Who Is Watching the Changes Happening in Public Housing?
Hello neighbors,
Something to Think About: Who Is Watching the Changes Happening in Public Housing?
Finallyyy, Ramona has been able to take some much-needed time off. She needed the opportunity to disconnect and recharge because this work has taken a toll on her mentally and physically. Her experience also made me stop and think about something bigger.
I have noticed and heard from many resident leaders that people are tired. Leaders are advocating, attending meetings, answering residents' questions, organizing, and trying to keep their communities informed. Yet many leaders are not receiving the support they need.
But here is the question I want every public housing resident to think about:
Why aren't more residents participating?
There are public housing developments with one, two, three, five, or more buildings, yet sometimes only 1% of residents or even fewer show up to meetings.
Why? Is it because residents don't know what is happening? Are they overwhelmed? Do they believe someone else will speak up for them?
Or have we become so accustomed to changes happening around us that we no longer stop to ask questions?
The changes are already happening.
The Block by Block Plan is scheduled to begin implementation in October 2026. NYCHA's Annual Plan initiatives have been moving forward for years. The PACT conversion portfolio has continued to grow. According to information residents should be paying attention to, 31,246 public housing units have already been converted, while NYCHA has stated a goal of converting 62,000 units by 2028. The CitiWide PACT 27-development cluster was released on December 23, 2025. Additionally, there are developments that may be entering the pipeline for the PACT program or facing a vote concerning the Preservation Trust.
These are not small changes. They can affect the future of our developments and the way our homes are operated and preserved.
So, I ask every public housing resident:
What action steps are you taking to become informed?
Are you reading NYCHA's Annual Plan?
Are you attending resident meetings?
Are you asking questions?
Are you talking with your Tenant Association and other resident leaders?
Are you learning what PACT, Section 8, Preservation Trust, Section 9, and other proposed changes could mean for your development?
Most importantly:
Do you know what is being proposed for YOUR development?
You don't have to be a resident leader to be involved. You don't have to know everything. But you do have to ask questions.
Silence should never be mistaken for agreement, and an empty meeting room should never be mistaken for an informed community.
Think about it.
If only a small percentage of residents participate, who is speaking for the rest?
If residents don't show up, who will know what they want?
If residents don't ask questions, how will they understand the decisions being made?
Your home. Your community. Your voice.
Don't wait until a decision has already been made to start asking questions.
Get informed. Get involved. Speak up!!
- Nilda M. Lino, Gowanus Houses
DO SOMETHING
Share Resources with your Neighbors: Visit the resource library on our website to find videos, informational handouts, and more about Section 9 and the fight against privatization. Pick a resource that resonates with you or is relevant to your development and share it with your neighbors! You can also check out our blog to read past newsletters.
Contact your Elected Officials: Call and email your elected officials (find them here) and ask them to support our Citywide and Federal Solutions for public housing. Tell them you demand city funds be allocated to the comprehensive modernization of Section 9 public housing. Ask for a constituent meeting and invite us to join so we can support you with resources and notetaking.
Review our Report on NYCHA’s FY 2027 Draft Annual Plan: Save Section 9 developed a report outlining the failures of NYCHA’s Draft Annual Plan—you can find it here. Share this report with your elected officials and demand that they reject NYCHA’s plan. Review the Draft Annual Plan here and use the "find" feature (Ctrl + F on PC or cmd + F on Mac) to search for mentions of your development.
Attend NYCHA’s next Board Meeting: Listen to NYCHA’s next monthly board meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd at 10:00 am E.T. to hear about updates and decisions being made about our homes. Click here for more information about how you can attend. We are looking for someone to help us create a monthly overview of topics discussed and decisions made in these meetings to share on social media—if you’re interested in working on this, please respond to this email!
Join a Meeting with Save Section 9: Attend our next bi-weekly meeting on Wednesday, September 2nd from 7 - 8:30pm E.T. where we will share updates, answer questions, and discuss our current focus as an organization. Invite your neighbors to join as well! We hope to see you on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83727429468
Complete the NYCHA Resident Survey: This annual survey is an opportunity to comment on topics ranging from the condition of your apartment to the customer service you receive from our staff. Your input helps NYCHA prioritize their work, evaluate changes, and improve their service to tenants. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. surveymonkey.com/r/nycharesidentsurvey
FIGHT FOR PUBLIC LAND ON GOVERNORS ISLAND
Last Saturday, we visited Governors Island to send off our wonderful SYEP summer interns, and learned about the history and importance of oysters to the Lenape people through a tour of The Oyster, a public sculpture by artist Alan Michelson and More Art. Click here to see some photos from our trip!
We were also joined by an ally from M.A.G.I.C.—Metro Area Governors Island Coalition—who spoke (and sang) to us about the fight for public land on Governors Island against a plan for commercial development that would bring high-rise buildings to this historic public green space. Click here to learn more about the work M.A.G.I.C. is doing on Governors Island to preserve this public treasure. Their website has a boat load of resources for those of you who like to read, or you can watch this 6-minute video for visualizations of the development plan: https://youtu.be/_H_vBf-Dk4E?si=wUuKtuU-uS9nC3ok
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
The HUD Secretary's Self-Sufficiency Award: Nominations are now open for the 2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary’s Awards, which recognize projects, programs, and activities that represent excellence and reflect HUD and Administration priorities. The Self-Sufficiency Award will recognize eligible organizations that demonstrate exceptional success in helping HUD-assisted residents achieve and maintain economic independence and self-sufficiency to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants for the HUD Secretary’s Awards are individuals and organizations that work in housing and community development. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, individuals and organizations such as public housing authorities, tribally-designated housing entities, developers, community organizations, faith-based organizations, and foundations.
Nomination Application Deadline: Applications are due at 11:59 pm PT on September 2, 2026. Nominations submitted after this date will not be considered. Learn More Here
———
N.Y.C. Groceries Survey: The NYC Groceries survey is an opportunity to share your grocery shopping experiences, spending habits and priorities. Your feedback will help inform the planning, design, and operation of future public grocery stores to ensure they meet the needs of local communities. All responses will be used for planning and research purposes. The survey should take approximately 3-5 minutes to complete.
The City is gathering community feedback to help shape the NYC Groceries initiative and ensure that the program meets the needs of New Yorkers across all five boroughs. The City will establish five NYC Groceries stores -- one in each borough -- and has committed $70 million in capital funding for store construction and fit-out. As of now, two sites have been selected: La Marqueta in East Harlem, and The Peninsula in Hunts Point. The Bronx location is expected to open in 2027, and La Marqueta, in 2029.
———
Economic Development Incubator Space: Union Settlement’s Economic Development Incubator Space provides a welcoming and productive space where local entrepreneurs can work, connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses.
The Incubator Space offers: Free access to office space, high-speed computers and internet access, printing services, technical assistance, dedicated meeting space, and opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs.
Location: 71 E. 111th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10029. Reservation required. Please see the attached flyer for more information and use the QR code on the flyer to reserve a time. Feel free to share this opportunity with your networks, entrepreneurs, and community members who may benefit!
———
Application, Enrollment & Renewal Support: Union Settlement can provide assistance with applications, enrollment, and renewals for programs including: SNAP, Rental Assistance, Cash Assistance, One Shot Deal, Child Care Vouchers, Access-A-Ride, Fair Fares NYC, HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), Medicaid and Medicare, Enrollments and Renewals.
Email: nycbenefits@unionsettlement.org
Phone: (917) 528-4311 or (929) 538-5243
Location: Union Settlement, 237 East 104th Street, New York, NY 10029
Please see the attached flyer for additional information and feel free to share this resource with anyone who may benefit.
NEXT WEEK
Tuesday, August 25. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM E.T. Free Construction Training for Bronx Residents Virtual Info Session: NYCHA's Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES) is recruiting Bronx residents of public housing and Section 8 for construction training. This Bronx borough-based training prepares NYCHA residents to enter the skilled trades and construction industries. Trainees receive industry-recognized certifications and hands-on instruction to work in trades such as laborer, carpentry, and painting. Graduates also receive employment referrals to NYCHA contractors and union partners. To attend an upcoming virtual information session, please call the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100 or register online.
———
Tuesday, August 25. 3:00 PM E.T. From Crisis to Housing: Improving System Flow and Expanding Housing Pathway: This session will explore how people move from crisis to permanent housing quickly and effectively through a housing-focused approach. The conversation will examine the role of transitional housing, emergency shelter, street outreach, housing-focused strategies, shared housing, and stabilization services in permanent solutions. Click here to register.
———
Wednesday, August 26. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM E.T. Queens Career Fair: This fair will provide you with an excellent opportunity to obtain a job, or if employed, a higher-paying job leading to financial independence and self-sufficiency. See attached flyer. This exciting opportunity grants you access to employers from various locations throughout the city that are scheduled to participate and are actively looking to hire new talent.
