Red Hook Initiative

Meet Red Hook Initiative

Red Hook Initiative (RHI) is driving social change from within, empowering over 6,500 residents of Red Hook’s public housing community. Rooted in the belief that lasting transformation starts with youth, RHI fosters leadership, resilience, and opportunity through a powerful model of youth development, community building, and local hiring.

Since 2002, RHI has addressed systemic inequities by investing in young people and supporting them in shaping their futures. Through mentorship, education, and workforce development, we help youth grow into independent adults who contribute to their families and community. Our impact extends beyond individuals—we strengthen Red Hook by increasing access to health resources, economic opportunity, and digital connectivity.

With deep community ties, RHI has become a trusted hub for resilience, from disaster response after Hurricane Sandy to long-term initiatives like Red Hook Farms and Red Hook WiFi. We continue to evolve, ensuring that Red Hook youth and families have the tools to build a thriving, self-sustaining future.