NYCHA Environmental Activation
Grain partnered with NYCHA, local partners, and public agencies to activate environmental initiatives across public housing developments throughout New York City. By combining community-centered engagement, strategic planning, and creative communications, were supported residents in shaping and stewarding sustainable practices—from waste reduction and green infrastructure to climate action and capacity building. Each initiative was rooted in building trust, celebrating local knowledge, and making environmental change visible, accessible, and community-driven.
Waste Diversion and Composting Awareness
In collaboration with Compost Power, Grain led a citywide program to reduce organic waste at NYCHA sites. Through over 3,000 resident interactions—via tabling events, gardening days, block parties, and Tenant Association meetings—we expanded awareness of DSNY’s SmartBin program and other composting options. Creative handouts like fridge magnets, placemats, banners, and stickers helped promote healthy lifestyles across ages and cultures. Our engagement revealed key barriers such as digital access and bin proximity, and led to actionable recommendations to improve composting access and equity.
Green Infrastructure Stewardship
Grain supported the NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s green infrastructure work at NYCHA campuses in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx through multilingual materials and intergenerational programming. Rain gardens were installed to help manage stormwater post-Hurricane Sandy, but many residents were unaware of their purpose or how to care for them. Family-friendly planting days, youth art competitions, large-scale banners, and workshops were hosted to turn passive landscaping into active sites of pride and education—culminating in a community-led butterfly release and plans for a new community garden.
Bulk Waste Recycling and Behavior Change
At Ravenswood, Marlboro, and Queensbridge Houses, Grain activated a bulk waste recycling initiative to tackle longstanding sanitation issues. In partnership with DSNY, property management, and resident leadership, we created tailored signage and campaign materials to promote proper disposal of bulk items like mattresses and furniture. Our collaborative, place-based approach helped transform common areas and reduced unsafe dumping by aligning messaging with daily routines and site-specific needs.
Capacity Building for Resident-Led Climate Change
To support NYCHA’s Climate Action Grant Program, Grain developed a visually engaging, easy-to-navigate toolkit to implement a resident-grant opportunity. Virtual info sessions and workshops were facilitated to guide resident leaders through idea development and submission, resulting in increased participation and awareness of sustainability funding. Through targeted engagement—focus groups, tabling, and large-format public meetings—we helped grow NYCHA residents’ capacity to lead their own environmental projects and build climate resilience at the grassroots.
