1. On March 15, 2010, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved New York City’s application to qualify 21 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments, consisting of 20,000 housing units, for federal subsidies.  In order to qualify, the developments were sold to partnership managed by NYCHA.  The New York City Housing Development Corporation issued bonds to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of the units.  The sale of these 21 developments took advantage of a one-time opportunity under ARRA to qualify NYCHA’s unfunded units for federal support.  All 21 developments remain public housing, and residents will retain all of their rights and protections as public housing residents.  This transaction is one of the largest tax credit bond deals in the nation’s history.  As a result, NYCHA received more than $400 million in public and private funding, the majority of which is being used for capital improvements.  The sale enabled HUD to include the buildings in a federal subsidy program that will deliver $65-$75 million every year for ongoing maintenance.   The transaction is helping to improve the quality of life for the residents.  Susan Lee, a resident at Rutgers Houses in Manhattan for the last 48 years, said she and her neighbors have dealt with water drips and flooding situations in their own apartments.  The long-term fix – replacing the worn-down roofs – was not financially feasible until the tax credit bond deal made possible by ARRA.  “Since the roofs have been replaced, I haven’t heard complaints about any leaks,” said the 86-year-old Mrs. Lee.  “At first, tenants were a little impatient and they were exposed to some difficulties while repairs were being done.  But since the repairs, they are more at ease.” It is also helping to employ individuals like Linda Sanchez (pictured above), a resident at Jackson Houses in the Bronx and now a fulltime union laborer at Bushwick Houses in Brooklyn.  “I was always interested in construction, but I never thought women did anything other than flagging,” Ms. Sanchez said. “But I put gates up, I maintain the grounds and I do masonry work.” The experience has done more than just help her to provide for her young daughter. “I’m stable, independent and responsible.  It gave me the best opportunity ever; I upgraded my life.” NYC Housing Authority, Public Housing Capital Fund Recovery Grant 

    On March 15, 2010, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved New York City’s application to qualify 21 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments, consisting of 20,000 housing units, for federal subsidies.  In order to qualify, the developments were sold to partnership managed by NYCHA.  The New York City Housing Development Corporation issued bonds to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of the units. 

    The sale of these 21 developments took advantage of a one-time opportunity under ARRA to qualify NYCHA’s unfunded units for federal support.  All 21 developments remain public housing, and residents will retain all of their rights and protections as public housing residents.  This transaction is one of the largest tax credit bond deals in the nation’s history.  As a result, NYCHA received more than $400 million in public and private funding, the majority of which is being used for capital improvements.  The sale enabled HUD to include the buildings in a federal subsidy program that will deliver $65-$75 million every year for ongoing maintenance.  

    The transaction is helping to improve the quality of life for the residents.  Susan Lee, a resident at Rutgers Houses in Manhattan for the last 48 years, said she and her neighbors have dealt with water drips and flooding situations in their own apartments.  The long-term fix – replacing the worn-down roofs – was not financially feasible until the tax credit bond deal made possible by ARRA.  “Since the roofs have been replaced, I haven’t heard complaints about any leaks,” said the 86-year-old Mrs. Lee.  “At first, tenants were a little impatient and they were exposed to some difficulties while repairs were being done.  But since the repairs, they are more at ease.”

    It is also helping to employ individuals like Linda Sanchez (pictured above), a resident at Jackson Houses in the Bronx and now a fulltime union laborer at Bushwick Houses in Brooklyn.  “I was always interested in construction, but I never thought women did anything other than flagging,” Ms. Sanchez said. “But I put gates up, I maintain the grounds and I do masonry work.” The experience has done more than just help her to provide for her young daughter. “I’m stable, independent and responsible.  It gave me the best opportunity ever; I upgraded my life.”

