The Ordinary New Yorkers Who Became Pandemic Heroes

During New York City’s darkest days, some residents found purpose and meaning in helping their neighbors stay safe and even find a bit of joy.

Clockwise from top left: Whitney Hu, Robert Hornsby, Hector Gerardo, Marco Castillo, Jona Tajonera and the Rev. Kimberly Detherage.

As New York marks the bleak fifth anniversary of Covid-19’s arrival, residents will remember the fear, isolation and death the virus brought. By June 2020, 23,000 people had died of coronavirus in New York City — more than the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden.

But many will also remember that New Yorkers found moments of camaraderie, healing and even joy. Ordinary people pulled off extraordinary things during a difficult time, helping neighbors, neighborhoods and the city. And for some, the experience changed their own lives in profound ways.

Whitney Hu fed hundreds of people in Sunset Park

Whitney Hu, in jeans and a bright pink sweater, poses for a portrait in the warehouse where the South Brooklyn Mutual Aid group distributed clothing, food and necessities during the pandemic.

Whitney Hu loves Sunset Park, a Brooklyn neighborhood of Asian and Latino immigrant families. When her neighbors there found themselves out of work and stuck home during the pandemic, she knew they would need assistance. She had no idea how much.

Ms. Hu, who works in civic engagement, and a few neighbors quickly created a Google spreadsheet of contacts and let people know they would try to help.

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