New York, NY – On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Assemblymember Grace Lee and Henry Street Settlement distributed hundreds of free Ring video doorbells to senior residents of public housing on the Lower East Side. The pilot program, launched with a generous donation from Amazon and support from Assemblymember Lee, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), is the first of its kind to be made in collaboration with Ring (an Amazon company). In addition to the cameras, Ring provided a $10,000 donation to Henry Street Settlement; the organization which will be assisting seniors with installation and technical support. These donations follow advocacy led by Assemblymember Lee to obtain policy changes in NYCHA developments that permit residents to install these cameras in their homes.

The cameras are intended to facilitate connection and peace of mind for older adults living in the public housing development, helping to reduce isolation and encourage the strengthening of Lower East Side community ties. Henry Street Settlement’s Youth Community Response Team will install the devices, teach older adults how to use them, and staff a helpline to resolve any questions that arise.

“Seniors in NYCHA developments have faced significant challenges of vulnerability, loneliness, and isolation,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “With this program fully realized, the cameras provided will enhance their safety and enable them to stay connected with their loved ones. I extend my gratitude to Henry Street Settlement, Ring, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and NYCHA for its support and advocacy. I am excited to continue our joint efforts in finding effective solutions to support our community members in Lower Manhattan.”

"Henry Street Settlement is grateful to the office of Assemblymember Grace Lee, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and the New York City Housing Authority for supporting this initiative," said Henry Street Settlement Executive Vice President of Partnerships and Innovation Jeremy Reiss. "We also thank Ring for their generous donation to support our community's wellness. Henry Street’s mission is to open doors for our community, and this project will literally allow older adults to open doors more securely and confidently, increasing their ability to engage safely with the world around them.”

“No senior should feel unsafe in their own home, so I’m proud to have partnered with Assemblymember Lee and Henry Street Settlement to connect Lower Manhattan’s seniors with this enhanced safety measure. Seniors having the tools to feel comfortable where they live and combat isolation is a cornerstone of aging with dignity,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “Thank you to Ring for their invaluable donation of 300 free video doorbells and lifetime subscriptions to these residents.”

“At Ring, we believe in helping communities stay connected and close to what’s important,” said Head of Community Engagement for Amazon Devices and Services Karla Torres. “Since 2021, we’ve heard how Ring devices and features like Live View, Two-Way Talk, and Shared Users are helping to provide more peace of mind for seniors living independently, as well as their families and caretakers. We are proud to make this donation to Henry Street Settlement and to support the organization’s longstanding impact across New York City.”