Sept. 3, 2019 By Ryanne Salzano
Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer announced Friday that his office is allocating more than $1.35 million of city funds to nonprofits that serve residents of the Queensbridge Houses.
The funding will focus on youth development, senior services and beautification projects. Van Bramer secured the funding in the city’s budget for fiscal year 2020.
Queensbridge Houses, located on 41st Avenue between Vernon Boulevard and 21st Street, is the largest public housing complex in the United States, with 3,142 units and about 7,000 residents
Several groups that support the community will receive funds:
$496,315 to Urban Upbound for youth development, financial counseling and employment services
$430,740 to the Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement to improve the Queensbridge Senior Center and toward adult literacy initiatives and youth programming
$300,000 toward the beautification of outdoor spaces in Queensbridge
$40,000 to CUNY Creative Arts Team for crisis management and conflict mediation programs at I.S. 204
$38,500 to the Floating Hospital for health care services, health and lifestyle education and transportation through the Good Health Shuttle
$20,000 to the Queens Public Library Tech Lab for business and tech training for Queensbridge residents
$15,000 to the Queensbridge Tenant Association for family days and programs for Queensbridge residents
$12,000 to Dances for a Variable Population for free dance programs for seniors
“I am proud to help fund the various outstanding organizations that provide critical services to the children, families, and seniors of Queensbridge,” Van Bramer said in a statement. “From health care and tech training to career development and youth programming, this funding will expand opportunity and improve the lives of so many.”