    NYC Housing Authority, Public Housing Capital Fund Recovery Grant 

  2. Three quarters of New York City’s surface, or an estimated 220 square miles, are “impervious.”  That means this land is essentially “waterproof.” When there is a heavy rainstorm or snowmelt, the impervious surfaces cannot absorb the water. So, most of this water flows directly into the NYC combined sewer system. Often during serious weather events, the system is overwhelmed, resulting in combined sewer overflows, flooding, as well as damage to infrastructure and property. Thanks to ARRA funding, the NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation is working to address this issue by building 26 new “greenstreets.” The greenstreets help to manage stormwater, enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety, and provide a vibrant amenity for New Yorkers. The site at Victory Boulevard and St. Pauls Avenue in Staten Island (pictured above) is designed to capture a minimum of 190,000 gallons of runoff annually - enough water to fill 3,000 bathtubs. Water enters the site through a custom inlet which filters out sediment and oil from the roadway.  The filtered water is then distributed across the site in a slotted pipe below the ground.  During severe storms, gravity and water pressure push any overflow into planting beds where native and hardy plants can quickly soak up the excess water and put it to good use.  NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Clean Water State Revolving Fund

    Three quarters of New York City’s surface, or an estimated 220 square miles, are “impervious.”  That means this land is essentially “waterproof.” When there is a heavy rainstorm or snowmelt, the impervious surfaces cannot absorb the water. So, most of this water flows directly into the NYC combined sewer system. Often during serious weather events, the system is overwhelmed, resulting in combined sewer overflows, flooding, as well as damage to infrastructure and property.

    Thanks to ARRA funding, the NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation is working to address this issue by building 26 new “greenstreets.” The greenstreets help to manage stormwater, enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety, and provide a vibrant amenity for New Yorkers. The site at Victory Boulevard and St. Pauls Avenue in Staten Island (pictured above) is designed to capture a minimum of 190,000 gallons of runoff annually - enough water to fill 3,000 bathtubs. Water enters the site through a custom inlet which filters out sediment and oil from the roadway.  The filtered water is then distributed across the site in a slotted pipe below the ground.  During severe storms, gravity and water pressure push any overflow into planting beds where native and hardy plants can quickly soak up the excess water and put it to good use. 

    NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation, Clean Water State Revolving Fund

  3. “Reach out, before you’re forced out of your home: We can help you avoid shelter.” That’s the message that the NYC Dept. of Homeless Services (DHS) hopes to spread with a new ARRA-funded public education campaign, which launched this past Monday, May 7, 2012.  DHS urges families at risk of homelessness to utilize services through its Homebase prevention network.  The network includes seven community-based providers located in 13 store-front offices throughout the five boroughs where there are the highest shelter entry rates in the City.  So Homebase offers customized assistance to families and individuals where and when they need it most.  The neighborhood offices provide an array of services such as eviction prevention, short-term emergency funding, financial counseling, and help in obtaining benefits.  Thanks to ARRA funds, Homebase has been able to serve 20,448 people in the last three years – over 90% who have avoided entering shelter – like Loreen Gaines, Razia Sattaur, Angelo and Meyra Valentin, and baby Jeter.    If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, click here to find a Homebase office that serves your community.  You also can call 311 and ask to be connected to the Homebase office closest to where you live. NYC Dept. of Homeless Services, Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program

    “Reach out, before you’re forced out of your home: We can help you avoid shelter.”

    That’s the message that the NYC Dept. of Homeless Services (DHS) hopes to spread with a new ARRA-funded public education campaign, which launched this past Monday, May 7, 2012.  DHS urges families at risk of homelessness to utilize services through its Homebase prevention network.  The network includes seven community-based providers located in 13 store-front offices throughout the five boroughs where there are the highest shelter entry rates in the City.  So Homebase offers customized assistance to families and individuals where and when they need it most.  The neighborhood offices provide an array of services such as eviction prevention, short-term emergency funding, financial counseling, and help in obtaining benefits.  Thanks to ARRA funds, Homebase has been able to serve 20,448 people in the last three years – over 90% who have avoided entering shelter – like Loreen Gaines, Razia Sattaur, Angelo and Meyra Valentin, and baby Jeter.   

    If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, click here to find a Homebase office that serves your community.  You also can call 311 and ask to be connected to the Homebase office closest to where you live.

    NYC Dept. of Homeless Services, Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program

  4. Youth and young adults, ages 16 to 24, have experienced some of the highest levels of unemployment in the recent economic recession.  In April 2012, the unemployment rate for workers under age 25 was reported at 16.4 percent, compared with 8.1 percent over all.  Utilizing ARRA funding, the NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) enhanced services for this population to help them continue their education and find jobs.  Collaborating with 55 community nonprofit agencies throughout the City, DYCD provided a full complement of year-round services – including work readiness and occupational skills training, paid work experiences, educational instruction and GED preparation, counseling, and a wide range of supportive services – for both in-school and out-of-school youth.  Along with another 45 neighborhood partners, DYCD also served more young people through the Summer Youth Employment Program.  Program participants had the opportunity to work in a variety of entry-level positions in both the public and private sector, giving them exposure to real-world job experiences. Thanks to ARRA, here are some tangible ways that DYCD helped NYC youth become familiar with the world of work and identify educational pathways that support their career and life goals:  13,270 youth placed in summer jobs 741 additional slots and 2,207 paid internships for young people in the In-School Youth program 163 additional slots and 607 subsidized internships for young people in the Out-of-School Youth program 225 Out-of-School youth participated in Parks Department-related education and training programs NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Development, Workforce Investment Act-Youth

    Youth and young adults, ages 16 to 24, have experienced some of the highest levels of unemployment in the recent economic recession.  In April 2012, the unemployment rate for workers under age 25 was reported at 16.4 percent, compared with 8.1 percent over all. 

    Utilizing ARRA funding, the NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) enhanced services for this population to help them continue their education and find jobs.  Collaborating with 55 community nonprofit agencies throughout the City, DYCD provided a full complement of year-round services – including work readiness and occupational skills training, paid work experiences, educational instruction and GED preparation, counseling, and a wide range of supportive services – for both in-school and out-of-school youth.  Along with another 45 neighborhood partners, DYCD also served more young people through the Summer Youth Employment Program.  Program participants had the opportunity to work in a variety of entry-level positions in both the public and private sector, giving them exposure to real-world job experiences.

    Thanks to ARRA, here are some tangible ways that DYCD helped NYC youth become familiar with the world of work and identify educational pathways that support their career and life goals: 

    1. 13,270 youth placed in summer jobs
    2. 741 additional slots and 2,207 paid internships for young people in the In-School Youth program
    3. 163 additional slots and 607 subsidized internships for young people in the Out-of-School Youth program
    4. 225 Out-of-School youth participated in Parks Department-related education and training programs

    NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Development, Workforce Investment Act-Youth

  5. “I am excited to be on the cutting edge of President Obama’s energy conservation program. The intensive training was well worth the effort. I obtained skills that prepared me for further professional growth. I am grateful for this opportunity given to me by the Department for the Aging.” Diane Williams, Senior Community Service Employment Program

    “I am excited to be on the cutting edge of President Obama’s energy conservation program. The intensive training was well worth the effort. I obtained skills that prepared me for further professional growth. I am grateful for this opportunity given to me by the Department for the Aging.”

    Diane Williams, Senior Community Service Employment Program

  6. You’d never eat 16 packs of sugar.  Why would you drink 16 packs of sugar?  The “Pouring on the Pounds” campaign continues.  Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is using ARRA funds to place this spot – originally developed as a YouTube video by the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene – on national television.  Launched yesterday, the 30-second commercial will be seen in NYC on broadcast and cable TV from April 30 - July 29, 2012.  It will also air in several other ARRA-funded localities across the U.S, from Maine to Hawaii.  

