In one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world, New York struggles to safely and affordably house all of its residents. The city is home to the largest public housing system in the US but faces existential challenges on how to not only repair, but invest in it. The public system is supported by community organizations, faith-based institutions, and non-profits that ensure beds are available for those who fall outside of the public system.

With a rising population of New Yorkers on the brink of homelessness, a new commitment to support New Yorkers providing essential services, and an opportunity to reimagine, what’s the city we want to make? In conversation with RPA’s VP of Housing and Neighborhood Planning Moses Gates, three David Prize finalists will share their visions for housing in New York from their perspectives.

The 2020 David Prize Housing Finalists

Edafe Okporo

Edafe is striving to end street homelessness through partnerships with faith institutions and with targeted advocacy. The RDJ Refugee Shelter is more than a shelter; it’s a space where asylum-seekers and immigrants can access community and start to rebuild their lives. There are currently 83,000 people looking for housing in NYC, and Edafe’s mission is to ensure every New Yorker can transition with dignity to safe housing.

Learn more about RDJ Refugee Shelter

Rasmia Kirmani-Frye

Rasmia is a radical optimist who envisions a ​‘truth and reconciliation’ process to change the perception of public housing -- from an often ignored problem into a critical, valuable asset for New York City. One in 14 New Yorkers lives in public housing, including significant numbers of NYPD and DOE employees, and countless other public servants, strivers, and contributors to the common good. Rasmia hopes to transform public housing in New York City by building a new network of generative, community-building relationships.

Follow Rasmia

Domingo Morales

Spending most of his life in New York’s public housing and foster system, Domingo’s leadership and passion for a healthier and more environmentally-just city was born out of his lived experience. He saw firsthand how underserved neighborhoods, and public housing buildings, suffered from poor access and design. After serving with Green City Force, his life trajectory changed. Today Domingo supports Red Hook Farms and Green City Force as an expert in food chemistry, safe and healthy composting practices, and coaching others to scale it across the city. Domingo is laser-focused on making composting cool and accessible for everyone, especially public housing communities that otherwise might be left out. Domingo wants to make NYC the model of sustainability that all cities can follow.

Follow Compost Power