Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2018

CONTACT: media@nycha.nyc.gov

NYCHA CARES KICKSOFF TO FAST TRACK SPECIALIZED REPAIR WORK

NYCHA launches initiative to tackle repair work backlog and cut wait times through new funding and innovative planning

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) launched NYCHA Cares, a new program that will address the backlog of more than 50,000 open skilled trades work orders in NYCHA apartments. Specialized work, such as repairs that require plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters or painters, is in the highest demand due to long wait times. NYCHA Cares will pilot dedicated programming at the developments with the largest backlogs of skilled trades work orders to improve resident quality of life.

Thanks to Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYCHA Cares will receive $20 million for FY2019 and FY2020 in order to eliminate the Authority’s work-order backlog and cut down wait times on related skilled trades work. NYCHA will utilize dedicated teams of internal skilled trades and temporary staff, funding for overtime and third-party vendors with construction and facilities expertise. Through NYCHA Cares, NYCHA will initially focus efforts on Manhattanville Houses in West Harlem, Queensbridge Houses South in Queens and Kingsborough Houses in Brooklyn. These developments have thousands of open skill trades work orders – while not immediate emergency health and safety repairs – require attention. NYCHA plans to complete work within 24 months at these three locations.

“Thanks to the unwavering support and unprecedented funding from Mayor de Blasio, NYCHA Cares exemplifies how we can effectively answer repair problems,” said NYCHA General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo. “By utilizing current staff, support staffing and private contracting solutions, we will be able to cut down wait times and make much needed repairs for our residents.”

Previous service level agreements, set by the prior administration, lay out seven days for general maintenance work orders and 15 days for skilled trades work, which involve more complex work and expertise. Now, thanks to NYCHA Cares and the Mayor de Blasio Administration, the Authority plans to wade through this archaic system to make sure repair work happens as quickly as possible for its residents and their families.

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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. Almost 400,000 New Yorkers reside in NYCHA’s 325 public housing developments around the five boroughs, and another 235,000 receive subsidized rental assistance in private homes through the NYCHA-administered Section 8 Leased Housing Program. For more information, visit http://www.nyc.gov/nycha and for regular updates on NYCHA news and services, connect with us via http://www.facebook.com/NYCHA and www.twitter.com/NYCHA