50 for 50: Reverend Patrick O'Connor

Throughout its history, Queens Community House has been deeply engaged in advancing community-driven change across the borough, from immigrant rights and financial justice to expanding access to parks and open space. That commitment continues today through its work in coalitions that extend the reach of its mission and deepen its impact.

In 2019, QCH joined Metro IAF and more than 40 Queens-based institutions, nonprofits, and congregations to help found Queens Power, bringing together residents and organizations committed to building a better borough. Through this partnership, QCH has helped lead advocacy efforts on issues like affordable housing, including the Public Land for Public Good campaign at the Creedmoor site in Southeast Queens.

Reverend Patrick O’Connor, Co-Chair of Queens Power, offers a powerful perspective on this work and the role QCH continues to play in shaping a stronger, more equitable Queens.

"I grew up on the island of Jamaica and was a pastor there for some years before coming to Queens in 1992 to serve at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, coincidentally a different Jamaica altogether. From early on, I’ve believed that relationships are key to achieving anything meaningful. When you bring people together around what they care about, what they’re struggling with, and what they want to change, you can begin to build real power.

That belief led to the creation of Queens Power. After earlier organizing efforts in Queens faded, we saw an opportunity to rebuild something stronger and broader, bringing together faith institutions, nonprofits, unions, schools, and community groups. Queens Power is rooted in the idea that change should come from the bottom up, with everyday people shaping solutions and holding government and the market accountable.

Queens Community House has been an essential partner in this work. They show up not just in numbers, but in leadership. Their members see themselves as changemakers, whether advocating for affordable housing, organizing around the Queens bus redesign, or turning out hundreds of leaders for public actions. QCH sets a standard for what true community engagement looks like.

Affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges in Queens, with too many families pushed out or stretched beyond what they can afford. Organizing helps us push for solutions grounded in people’s real experiences.

What gives me hope is what happens when people come together with purpose. When you see all the QCH red hats at the community action, you know you’re looking at a group that is organized, thoughtful, and unafraid to push for change.

Together, through Queens Power and partners like QCH, we are proving that the voices and ideas of local residents matter, and that we can build a stronger, more just Queens."

—Reverend Patrick O'Connor