Friday, January 28, 2022

News from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Resources and Updates

 


Dear Neighbors,
 
On January 1, 2022, I became your 14th Bronx Borough President, and my team and I have been hard at work to serve the residents of this great borough. It has been a challenging and difficult few weeks in The Bronx, as we experienced a tragic 5-alarm fire with 17 fatalities in Fordham Heights, we have seen a wave of violence including an incident involving an 11-month year old child, a building explosion in Longwood, a police officer shot in the line of duty in Belmont, a shooting inside of Jacobi hospital, and COVID-19 continues to impact our everyday lives.
 
Although we have faced incredible hardships, we know that in trying times, Bronxites always come together and display our strength. We have seen neighbors helping neighbors, and we have seen overwhelming generosity from community members wanting to help one another.

Our office, along with our local elected officials have been on the ground since the fire in Fordham Heights, to ensure immediate services are coordinated to help our residents and families. We immediately established Monroe College as a service center that included multiple city agencies and community based organizations to assess the needs of each household. We established collection sites in the area including Bronx Community College, The Gambian Youth Organization, and local Mosques to receive necessary items and toiletries for our families. Weeks later, we continue to work with our families on long- term needs including permanent housing in the Bronx. We have committed to ensuring that none of our families are displaced, nor forced to return to Twin Parks if they choose not to.

Our collective goals are to help with both short and long term housing, social services, wraparound services and necessary counseling to help our families heal and rebuild. The deaths of our neighbors will not be in vain and we will turn our pain into purpose to rebuild Twin Parks in the long term. I am grateful for the love and support of New Yorkers, Bronxites and neighbors who stepped up to help. The overwhelming support has been felt by the families of Twin Parks and we are truly grateful to the New York City Police Department, first responders, the FDNY, American Red Cross, faith leaders, the Office of Emergency Management and so many others that have offered support.
 
In response to the recent incidents of gun violence we have seen in our city, our office is joining forces with elected officials, clergy, community leaders, and our violence interrupters to execute a plan of action to make our streets safer. When a young baby is senselessly shot, it is a sign that this is a state of emergency, and that we have more work to do to end the proliferation of guns in our neighborhoods.
 
In addition to the work we have done with our partners in government, we want to make sure the voices of the community are also being heard. We have opened up applications to join your local community board and we are encouraging everyone ages 16 and up to apply. You can click HERE for more information on how to apply in English or in Spanish.
 
Even during these difficult times, I am reminded of the resiliency of our borough and the need for us to lead with compassion, consistency, dedication, empathy, and purpose. I look forward to seeing you all in every corner of our borough soon, and together we will build a healthier, safer Bronx for everyone.
 
In partnership,
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson
In the Community
Borough President Gibson and Deputy Borough President Peguero join The Bronx Drafthouse, CB5 and NYPD to distribute gift cards to families impacted by the fire at Twin Parks North West Apartments.
Borough President Gibson and local elected officials distribute COVID-19 testing kits in Wakefield.
Borough President Gibson joins with the 32nd Precinct to honor the lives of Officers Mora and Rivera, who were shot in the line of duty.
Borough President Gibson, local elected officials and AT&T announce a partnership to distribute 100 tablets and six months of internet connectivity to families with students impacted by the fire at Twin Parks North West Apartments.
Borough President Gibson, Senator Schumer and the Fire Safety Task Force announce a four-point federal fire safety package.
Borough President Gibson attends the roll call at the 44th precinct to discuss public safety and to thank the officers for their service.
Borough President Gibson attends the roll call at the 49th precinct following this week's shooting at Jacobi Hospital.
Borough President Gibson meets with representatives from Bronx Community College and The Bronx Drafthouse to discuss relief efforts for the victims of the fire at Twin Parks North West.
Borough President Gibson and Deputy Borough President Peguero join Fat Joe and Remy Ma on Hot 97 and WBLS for a telethon to raise funds and awareness for residents of Twin Parks North West.
Borough President Gibson joins a discussion with Mayor Eric Adams and cure violence groups on ending gun violence in our city.

Borough President Gibson joins community leaders, colleagues and anti-violence groups for a Peace Week rally.
Borough President Gibson joins Mayor Adams to visit the neighborhood and businesses where an 11-month year old baby was the victim of gun violence.
Borough President Gibson joins Pastor Donnie McClurkin to distribute supplies to victims of the Twin Parks North West fire.
Borough President Gibson and Council Member Eric Dinowitz distribute COVID-19 testing kits in Woodlawn.
Borough President Gibson attends the unveiling of an ADA accessible elevator at the 170th Street train station.
Borough President Gibson speaks at The National Action Network Policy Forum on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Borough President Gibson and Deputy Borough President Peguero distribute air purifiers at Twin Parks North West Apartments.
Borough President Gibson hosts an interfaith service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in partnership with Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Borough President Gibson attends the kick-off for New York City Peace Week.
Borough President Gibson and local elected officials visit the Monroe College service center to evaluate the needs of the families impacted by the fire at Twin Parks North West Apartments.
Borough President Gibson visits the Morris Park Relief Drive.
Borough President Gibson and Christina Farrell, First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department, visit the Monroe College service center.
Borough President Gibson attends the National Action Network Saturday rally.
Borough President Gibson visits The Bronx Community College distribution center site.
Borough President Gibson and local elected officials distribute COVID-19 testing kits in Parkchester.
Borough President Gibson and the newly formed Fire Safety Task Force announce proposed legislation.
Borough President Gibson joined colleagues in the Northeast Bronx to distribute COVID-19 testing kits.
Deputy Borough President Peguero attended a fire safety discussion at the Police Athletic League Bronx location.
Borough President Gibson was joined by colleagues in the Northwest Bronx to distribute COVID-19 testing kits.
Borough President Gibson and Council Member Feliz distributed COVID-19 testing kits at Jonas Bronck Housing Co.