Red Hook Initiative
Jill Eisenhard, Founder & Director
The Red Hook Initiative (RHI) works “to confront and affect the consequences of intergenerational poverty by providing support in the areas of education, employment, health and community development.” RHI is housed in a space donated by the Police Athletic League across from the Red Hook Houses, a public housing development home to nearly 10,000 people in a community besieged by intergenerational poverty, unemployment, and poor educational opportunities. RHI believes that the people within a community can change their environment. Through training and employment, RHI empowers residents to create programs and provide services to neighbors, family and friends.
RHI addresses community needs through health programs providing services, support, education and leadership training. Educational programs assist students and advocate for young people seeking to return to school. Employment programs offer a job readiness clinic, and community development projects build resources while organizing local residents.