Port Richmond Community Center Gets Big Boost for Major Upgrade

A historic community center in Port Richmond is getting a much-needed face-lift, thanks to a big chunk of federal cash. The center, which has been a go-to spot for locals for decades, is set to get a serious upgrade. The $2. 5 million grant is part of a larger federal spending plan. It's a big deal because the building is old and has some serious issues that need fixing. The center, known to many as the CYO Center, has been around for over a hundred years. It started as a Masonic Temple but later became a community hub. It's been a big part of the North Shore neighborhood, offering a range of services to people of all ages. The center is especially important for low-to-moderate-income residents, providing everything from senior services to food assistance.The grant will help address some of the building's infrastructure problems. This includes making the place safer, more accessible, and generally more modern. The center's CEO, Claire Atalla, said the funding is a game-changer. It will help preserve a local landmark while making it a better space for the thousands of people who use it every day. The center offers a lot of important services. There's a food pantry, a food hub that supports other community pantries, and even a mobile food pantry that serves different sites across Staten Island. They also provide crisis support services, like case assistance, eviction prevention, and utility stabilization. With the upgrade, they'll be able to do even more, like having a modernized commercial kitchen and a safe, climate-controlled environment. The center is part of a larger network of social services provided by Catholic Charities of Staten Island. They offer a wide range of programs, from toddler daycare to senior support services. The upgrade to the Port Richmond center is just one way they're working to make a difference in the community.