Red Hook Community Justice Center

Photo of Community Outreach at the Justice Center

Highlights

  • Peacemaking Program

    Building on a traditional Native American approach to justice, the Center’s peacemaking programs focus on healing and community restoration rather than punishment.

  • Youth Court

    Youth courts train teenagers to handle real-life cases involving their peers, offering a restorative response to misbehavior.

  • Housing Resource Centers

    Through housing, financial, and legal assistance, we help tenants navigate housing court to resolve critical repairs and prevent evictions.

  • Driver Accountability Program

    The Driver Accountability Program is an innovative response to driving-related offenses that seeks to improve traffic safety and increase accountability among dangerous drivers. 

Our Impact

  • 3 of 4 defendants receive social services instead of jail or fines

  • 1% Less than 1% of cases receive jail at arraignment

  • 20% drop in re-offending among juvenile defendants; adult re-offending was reduced by 10%

Makayla Lovette testimonial
Even though I first came to the Justice Center because I had a conflict it turned out to be something positive for me and I think that’s just what the Community Justice Center is for everybody in Red Hook.
Makayla Lovette Participant at the Red Hook Community Justice Center

Photo Gallery

Demitri Stanle an alumnus of the Red Hook Youth Court
Youth Court Alum Helps Launch Contest

Demitri Stanley, an alumnus of the Red Hook Youth Court and intern with the New York Police Department, addresses a news conference at the launch of the #MyBrooklynStory contest. Seated at left is Police Commissioner James O'Neill.

Red Hook Community Justice Center Service
Beautifying the Neighborhood

Young people from the Justice Center's summer internship program team with local police officers to beautify a prominent corner on Red Hook's main business corridor.

Red Hook Community Justice Bridging the Gap
Breaking Down Stereotypes

‘Bridging the Gap’ events bring together young people, local police officers, and community members to break down stereotypes on all sides. 

Red Hook Community Justice Center 'Bridging the Gap' event
Bridging the Gap

At the third 'Bridging the Gap' event, Officer Fuentes of the 72nd Precinct talks with a community member. (Photo by Lauren Henschel.)

Publications & Digital Media

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News

  • Vacant NYCHA units jumped more than 600% in a year, stranding residents

    NY1

    People living in New York City public housing who have requested to transfer apartments—typically due to severe repair needs, domestic violence, or other imminent safety issues—are currently left waiting upwards of years. Yet, there has been a 640% increase in vacant public housing units within the past year, pointing to a system-wide slowdown, says Ross Joy, director of housing and civil justice at our Red Hook Community Justice Center. Decades of underfunding has caused challenges throughout NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority), including unfilled staff positions that would help maintain and turnover units between tenants.

  • The Urgent Need to Fund Public Housing Residents

    Gotham Gazette

    Nearly half of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) households are behind on rent, to the tune of $454 million, yet there is still no policy or funding solution in sight. Federal and state government-provided funding to help tenants pay rent during the pandemic placed people in subsidized housing, including NYCHA residents, last in line. In this Gotham Gazette op-ed, Center Executive Director Courtney Bryant calls for government relief, saying "We cannot abandon NYCHA tenants or the buildings they call home. In the short-term, we must provide immediate relief to the nearly 50% of households who have fallen behind on rent."

  • After Two Decades of Courtroom Innovation, Judge Alex M. Calabrese Retires from Red Hook Community Justice Center

    Brooklyn Paper

    After presiding over the Red Hook Community Justice Center for 22 years, Judge Alex Calabrese celebrated his retirement from the courtroom on October 14. Judge Calabrese has been a "warm and upbeat presence in the courtroom" throughout his tenure, touching the lives of many Red Hook residents and serving as a model for justice reformers around the country. In celebration of Judge Calabrese's pioneering work with the Red Hook Community Justice Center, Mayor Eric Adams declared October 26, 2022 "The Honorable Judge Calabrese Day."

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