Ms. Theresa, a long-time Gowanus Houses resident and community leader and pillar, believes in the vision of greening our city’s public housing, providing spaces for native flora and insects to thrive. She helped lead advocacy efforts for the Superfund, including revitalization of the built community, access to the public waterfront esplanades, and increasing access to green spaces. 

Gowanus Green Team, a paid youth workforce development program through Gowanus Canal Conservancy, supports Ms. Theresa’s garden through planting, composting, and overall maintenance of the space, providing entry-level workforce experience to local youth impacted by environmental justice issues.