NYCHA’s population reflects a national demographic trend in the increase of senior residents. More than 15% of NYCHA’s residents are seniors 62 or more years of age. To ensure the highest quality of life for our growing senior population, NYCHA has a variety of housing, social services, and activities specifically tailored to meet their needs.

Whether seniors reside in one of NYCHA’s 42 seniors-only developments, 14 seniors-only buildings, or a standard apartment in a conventional development, they will find the services, support, and companionship they need to continue living a fulfilling life. NYCHA’s senior developments and buildings are designed to maximize residents’ mobility by eliminating physical barriers – providing ramps in place of stairs and locating senior centers in close proximity, and in some cases, even on the premises of a development. In 2005, the PSS GrandParent Family Apartments opened with an operating subsidy from NYCHA. The PSS Grandparent Family Apartments were constructed specifically for grandparents or elderly caregivers who care for minor grandchildren or other relatives.

Seniors can turn to their Housing Assistant for help. The Housing Assistant can recommend an assessment by a NYCHA Social Service worker who will help the senior obtain housekeeping, personal care or other assistance from an appropriate provider. The goal is to assist seniors to maintain their independence and comfort.

Comprehensive Senior Community Wellness Program
Senior Resident Advisor / Service Coordinator Programs
Elderly Safe-At-Home Program
Senior Companion Program
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC)

Comprehensive Senior Community Wellness Program

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Senior Resident Advisor / Service Coordinator Programs

NYCHA’s Senior Resident Advisors and Service Coordinators deliver broad assistance to seniors through a highly personalized approach.

Service Coordinators operate in 24 conventional and seniors-only developments. They monitor seniors’ well being with home visits, telephone calls and old-fashioned, neighborly concern. Service Coordinators assess seniors’ needs and help them navigate the social services system. NYCHA seniors can also volunteer to be a Floor Captain and help monitor the health and well being of their neighbors.

Senior Resident Advisors provide similar services for residents in 22 seniors-only developments and seniors-only buildings. Since seniors are clustered in these locations, staff are always on hand to assist. Residents who share common interests, needs and activities can easily build supportive relationships with their neighbors. For more information contact the Social Services office in your borough:

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Elderly Safe-At-Home Program
This program provides comprehensive crime prevention services and crime victim assistance to elderly and non-elderly disabled residents in the South Bronx. NYCHA staff refer residents to community-based and/or city agencies for a range of social services which monitor the health, safety and well-being of residents under the program. For more information about the Elderly Safe-At-Home Program, call the Bronx Social Services Office at 718-409-8699.

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Senior Companion Program
Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help homebound, elderly individuals live independently. They assist with daily tasks, support primary caregivers, alert doctors and family members to potential problems, and most importantly, provide personal care and friendship. This program is administered through a partnership with the Henry Street Settlement and funded by the Corporation for National Service. This program operates in Manhattan, Queens, and in Staten Island. For more information about this program or to volunteer, call the Social Services office in your borough:

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Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) 

NYCHA’s NORC program brings the comprehensive supportive services typically found in seniors-only communities to residents aging in place in conventional public housing developments. NYCHA is able to operate the NORC program through a partnership with the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA), the United Hospital Fund, and local community service providers. NORC programs serve residents in eleven different NYCHA developments and are operated by local community service partners. Seniors living in a NORC community receive health screenings, in-home assessments, transportation services, financial management services, and housekeeping services. In addition, all NORC communities offer support groups, intergenerational activities, wellness programs, and recreational programs for resident seniors. For more information about the NORC program, contact the Social Services Office in your borough:

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Within NYCHA’s conventional developments there are 137 Senior Centers, which serve as the hub for senior services and activities. The Senior Chorus, Senior Festival, Chess Program and Resident Art Show are among a range of programs that give seniors a chance to socialize, have fun, and express themselves. Each center offers recreational and social activities as well as nutritious meals. New York City’s Department for the Aging oversees many of these centers, which are operated by community service organizations. NYCHA directly operates 41 Senior Centers.

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Resident Art Show
Each year, NYCHA’s Harborview artist-educators conduct visual arts workshops at NYCHA Community and Senior Centers across the city. These weekly workshops generate over 40,000 pieces of quality artwork. From this outpouring, NYCHA staff and artist-educators select entries which are judged by art professionals to be exhibited at NYCHA’s Annual Resident Art Show held at Rutgers Community Center. The Resident Art Show highlights the ambitious creations of children, adults and seniors who reside in NYCHA's developments in all five boroughs. Visit our Art Programs page to learn more about the Resident Art Show. For more information on the Resident Art Show call: 212-306-8852 or 2920.

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