Tammy Rivera Appointed Commissioner of Paterson Housing Authority

PATERSON, NJ - Tammy Rivera, a community advocate, has been appointed as Commissioner of the Paterson Housing Authority (PHA).

Rivera a mother of 10, has lived in the Great Falls area for over 40 years. She was appointed to the position by Mayor Andre Sayegh, bringing decades of experience in community service, volunteerism, and educational support to her new role.

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"I love my community," Rivera said. "I've had a great childhood here, and I wanted my children to have the same experience. So, I've been an involved parent and volunteer for many years."

Rivera's commitment to Paterson is evident in her long history of engagement with various local organizations and initiatives, including the First Baptist Church, the NJCDC, and numerous clean-up projects and after-school programs. "The list goes on and on," she said. "I've always been involved in my community, and when people reach out to me for help, I try my best to assist them."

Having worked for 30 years at School No. 2, Rivera has built strong connections within the neighborhood, often assisting with translation and parental engagement initiatives.

"I've always felt that you need to teach people how to fish, not necessarily give them a fish every day," she told TAPinto Paterson. "I hope to bring this philosophy to the Housing Authority, empowering residents to improve their situations through education and support."

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Initially hesitant to take on the role due to her busy schedule, Rivera eventually accepted the mayor's offer, driven by her dedication to addressing the community's pressing needs. "There are a lot of questions people have about the Housing Authority, Section 8, language barriers, and homelessness," she said. "I felt this was an opportunity to help more people."

During her tenure, Rivera aims to learn more about the Housing Authority's programs and services to better inform and educate the community. "I want to help bring in workshops that will aid residents in becoming homeowners, going back to school, and bettering their own situations," she said. "It's about teaching people to take care of themselves and being more productive members of the community."

Rivera's extensive network of contacts and her proactive approach to community engagement are expected to be significant assets in her new role. "I know so many people now that I can call on for information and support," she said. "I'm always promoting community events and services on social media, and I often translate information to ensure our Hispanic residents are included."

Addressing immediate challenges, Rivera highlights the importance of creating safe, affordable housing and fostering a sense of community among residents. "We need to reach out to residents, get them involved in neighborhood watch programs, and work together to make our neighborhoods safer," she emphasized.

With a focus on promoting financial literacy, ESL classes, and workshops on gang and drug awareness, Rivera envisions a more unified effort to address the city's issues.

"It takes a village to raise our children, and it takes a village to improve our community," she said. "I'm committed to learning and doing everything I can to make a positive impact."

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