Community activists rallied in Red Hook today to stop the violent crimes increasing in public housing.

The rally took place at 70 Bush St., where Howard Sterling was shot and killed on Sunday.

Activists say the frustration is growing among residents at the Red Hook Houses.

Participants at the rally called for jobs to replace guns. They said in order to stop the gun violence, young men need to work every day.

Residents are calling on the NYC Housing Authority and Mayor Bill de Blasio to help young men get construction work. They say many men are qualified to make the numerous maintenance repairs that are needed in the NYCHA apartments.

The young men who were at the rally said being hired to do some repairs at NYCHA housing would also make residents have more pride in their neighborhood. They also said that crime would be reduced.

NYCHA released a statement in response to the rally, saying that increasing job opportunities for residents is a top priority for their new administration. NYCHA says it is committed to continuing and improving successful, sustainable job training and long-term career development efforts.