Debra Benders popularly known as “Dee Dee,” is the current President of Brooklyn’s Cooper Park Housing Residence Council. Debra has been a public housing advocate for over 30 years. She worked for New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for 26 years, in addition to being a public housing campaigner. Her responsibilities as President of the Residence Council include collaborating with members of the local community to provide programming and services to the community, as well as fostering physical, emotional, and mental well-being. She also oversees food distribution to residents three days a week, working with North Brooklyn Angels and local restaurant owners. Cooper Park Houses was a home for her family growing up, and it is still a home for her and her youngest son, Aziz, who has cerebral palsy. Dee Dee is also a well-known community activist, serving on the board of St. Nicks Alliance, a non-profit community development group dedicated to improving the lives of low-to-moderate income individuals via employment, education, housing, and healthcare.
Cooper Park Public Housing Community is managed by the New York City Housing Authority. This community has been home to over 1500 individuals for many years, with 13 structures and approximately 700 residential units. Everyone has been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The Residence Council collaborated with Neighborhood Women to ensure that the families were cared for and received the resources they needed during this difficult time. To guarantee that families had the necessities, residents had masks, sanitizer, and food delivered to their houses. Because internet access is expensive and limited, the residence council intensified communication about the virus, measures, and updates through conventional routes (flyers, posters, etc.). During this period, the Cooper Park Housing Residential Council, in collaboration with Neighborhood Women, was able to ensure that food and other essentials were provided through the organization’s funds and gifts. The generosity of Neighborhood Women enabled volunteers to be compensated for their work.