    While this video is lighthearted, its message is serious.  Roughly three out of five New Yorkers are overweight or obese, and sugary beverages are fueling the epidemic.  The extra calories consumed in these drinks can lead to severe health consequences, including diabetes and heart disease.  As with all elements of the 3-year-old public education campaign (which can be seen in its entirety here), this commercial aims to raise awareness and encourage people to consider healthier alternatives, such as water, seltzer or low-fat milk.

    NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene and Fund for Public Health New York, Communities Putting Prevention to Work: Category A-Obesity

  7. Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Sustainable CUNY, of the City University of New York, the prestigious 2012 Environmental Quality Award for its effort to support large scale solar adoption as lead for the NYC Solar America City Partnership (Partnership). Each year, the EPA honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health. The Partnership - comprised of the City University of New York, the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation - won a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to design and build the NYC Solar Map. Additional funding was provided by the City of New York and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, with technical support provided by Con Edison. With the focused initiative of the Partnership, solar energy capacity in New York City has increased 800 percent since 2007. Financially, technically and environmentally, the NYC Solar Map makes it clear that solar energy is a viable option for NYC and further supports PLaNYC goals to foster the market for renewable energy.  Included in the individual calculations for every building in NYC is how much solar can be installed, how much power that will generate, how much can be saved on their annual electricity bill, how many pounds of carbon emissions they can reduce each year, and what the equivalent that would be in planting trees. City University of New York, NYC Economic Development Corporation and Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability, Solar Market Transformation

    Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Sustainable CUNY, of the City University of New York, the prestigious 2012 Environmental Quality Award for its effort to support large scale solar adoption as lead for the NYC Solar America City Partnership (Partnership). Each year, the EPA honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health.

    The Partnership - comprised of the City University of New York, the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation - won a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to design and build the NYC Solar Map. Additional funding was provided by the City of New York and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, with technical support provided by Con Edison. With the focused initiative of the Partnership, solar energy capacity in New York City has increased 800 percent since 2007.

    Financially, technically and environmentally, the NYC Solar Map makes it clear that solar energy is a viable option for NYC and further supports PLaNYC goals to foster the market for renewable energy.  Included in the individual calculations for every building in NYC is how much solar can be installed, how much power that will generate, how much can be saved on their annual electricity bill, how many pounds of carbon emissions they can reduce each year, and what the equivalent that would be in planting trees.

    City University of New York, NYC Economic Development Corporation and Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability, Solar Market Transformation

  8. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) used ARRA funding to help secure the safety and security of all New Yorkers and visitors who use our waterways. With this funding, the FDNY purchased three fast response fireboats as well as the City’s first medical response boat. The fast response fireboats are an excellent resource for response to shallow areas, such as those near New York airports.   FDNY is particularly excited about deploying the medical response boat (pictured above), which allows for patient pre-hospital care on the water. The boat can get to medical emergencies on the water swiftly and, at 31 feet long, it has room to treat patients. It is the first vessel in the FDNY’s fleet that will be certified as a waterborne ambulance. The boat has the same properties and capabilities as land-based ambulances. All of the FDNY’s ARRA-funded fireboats are technologically advanced and have state-of-the-art features. They are equipped with night vision and heat detection to help responders locate victims in the water. Plus, with powerful 1000+ gallons-per-minute pumping capacity, they will be an enormous firefighting asset. The medical response boat also has a customized cabin so that responders can stabilize patients for safe transport.  Fire Department of New York, Port Security Grant Program - Fireboat Purchase and Technology Upgrade

    The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) used ARRA funding to help secure the safety and security of all New Yorkers and visitors who use our waterways. With this funding, the FDNY purchased three fast response fireboats as well as the City’s first medical response boat. The fast response fireboats are an excellent resource for response to shallow areas, such as those near New York airports.  

    FDNY is particularly excited about deploying the medical response boat (pictured above), which allows for patient pre-hospital care on the water. The boat can get to medical emergencies on the water swiftly and, at 31 feet long, it has room to treat patients. It is the first vessel in the FDNY’s fleet that will be certified as a waterborne ambulance. The boat has the same properties and capabilities as land-based ambulances.

