The 31st Ave Open Street Collective is now a registered non-profit organization. Photo by Bobby Feltault
By Jessica Militello
Western Queens is known for more than its bustling streets and diverse neighborhoods—it’s also a place where community-driven entrepreneurship thrives. Local business owners and residents continually find innovative ways to support one another, uplift new talent, and provide spaces for creativity, wellness, and connection. While the spirit of collaboration can be felt across Astoria and Long Island City, several standout organizations and businesses are helping to shape the local culture and economy in lasting ways.
From artist collectives to community cafés, here are four local initiatives redefining what it means to be rooted in—and inspired by—Queens.
Our House provides a space for artists in the community. Photo credit: Our House.
Our House
23-71 31st Ave., Astoria
Instagram: @ourhousequeens
Founded by Kayli Kunkel, Anna Budinger, and Alexandra Wolkoff—former owners of Astoria favorites Earth and Me and Babs Home and Pantry—Our House is a creative coworking and community space that supports freelancers, artists, and small business owners. When their original storefronts on Ditmars Boulevard closed, the trio combined their talents to launch a space that now hosts vendor markets, fitness classes, workshops, and more.
By fostering collaboration and offering a welcoming environment for remote workers and makers alike, Our House has become a springboard for local entrepreneurs looking to connect, build, and grow within the Queens creative scene.
Queens Together mobilized at Culture Lab LIC during the early days of the pandemic to provide food to thousands of families. On Nov. 18, the restaurant-driven organization returns to the same staging are for its third annual Thanksgiving food distribution event. (Photo courtesy of Queens Together)
Queens Together
Website: queenstogether.org
Instagram: @qns_together
What began as a pandemic response has evolved into one of Queens’ most impactful community food initiatives. Founded in 2020 by Astoria chef and caterer Jonathan Forgash, Queens Together operates as a 501(c)(3) food relief organization that supports both local restaurants and neighbors in need.
By funding eateries to prepare hot meals for families facing food insecurity, the organization fuels a dual mission: strengthening the local food economy while providing nourishment to underserved residents. Queens Together regularly partners with community hubs like Culture Lab LIC and continues to host large-scale events, such as their annual Thanksgiving distribution.
Photo credit: 31st Avenue Open Street Collective.
31st Avenue Open Street
Website: 31staveopenstreet.org
Instagram: @31staveopenstreet
Born out of the COVID-19 Open Streets initiative, 31st Avenue Open Street has become a vital community corridor in Astoria. What started as a way to safely spend time outdoors has grown into a vibrant space for public art, cultural programming, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Local creators, including Museum of Nostalgia, Almonte Studios, and Sweet Tones Desserts, have all used the Open Street as a launching pad to introduce their work to the neighborhood. Today, it remains a gathering place for residents to connect, shop, perform, and celebrate the diverse talents that define Queens.
Overflow Coffee
46-36 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
Website: overflowcoffee.nyc
Instagram: @overflowcoffeenyc
Overflow Coffee in Long Island City is more than a café—it’s a mission-driven business deeply embedded in community support. Owners Chris Lee and Autumn Middleton donate 5% of each sale to the Renew Queens Community Center, which offers outreach, classes, and events for all ages.
Whether you’re stopping in for coffee or attending one of the center’s events, Overflow Coffee serves as a safe, welcoming space for neighbors to meet, share ideas, and engage with their community.
Together, these organizations exemplify the ongoing energy and innovation that define Western Queens—making it not just a place to live, but a place to build, connect, and give back.
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