Hope City Church in East New York concluded a three-day community initiative last weekend called Hope on the Block, focusing on community building and outreach.
The three-day initiative included a free movie night viewing the newly released Sound of Hope film, a Saturday back-to-school “carnival” jam, a market, and a Sunday outside fellowship, according to a press release.
Hope on the Block served over 800 individuals in its first year, provided 1,080 free meals, and distributed 502 free backpacks to children and families.
“Our commitment to the community has been unwavering for over two decades. We’ve hosted our back-to-school jam since our founding, but this year we wanted to express God’s love in the biggest way we could—breaking barriers to give what East New York deserves,” says Dr. Tyrone Stevenson, the church's senior pastor.
Through varied partnerships and unwavering support, including Hope Empowerment and Development Zone, Inc. (HEADZ), Care Portal, the New York Police Department 75th Precinct and Rapid Response team, the office of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the office of Councilmember Chris Banks, NYC Youth Leadership Council, Police Athletic League (PAL), and Davis Athletics Development (D.A.D), Hope on the Block provided a first-of-its-kind community event, shutting down Pennsylvania Avenue between New Lots and Riverdale with one focus in mind: care for the community.
