Neighbors Caring for Neighbors

Our Mission

We believe that safe, reliable childcare shouldn't depend on who you know or what you can afford. RHIB was founded on the idea that the strongest childcare networks are built neighborhood by neighborhood — people who share streets, schools, and community spaces caring for each other's children.

Our platform connects Red Hook families who need childcare with local babysitters who know the neighborhood, understand the community, and are part of the same fabric of daily life. No middlemen, no mystery — just neighbors helping neighbors.

How It Works

Families post babysitting requests and browse local sitters. Sitters create profiles that highlight their experience, availability, and the families they've worked with in the community. Bookings happen directly, with trust built through shared neighborhood ties and transparent reputation.

Every sitter on RHIB is a real person from the Red Hook community. We don't source from outside the neighborhood, because we believe the best childcare comes from people already invested in this place.

Our Cooperative Values

• Community first. Decisions about RHIB are made with the interests of Red Hook families and sitters at the center — not outside investors or growth metrics.
• Fair pay. We advocate for sitters to be compensated fairly and transparently. Our cooperative model keeps platform fees minimal so more money stays with the workers.
• Trust and safety. We take childcare seriously. Profiles are community-verified, and our reputation system reflects real relationships, not algorithmic scores.
• Accessibility. We're building toward a platform that works for every family in Red Hook, regardless of income or circumstance.

Seeking Non-Profit Status

RHIB is currently in the process of seeking official non-profit status. We believe the cooperative childcare model belongs to the community, not to shareholders. Non-profit designation will allow us to pursue grant funding, formalize our governance structure, and ensure RHIB remains community-owned for the long term.

Get Involved

Whether you're a family looking for care, a sitter looking for work, or a neighbor who just believes in what we're building — there's a place for you in RHIB. Browse sitters, post a job, or reach out to learn how you can help shape what we become.