Resident Security is Essential

RESIDENT SECURITY IS ESSENTIAL

The Building Attendant (BA) program was a program implemented decades ago and has recently had a resurgence as a vital tool for resident security. The program has been especially important during COVID-19 to keep residents safe and to foster a sense of connection in the buildings when public community rooms and other in-person gatherings and programs were shut down due to safety protocols. The resident volunteer program trains and pays attendants a monthly stipend to monitor the doors, walkways, and floors of their building and to report or escalate any necessary issues that may affect the peace and wellness of others.

“I enjoy the BA program because it allows me to connect and talk with people, so they know that they’re cared for and that there’s a presence there. I can hear music, TVs going and the hum of people moving in the hallway and I know folks are there and they’re alright – it gives me peace.”

Kristy Padini

Kristy Padini

Kristy Padini (63) has been part of the program for over 6 years and is a Lead BA at Celentano-Wolfe. She joined after her best friend (and Tenant Resident Council (TRC) president) recommended her. Ms. Padini said that when the pandemic began it was a confusing time that “turned her world upside down” and that many of her elderly residents and neighbors were experiencing bouts of depression and anxiety – reluctant to leave the building or open their doors to anyone from the outside.

“There was a lot going on and people were passing away. The news said something different every day about the virus. Everybody knew someone who’d lost somebody. Truly, it’s a time I’d like to forget,” she said.

During this period, her best friend also passed away and she moved to another building due to renovations. Despite these changes, Ms. Padini’s commitment to the BA position never wavered. After watching her grandchildren during the day, she would walk several blocks down to her old building to monitor halls during the night shift.

She currently works with 6 other BAs at her building and credits the program for providing security and growth. “I’d love to see more people doing this,” she said. “I have a 74-year old BA now who would normally not come out to socialize if it wasn’t for this program. And the way you really get to see people, know all of their habits and meet their families adds to the feeling of community.”

Donna Santiago

Donna Santiago (59) is a Lead BA at Crawford Manor and says that many of the successes of the program during COVID-19 are because of the creativity and efforts of her team and the things that they’ve learned along the way. Ms. Santiago started working with the BA program at Union Avenue and moved to Crawford Manor where she manages a team of 7.

“I’m their backbone and they’re mine. We practice what we preach – there are no big I’s or little U’s here. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

Donna Santiago

“I’d say that it’s rougher in the program now because of the second wave that’s happening,” she said. “We were shut down in March which was serious. We’re constantly brainstorming better methods to keep each other safe and are very dedicated to keeping everyone informed.”

The shift from the Spring to the Winter months created some challenges to BA operations because of the spike in cases. She said that, while the stipend has been helpful to many, it isn’t the main reason why she or her team participates. “It would be a loss if we didn’t have this – not because of the money, but because of the communication and involvement it provides to residents who rely on it.”