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.

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Communities Featured NYCHA Residents Top Story 

Thankful for the NYCHA Community

LaToya

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and togetherness. This year, the NYCHA community united to ensure that NYCHA residents had Thanksgiving meals with their families and friends. From turkey donations to groceries and prepared meals, the outpouring of support from NYCHA resident associations, businesses and community organizations, and elected officials kicked off the season of giving at NYCHA developments across the city. 

More than 80 volunteers helped NYCHA and its partners provide nearly 9,000 meals to residents across the city. ‘

two people unpacking boxes from van
Thanksgiving meal distribution at Stapleton Houses on November 23.
NYCHA employees helped unpack, sort, and distribute the meals to residents of Staten Island developments.
NYCHA employees helped unpack, sort, and distribute the meals to residents of Staten Island developments.
NYCHA’s Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt sorting meals for residents.

 
NYCHA’s Senior Director of Resident Participation & Civic Engagement DaVida Rowley‑Blackman and Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt sorting meals.

Seven food businesses owned by current and former NYCHA residents delivered approximately 5,000 meals to residents experiencing gas outages as part of NYCHA’s larger efforts to ensure a good Thanksgiving for all. The vendors were Cornel Robinson of Cornel’s Catering, Bernadette Alvelo-Miller of Bernadette’s Place, Lechelle Dawson of 6ix Catering, Cristiana Franco of Sabor Restaurant and Bakery, Brandi Covington and Corey Whittenburg of Cooking with Corey, Elizabeth Moolchan of Andy’s Daughter Catering, and Quiafua Royes of Quiafua’s Kitchen. They are graduates of the Food Business Pathways program that was operated by NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability to train residents and Section 8 voucher holders on how to own and operate food businesses. 

Cornel Robinson (second from right) with his Cornel’s Catering team prepping meals to distribute to NYCHA residents.
Meals prepared by Cornel’s Catering.
woman standing in front of building
Quiafua Royes of Quiafua’s Kitchen at Van Dyke Community Center.
people unloading plastic bins
Unloading meals at Van Dyke Community Center.
rows of meals in plastic takeout containers
Thanksgiving meals by Quiafua’s Kitchen.

The Fund for Public Housing partnered with the NYC Hospitality Alliance, which worked with local restaurants to provide 1,400 meals to NYCHA families. Restaurants donating meals included The Rockaway Hotel, Rustik Tavern, Mexology, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, Fusion East, etc. venues, Nneji, and Safari Restaurant. 

Carey Gardens Resident Council, the Isaiah Whitehead Foundation, and Coney Island Step Up Project hosted a winter coat giveaway on November 19, providing coats for all ages to residents of Carey Gardens. 

On November 22, the Sheepshead Bay/Nostrand held a raffle to provide 60 turkeys to residents.