September 22, 2026 (Kew Gardens Hills, Queens) – As part of Climate Week, The HOPE Program coordinated with volunteers to conduct a NYC CoolRoofs exercise. This program trains jobseekers in the application of a white coating to the tops of roofs. This energy efficient coating reduces the urban heat island effect in New York City’s neighborhoods, thus lowering air temperatures during warm months. Additionally, it reduces energy cost for the building where the coating was applied, by 30%.

New York State Senator, Leroy Comrie stopped by and praised HOPE’s work and impact. Attendees also included Alexis Hidalgo, Policy Advisor at Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice ; Kathy Lubinsky, Chief Learning Officer at New York City Small Business Services; and Melissa Chapman-Samad, Senior Director of Government Relations at DHC.