This event requires mandatory pre-registration for participation. If you are interested in attending, you must pre-register by submitting your resume to businesslinkrecruitment@hra.nyc.gov or by using the QR code on the attached flyer. In the subject line of email please type: Career Fair
Once your expressed interest is received, you will be contacted by HRA- Business Link staff to conduct a pre-screening and will then be assigned a time to attend the Career Fair. You must have an appointment to attend this event.
———
Wednesday, August 26. 2:00 PM E.T. HUD is holding the next RAD resident focused office hours. Everyone is welcome to join, including residents, advocates, and other stakeholders who work directly with residents. Join RAD Resident Engagement Office Hours via Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 264 300 107 416 32
Passcode: vi7YC9My
Dial in by phone +1 202-510-9533, 619564110#
———
Wednesday, August 26. 8:00 PM E.T. National Infrastructure Bank (NIB) Town Hall: Please join New York Assemblywoman Joanne Simon, Rhode Island Senator Louis DiPalma, and Lansing, Michigan Mayor Andy Schor, for a Zoom Town Hall, “Major Institutions Endorse National Infrastructure Bank: Answer to Economic Decline.”
Support for the National Infrastructure Bank (NIB) policy has accelerated over the past eight weeks with major endorsements. Resolutions of support have been adopted by the following organizations: the US Conference of Mayors, the NAACP National Convention, and the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The economic decline is visible everywhere. New job creation is faltering; consumer spending is cratering, energy and other prices remain inflated, and the average citizen is hurting. New home sales have plummeted, and the housing crisis is becoming more acute. The need for the NIB is acute. Please invite your friends to join the meeting on August 26.
Click here to register for this event. Please note: to participate, registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
———
Thursday, August 27. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM E.T. HRA Benefits Enrollment Event: HRA will be holding a benefits enrollment event to assist residents with applications for various benefits, including Emergency Rental Assistance, and more. See the attached flyers for more information.
Location: Mitchel Houses Management Office located at 225 Alexander Street, Bronx, NY 10454
Those interested in enrolling in one of these benefits should bring all the documents bulleted below but may still be able to apply even if all documents needed aren't readily available.
Documents Needed:
NYCHA Letter of Rent Owed
Last 4 Pay Stubs
NYCHA Rent Bill
Rent Receipts
Letter of Employment
Proof of Identification
Social Security Card
Birth Certificate
School Enrollment Letter
Social Security Award Letter
———
Friday, August 28. 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM E.T. Back to School Resource Fair: Chi Osse’s office will be partnering with I Will Graduate, Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center, Anthem, and the Lelievre Foundation on a Back to School Resource Fair! There will be free giveaways for the entire family as well as programming, activities, and community resources. See the attached flyer for more information.
———
Saturday, August 29. 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM E.T.. 1st Annual Back-to-School Confidence & Wellness Experience at the Ethel Battle Velez Community Center (James Weldon Johnson Houses) at 1833 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10029
Hosted by GlamStars Inc., the event will include: Free backpacks and school supplies, health and wellness resources, educational resources, community partners, confidence-building activities, special guests, giveaways, games, music, and more! Please see the attached flyer for additional information and feel free to share with families and community members.
NEXT MONTH
September 2, 2026. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM E.T. The Power of Aging Well: This special community event will bring older adults together to promote healthy living, connect with valuable local resources, and enjoy activities focused on wellness and healthy aging.
Location: Thomas Jefferson Park – Basketball Court
East 114th Street & Pleasant Avenue
Rain Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Come out to discover wellness tips, connect with community organizations, access resources, and enjoy engaging activities. Please see the attached flyer for additional information.
———
September 9, 2026. 10:00 AM–2:00 PM E.T.. NYC Older Adults Take The Met on Wednesday. Community Wednesday is a Met initiative that opens the Museum on a day it's otherwise closed to the public, creating dedicated experiences for communities who may face barriers to visiting during regular hours. This installment celebrates the wisdom, experiences, and contributions of New York City's older adults through a welcoming day of art, conversation, and community at The Met. Registration can be completed here.
———
September 16, 2026. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM E.T. Ticket to Work Program Info Webinar: Do you serve residents that are interested in employment opportunities but are unsure how it might affect Social Security disability benefits? Join this webinar to learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, discover new opportunities and how to connect residents with resources designed to help them take the step toward meaningful employment.
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce. Click here to register.
