1 in every 16 New Yorkers lives in a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) development, few of which provide access to any sort of community green space. Home to more than 4,500 New Yorkers, the NYCHA Houses at Castle Hill in the Bronx were no exception.

In 2020, GrowNYC began organizing around a vacant 10,000-square-foot piece of land within the Castle Hill Houses. We shortly began work on a new community garden, alongside NYCHA residents and community groups.

“In the NYCHA residences, we have folks that are coming from all different walks of life. There are residents who are willing to give back, who want to make investments into the community. The Garden is essential to their quality of life," says Chantel Kemp, GrowNYC Garden Coordinator.

The space is dedicated to the late Tenant Association President and activist Roxanne Reed, who advocated tirelessly for her community and the garden.

Today, the garden is not only a place where residents grow food but also a gathering place where community events and educational workshops are held.

As of today, GrowNYC has built 13 NYCHA gardens and 150 community gardens across the city, creating over 1 million square feet of community green space in New York City.

Green space is more than an amenity - it is vital to helping neighborhoods thrive. Gardens function as a community hub, improve mental health, and make space for green infrastructure that protects NYC from the increasing effects of climate change.

Help GrowNYC continue to make New York City a greener place for all and make a gift today! Thanks to Omni New York LLC, your gift will be matched, making an impact that will last for years to come.