Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn – House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) announced he secured $3.5 million for infrastructure improvements to the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation’s New York Avenue location through the government funding law. 

“We know that the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation has been at the heart and soul of community development efforts in Bedford-Stuyvesant and central Brooklyn for 60 years,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “We’ve got to make sure that they can continue to do its great work in terms of affordable housing, access to homeownership, economic development and employment opportunities that are meaningful and transformational. And so, it is my honor to secure $3.5 million for the great Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation to allow you to continue your great work. It’s one of the proudest advocacy efforts that I’ve undertaken.”

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive a $3.5 million grant for the redevelopment of 20 New York Avenue. We are extremely grateful to Leader Jeffries for his steadfast support and leadership. This project will not only improve our facilities but also provide essential resources for our tenants during the campus reconstruction, allowing us to continue being a cornerstone of stability and growth in Bedford Stuyvesant,” said Blondel Pinnock, President and CEO of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.  

“Bed-Stuy Restoration Corporation is a cornerstone of this great community. Our neighborhoods and our people are stronger and more whole thanks to Restoration’s decades of service,” said Council Member Chi Ossé (CD 36). “I want to extend my gratitude and the thanks of the whole neighborhood to Leader Jeffries for carrying on this proud tradition and being Bed-Stuy’s faithful Representative and partner in D.C. With this grant, Restoration will be able to continue and expand its necessary work and mission right here in our home. ”

“For over 50 years, Restoration has played an integral role improving the lives of Central Brooklynites. From its world class arts programming to financial empowerment workshops, Brooklyn is a better borough because of Restoration’s important work. This crucial funding from Congressman Hakeem Jeffries will go a long way toward expanding Restoration’s mission and allowing the organization to serve even more Brooklynites,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

“I am from this community, born and raised. And for me, this is a good thing. The investment in the community is one of the best things that could happen to this community. I want to thank Blondel for making this happen for us,” said Dale Charles, Director of Bed-Stuy Gateway BID.

“Phoenix House shares something in common with Restoration. What continues to drive us is the belief that everyone has a chance to recover from substance use and mental health illnesses. And what we’re facing is a war and a crisis that sometimes seems invisible, but we are here on the front lines,” said Ann-Marie Foster, President and CEO of Phoenix House. “So, on behalf of Phoenix House, I want to extend our gratitude to Representative Jeffries for his leadership and his deep commitment to addressing New York’s crisis as it relates to substance use and mental health. Together, we can counter the stigma around substance use and continue to advocate for funding and resources for our community.” 

Bed-Stuy Restoration Corporation serves over 60,000 local clients that benefit from its valuable programs and services, which include tax preparation, financial coaching, small business development services, benefits enrollment, administrative oversight, fundraising and workforce development programs. These funds will enable staff to relocate and continue their crucial work in our community while necessary renovations take place throughout the coming year.

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