    All of the FDNY’s ARRA-funded fireboats are technologically advanced and have state-of-the-art features. They are equipped with night vision and heat detection to help responders locate victims in the water. Plus, with powerful 1000+ gallons-per-minute pumping capacity, they will be an enormous firefighting asset. The medical response boat also has a customized cabin so that responders can stabilize patients for safe transport. 

    Fire Department of New York, Port Security Grant Program - Fireboat Purchase and Technology Upgrade

  9. Head Start is a comprehensive early education and developmental program for low-income children and their families.  It offers educational services for young boys and girls, ages 3-5, as well as support services for their parents and caregivers.  The goal is to help these Head Start children develop their social and learning skills, so that they enter school on equal footing with their peers.  The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) sponsors Head Start centers in neighborhoods throughout the City.  Click here to learn more about Head Start in NYC and here to see if you are eligible.    Thanks to ARRA funds, ACS completed a variety of health and safety projects at Head Start centers citywide.  Ninety-nine Head Start classrooms were renovated.  ACS upgraded kitchens and air conditioning units, conducted asbestos abatement, painted, and installed of new windows and new flooring.  Forty-one play areas were also renovated, like the Police Athletic League Head Start play area (showcased above) in the Brownsville/East New York area of Brooklyn.  ACS resurfaced playgrounds, purchased new equipment, and designed “trike tracks” for real tricycles and other toy vehicles.  These classroom and play area renovations helped to create a bright, safe and nurturing environment the children to learn, grow and achieve.  As Asneth Council, Director of Child Care & Food Services for the Police Athletic League, Inc says, “The new equipment naturally reinforces lessons on sharing and respect.  Now that the weather is getting warmer, the children are even more excited to spend time in the outdoor play area.  They truly love the space.” NYC Administration for Children’s Services, Head Start Quality Improvement

    Head Start is a comprehensive early education and developmental program for low-income children and their families.  It offers educational services for young boys and girls, ages 3-5, as well as support services for their parents and caregivers.  The goal is to help these Head Start children develop their social and learning skills, so that they enter school on equal footing with their peers.  The NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) sponsors Head Start centers in neighborhoods throughout the City.  Click here to learn more about Head Start in NYC and here to see if you are eligible.   

    Thanks to ARRA funds, ACS completed a variety of health and safety projects at Head Start centers citywide.  Ninety-nine Head Start classrooms were renovated.  ACS upgraded kitchens and air conditioning units, conducted asbestos abatement, painted, and installed of new windows and new flooring.  Forty-one play areas were also renovated, like the Police Athletic League Head Start play area (showcased above) in the Brownsville/East New York area of Brooklyn.  ACS resurfaced playgrounds, purchased new equipment, and designed “trike tracks” for real tricycles and other toy vehicles.  These classroom and play area renovations helped to create a bright, safe and nurturing environment the children to learn, grow and achieve.  As Asneth Council, Director of Child Care & Food Services for the Police Athletic League, Inc says, “The new equipment naturally reinforces lessons on sharing and respect.  Now that the weather is getting warmer, the children are even more excited to spend time in the outdoor play area.  They truly love the space.”

    NYC Administration for Children’s Services, Head Start Quality Improvement

  10. “Working with my foreman has really taught me a lot. He has so much knowledge of the industry.  The hands-on experience under his supervision will definitely provide me with excellent employment opportunities in the future.” Tommy Tuck, Transit Capital Assistance-St. George Ferry Terminal Bus Ramps Rehabilitation  

    “Working with my foreman has really taught me a lot. He has so much knowledge of the industry.  The hands-on experience under his supervision will definitely provide me with excellent employment opportunities in the future.”

    Tommy Tuck, Transit Capital Assistance-St. George Ferry Terminal Bus Ramps Rehabilitation