Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2019

CONTACT: media@nycha.nyc.gov

NYCHA CARES COMPLETES 27,000 REPAIR REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS

Successful skilled trades repair initiative currently underway at Castle Hill, Wagner, and Pomonok Houses.

Nearly 11,000 residents have received repairs in their homes as part of NYCHA Cares.

NEW YORK – The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced today over 27,000 work orders have been completed citywide as part of NYCHA Cares — the Authority’s innovative solution to provide skilled trades repair work orders to thousands of residents.    

Mayor Bill de Blasio committed $20 million for Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020 to target the more than 50,000 open work order requests across the five boroughs for repairs that require skilled trades workers, which include plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters, and painters — often the most in-demand types of repairs. NYCHA Cares is committed to completing 50,000 skilled trades and maintenance-related work orders within 24 months.

First launched in July 2018, Round 1 of the NYCHA Cares initiative included Manhattanville Houses in West Harlem, Queensbridge South Houses in Queens, and Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn, where 13,225 work orders were completed.

During Round 2, NYCHA Cares tackled 14,265 work orders at Baruch Houses in Manhattan, Parkside Houses in the Bronx, and Pink Houses in Brooklyn. Round 2 started in September 2018 and concluded in January 2019.

“By focusing on skilled trades repairs, we are addressing the conditions that present the greatest quality of life issues for our residents,” said NYCHA Interim Chair and CEO Kathryn Garcia. “The Authority is laser focused on improving service and preserving public housing for generations thanks to the historic support from the de Blasio administration.”

“NYCHA Cares has provided 27,000 repairs for our residents, assisting thousands of families who need repairs in their homes,” said NYCHA General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo. “Mayor de Blasio’s unprecedented investment has allowed the Authority to make progress on supporting NYCHA. Our hardworking and dedicated staff will continue to improve the living conditions for our residents.”

As part of Round 3, NYCHA Cares is now underway at Wagner Houses in Manhattan, Castle Hill Houses in the Bronx, and Pomonok Houses in Queens. So far, 1,920 skilled trades work order requests have been closed at the three newly targeted developments.  

Efforts like the expansion of NYCHA Cares and its Saturday weekend blitz initiative, where staff have closed over 8,700 maintenance work orders and completed more than 1,800 annual income recertifications at nearly 60 developments citywide, make up major components of NYCHA 2.0, a plan to ensure quality affordable housing for all NYCHA residents.

These work orders do not include immediate emergency health and safety repairs, which are addressed immediately by the Authority.

About the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)

NYCHA’s mission is to increase opportunities for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers by providing safe, affordable housing and facilitating access to social and community services. Over 390,000 New Yorkers reside in NYCHA’s 316 public housing developments and PACT/RAD developments formerly managed by NYCHA around the five boroughs. Over 190,000 receive subsidized rental assistance in private homes through the NYCHA-administered Section 8 Leased Housing Program. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/nycha, and for regular updates on NYCHA news and services, connect with us via  www.facebook.com/NYCHA and www.twitter.com/NYCHA.