Every year, QCH is committed to serving the diverse neighborhoods of Queens, offering a support system to children, youth, adults, and older adults, helping them to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to change their lives for the better and become active participants in their larger community. The past year we saw the many different needs of Queens individuals and families and recognized the importance of adapting the work we do to ensure those needs are met. Click here for our NEW VIDEO, including highlights from a memorable year for the community.

QCH steps up as eviction moratorium expires


QCH continued to provide housing and homelessness prevention services to families in areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our housing team has been educating individuals and families on their rights as tenants, providing support navigating the City systems, connecting them to resources, and facilitating referrals,” said Marilyn Sotomayor, QCH Director of Housing and Family Services Programs. “The eviction moratorium was a safety net for many of our participants experiencing financial hardships. When that expired," she says, "our team needed to work harder than ever to help keep people in their homes." Staff provided workshops, individual counseling, financial management and benefit enrollment support, and, in some cases, emergency grants to help hundreds of Queens families to remain in their homes during this unstable time.

Generation Q launches Know Your Rights PSA for NYC queer youth


Our Generation Q program launched the Know Your Rights PSA: The Q-niverse for NYC queer youth to learn about their rights and how they can advocate for themselves in NYC schools. The videos addressed local, state and federal laws that protect youth from discrimination, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Click here to view the PSA!


This PSA is being used in trainings offered by Generation Q staff in schools across Queens and the greater NYC area.

QCH works to address baby formula shortage for families in Queens


Amid the nationwide baby formula shortage this year, QCH heard from many families in need of baby formula.

To address this community need, QCH put the word out to Foodbank NYC as well donors and supporters. Individuals and community groups (including St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills) donated diapers and baby formula in support of neighbors in need.


"I was able to get baby formula, groceries, and a baby stroller," said one neighbor. "I’m so thankful for QCH for always doing all they can to help my family."

QCH programs connect with more NYC youth through SYEP


Several QCH programs served as worksites for this year's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). SYEP helps NYC youth explore different interests and career pathways, develop productive workplace habits, and engage in learning experiences that strengthen their social, civic, and leadership skills. Some of the QCH SYEP worksites included Queens Connect, a youth workforce program that trains and prepares out of school youth for successful careers in the food service and manufacturing sector, and YouthBuild, a workforce program that helps young adults obtain construction skills and attain their High School Equivalency (HSE). This year, QCH also partnered with Let's Get Free, a diversity-focused music experience that gave SYEP youth an opportunity to learn about working in the entertainment industry, and the work it takes to launch a successful music festival.“The past few years have been a challenging time for young people looking for opportunities to grow, so we need to reinforce the importance of helping the youth develop social, civic and leadership skills to prepare them for the future, and SYEP is a great way to do that," said Alexandria Sumpter-Delves, Division Director of Youth Workforce of QCH.

QCH is borough anchor for NYC's first-ever citywide Participatory Budgeting process


The NYC Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) launched "The People's Money", NYC's first-ever citywide participatory budgeting (PB) process. The process allowed all New Yorkers age 11 and up to have a voice in deciding how to spend $5 million of mayoral expense funding. QCH hosted a series of Idea Generation Sessions as the Queens borough anchor for the CEC’s campaign. During the sessions, QCH participants and neighbors were invited to brainstorm ideas for creative projects that meet the needs of the borough. “This participatory democracy helps further QCH's mission of building healthy and inclusive communities across Queens,” said ED Ben Thomases. “When ordinary community members have a direct say in how their tax money is spent, everyone benefits.”

Forest Hills Community Center reopens for programming with upgraded accessibility for older adults


After a major renovation, the Forest Hills Community Center reopened for programming in September. “The improvement of these program spaces is critical to meet the needs of the communities we serve throughout the borough of Queens," said Ben Thomases. The Center was upgraded to improve outdated infrastructure, increase program space, and expand accessibility. "The renovated space's new elevator, ADA compliant doors, and improved walkways will make it much easier for everyone to navigate and attend center activites," said Toolarie Iqbal, Director of Forest Hills Older Adult Center.

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Queens Community House provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities.