Thanksgiving has always been a time for families to gather around the table and enjoy a home-cooked feast, but for residents of the Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven, the holiday was nothing short of unconventional this year. A chimney collapse at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complex back in October led to a complete gas shutdown, leaving many without the capability to cook their traditional dishes. As reported by News 12, Merlyn Olivo had to forego her usual spread of turkey, ribs, and rice, expressing her sadness and frustration as her provided hot plate had ceased to function weeks ago.
The situation proved to be dire, as residents struggled to prepare for the festivities with the limited resources at hand. According to CBS News, Lulu Ellington described the difficulties of trying to make do with a single hot plate provided by NYCHA, having to transport her Thanksgiving cooking to her sister's house. "It's very complicated, hard cooking without gas," Ellington told CBS News. The lack of gas service forced residents to adapt and try to maintain some semblance of tradition amidst adversity.
What added to the residents' dismay was the perception that NYCHA had fumbled in their response to the crisis. Some tenants felt the measly $15 per person meal gift cards distributed by NYCHA were insufficient, casting doubt on whether the organization had done enough to assist those affected. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do with that," Fatina Meade voiced her discontent in an interview obtained by CBS News, highlighting her struggle to source a meal within such a constrained budget.
Despite the grim circumstances, there was a modicum of gratitude, as residents like Olivo were thankful to be safe and have the company of family. Nevertheless, the extended service disruption has left many calling for NYCHA to provide clearer answers. NYCHA has stated that repairs are ongoing and that they are working to "safely restore services as quickly as possible," according to a statement cited by News 12. However, with no firm deadline for when the gas will be turned back on, residents remain in a state of limbo as the year-end holidays approach. Ellington, echoing the sentiments of many, conceded to traveling for Christmas, as the prospect of hosting the holiday at home was no longer feasible.
