YESSINIA [Jamaica, Queens]

I was doing handiwork and painting walls for private contractors; then COVID happened and everything changed.

I went searching for jobs online and found NYC.GOV; that’s where I learned about the City Cleanup Corps. I very much wanted to work for the City – I know it’s not easy, but I knew that if I gave a little then the City would give me a lot.

I started working 3 months ago painting hydrants and cleaning, but now we are busy helping the people who lost so much in the hurricane. We are moving things for them, helping them to get everything out of the house that they need to. When people come to us and they say they appreciate so much what we’re doing right now, that makes me so happy. At the end of the day, you know, there’s a lot to do, but we’re given love back.

If have the opportunity to work for the City more, I’m right there.