The HOPE Program conducts a NYC CoolRoofs exercise, in NYS Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos’ district
September 15, 2026 (Washington Heights, Manhattan) – In the leadup to Climate Week, The HOPE Program conducted a NYC CoolRoofs exercise, in NYS Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos’ district. 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%.
Top Photo: Assembly Member De Los Santos (3rd from left) on a building roof, with HOPE crew members; Chief Development Officer, Karen Edelman and and Melissa Chapman-Samad, Senior Director of Government Relations at DHC.
Lower Photo: Application of coating to roof top.