and certifications, assistance in completing their NYS childcare license application, and free professional business training and one-on-one coaching. If you’re looking for help making your Childcare Business a reality, this program is for you! For more information, call the REES Hotline at 718-289-8100.

The NYCHA YouthBuild Program: NYCHA was recently awarded a YouthBuild grant by the US Department of Labor to provide training and employment services to NYCHA youth as part of the Authority’s continuing efforts to expand access to apprenticeship opportunities, prepare young workers for good jobs, and strengthen our nation’s workforce to meet industry demands. The NYCHA YouthBuild Program for 2024 will serve 60 NYCHA residents ages 16 to 24 from the Brownsville-Ocean Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn (Community Board 16) who left high school prior to graduation and who have barriers to employment. The program will run in two six-month cohorts of 30 students. Each cohort will include:

• Technical, lab, and hands-on classroom construction skills and construction safety training leading to industry-recognized certifications and credentialing, including OSHA, Site Safety Training, and National Center for Construction Education and Research Construction Technology Credentials;
• Hands-on construction skills gained through the renovation of up to three vacant NYCHA units;
• High School Equivalency (HSE) instruction and career readiness support to help candidates pass their HSE exams and prepare for career and/or post-secondary success;
• Leadership development, including community service opportunities; and
• Twelve months of job placement, supportive services, and post-program follow-up support.

NYCHA YouthBuild Program participants will also receive a stipend and other wrap-around services and support while in the program. Do you know a young person who needs to hear about this opportunity? For more information, call the REES Hotline at 718-289-8100.

For more information on any of the programming available for NYCHA residents, please email evp.rspi@nycha.nyc.gov.