Elliott, Williamsburg Houses Resident, 2024 Bright Path Forward Scholarship Recipient
What doe this scholarship mean to you? The scholarship allows me to just go about my academics in a stress-free way, where I don't have to worry about not paying my bills on time.
When I called my mom, she started crying. It’s going to be helpful. It was really exciting when I got it, like I couldn’t even believe it.
Sabrina Hill, Betances Houses
Was it disruptive to be living in the apartment during the renovation? It wasn’t disruptive. What I loved about the movers was, they always asked: ‘What do you want us to do? Tell us what not to touch. Tell us what to touch.’ So, you know, they didn’t disrespect you or violate your privacy. It was always them being concerned about what it is that you want us to do?
Rita Joseph, Ocean Bay
Can you share any specific stories or experiences that show how this renovation has positively impacted your life? I am not ashamed for anyone to come to my home, I know that they do not have to step over garbage or hear gunshots. It is a beautiful home!
There is a much better atmosphere all the way around. You know you feel better about yourself as well. I don’t have a problem with my place anymore. I really really don’t!
Sabrina Hill, Betances Houses
With the RAD/PACT program, this is home. I can’t wait to get home. I’m safe. I’m comfortable. I don’t have to worry about looking over my shoulder to see if a rat is chasing me. I can go in the hallway to the compactor—the garbage is not all over the floor. You always have the porters who keep the buildings clean from the bottom to the top floor.
Rita Joseph, Ocean Bay
How did the renovations impact your daily life and quality of living? I will say this, they took care of business. They came here, they did the windows, floors, the kitchen, they did everything new in here. Then they did the outside which they did a beautiful job.
Sidney Washington, Williamsburg Houses
Can you tell us about the first time your children came to see the apartment? When my son came, I was living here for two days and he said Mom, we are coming. I let him in a he toured the place, and he said Mom, I love this apartment for you. That apartment is you Mom. He said I don’t have to worry about you because of this apartment.
Naomi Perez, Betances Houses
I feel that Betances has evolved tremendously.
Naomi Perez, Betances House
Have you utilized the social services programs at Betances? Yes! Catholic Charities has been a big component of my little one’s life. Education-wise and more, social-emotional programs.
Sidney Washington, Williamsburg Houses
This apartment means a lot to me. This is my palace. This is mine now, I made it here. I feel safe.
David Williams, Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion (St. Croix, USVI)
I think the site is beautiful. Everything they did is off the chain.
I love the landscaping. I love the outdoor features of the building.”
Brianny, Williamsburg Houses Resident, 2023 and 2024 Bright Path Forward Scholarship Recipient
Thank you so much, not just for the scholarship itself but its flexibility. I love that we’re trying to reach everyone regardless of who they are, where they are in their lives, or what their aspirations are.
Clover Moore, Williamsburg Houses
I am satisfied. That is the bottom line. You can’t look for nothing better than this. I feel light. I feel much better. I feel safe.
Delores Williams, Betances Houses
What advice would you give to someone who’s currently living in a NYCHA building that is about to undergo a RAD conversion? Change is good! The only change you are going to experience is the change in the interior of your apartment-Improvements. Don’t be afraid of the change. I have all positive things to say about Betances and the conversion.
Sabrina Hill, Betances Houses
Do you feel safe now? A lot of residents here feel safe now. We have cameras everywhere. On the outside of the building, just as well as the inside.” We have key fobs, you can’t enter the building without a key fob. That’s what makes a difference, we are secure where we are. There is safety. This has become like a gated community.
Sabrina Hill, Betances Houses
What was it like to transition from NYCHA to the PACT Program? From the beginning of the conversion, everyone was afraid to sign onto the PACT program—fear is… ‘Not knowing what to expect.’—a lot of the residents felt like, ‘We’re going to get put out. Where are we going to go? They are coming to take over.’ And it wasn’t any of those things. You still pay 30% of your income. We’ve been grandfathered in. Everything remains the same. When it came down to moving. You didn’t have to move outside your apartment… it was room by room, the people that they had on hand, the guys would come in with bags, and ‘Here, put your things here.’ And they would move it for you. What I do love about it is… Susan Camerata, when she came in, everything she said about it, she holds truth to her words. And she’s still very much involved with the people here at Betances. She’s always calling to check to make sure everything is okay.
Rita Joseph, Ocean Bay Bayside
When you first heard about the repairs and RAD conversion, how did you feel about it? I felt wonderful, but I really didn’t believe it until they started work. You know, then I said, oh they are really doing it! I was a happy camper!
Delores Williams, Betances Houses
Though Catholic Charities, they offer a lot of [social service] programs, especially during Covid. They gave out masks, hand sanitizer and we had folks come in and educate the community on the importance of being vaccinated. We were always informed. Its here and everybody is FAMILY.”
Sabrina Hill, Betances Houses
What are your favorite parts about your home? We have stainless steel stoves and refrigerators. We have new cabinets. We have new bathtubs and vanities. Some of the people that have handicapped bathrooms to accommodate them.
There’s a tremendous upgrade. And we also have new floors! It feels like a home.
We have no complaints. Most of all, we are satisfied with where we are at.
Sidney Washington, Williamsburg Houses
What would you say to the development and management team? I appreciate them! I am satisfied with the whole apartment. I am! When I first walked in here, I was like WOW! I love it. This is my favorite place!
Elliott, Williamsburg Houses, 2024 Bright Path Forward Scholarship Recipient
If there's anything that you could say to the developers who put together this scholarship, what would you want them to know? You’re changing lives, you're saving lives. To be honest, I didn't see a future in my college career without this kind of help. If anything, I would be back in the city. Probably go to a community college, a free one. And I probably wouldn't be pursuing the career that I’m pursuing now [without the scholarship]. Just thank you, you really are helping me achieve my goals.
Bernadette Gaston, Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion (St. Croix, USVI)
How do you feel about the property? It’s nice because they have lighting all over the site. It is not as dark as it used to be. I feel safe.
Clover Moore, Williamsburg Houses
Can you describe your apartment since the renovation? Since June when I moved back here it is the best! No mold. You smell nothing and no flies. The apartment is clean and beautiful.
The workers did a good job!
Delores Williams, Betances Houses
What is it like to live at Betances Houses after the RAD Conversion? When the conversion happened, we got new appliances and a whole new management team. The whole apartment was renovated. New windows, floors, bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, tubs, so basically, we got the works. Which is wonderful. I was shocked, just wonderful. I have no complaints.