N ( W Y O R K ' S U R B A N A f f A I R S N ( W S M A G A Z I N (

r k ' s A " r s e t t i n g C l e a n e r .
I s A s t r n a e t t i n g o r s e ?
Cut It Out
W
hile New York advocates worried over their organizational budgets all summer long,
waiting for Albany to duke out who is and isn't going to get state money this year;
the U.S. Congress was getting busy. In its annual budget negotiations, the House of
Representatives is doing what it does so well: killing vital programs with a thousand paper cuts.
In July, the House HUD Appropriations Subcommittee released a proposed budget for the
EDITORIAL
housing agency $2 billion less than what the president ordered. Gone,
again, are new Section 8 vouchers. Cut are community development block
grants, lead paint abatement funds, brownfields redevelopment, even HOPE
VI public housing rehab funds. (Eliminated and better off for it is a $50 mil-
lion Clinton administration proposal to pay to demolish abandoned build-
ings-a program ready-made for developers eager to obliterate low-income
downtown neighborhoods.)
Business as usual in Washington, you might say. But nothing's so usual
this year. A $792 billion tax cut being pushed by Republicans has Democrats scrambling to
prove that they, too, feel the pain of the American taxpayer-proposing a cut that's "only"
about half as much. Squeezed between the tax cut and Congress' obligation to pass a balanced
budget, public programs are taking the biggest hit.
This now-ritual pandering to voters in a pre-election year is already enough to make one
move to the Seychelles, but the fact that it's being done at the expense of people who can't pay
the rent, no less buy an election, makes it that much more outrageous. Over and over again,
HUD's own research and reports show a nation in a housing crisis. The booming economy has
only fueled rising rents and the loss of affordable housing stock. Meanwhile, in New York the
average wait for a public housing subsidy has risen to eight years.
Enough already.
****
I'd like to take a moment to say goodbye and hello. Our irreplaceable editor Carl Vogel has
left to travel; when he gets back, he 'Il be wielding his sharp words and wit in what we jour-
nalists know as "the magazine world. "
It 's my job to pick up where he left off, and it's a challenging one. You may already know
me as a senior editor and occasional contributor here. Previously, I was an editor and writer
for many other publications, including The Village Voice, Metropolis, Newsday, Spin and
Salon-and yes, I am the same person who used to review TV shows for The Nation.
While we console ourselves over Carl's departure, we're cheered by the knowledge that this
month more readers than ever will be able to find City Limits. With this issue, we move to
expanded distribution at dozens of additional newsstands and bookstores-making City Limits
truly New York's magazine. See you in the racks.
Cover photo by Gregory Mango; 7-year-old Luis Santarosa, looking out his Hunts Point window
Alyssa Katz
Editor
City Limits relies on the generous support of its readers and advertisers, as well as the following funders: The Adco
Foundation, The Bankers Trust Foundation, The Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, The Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program
at Shelter Rock, The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, The Joyce Mertz-Gilmore Foundation, The Scherman Foundation, The
North Star Fund, J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The New York Community Trust, The New
York Foundation, The Taconic Foundation, M& T Bank, Citibank, and Chase Manhattan Bank.
(ity Limits
Volume XXIV Number 8
City Limits is published ten times per year, monthly except
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the City Limits Community Information Service, Inc., a non-
profit organization devoted to disseminating information
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CITY LIMITS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
FEATURES
Melrose's Thorny Predicament
After years of bureaucratic battles, the community planning group Nos
Quedamos has finally broken ground for Melrose Commons. The project
is renowned for involving an entire Bronx neighborhood in designing
its own future. So why are Melrose's community gardens endangered? By Carl Vogel
Breathing Lessons
In neighborhoods hit hard by asthma, the faith is fierce that
environmental injustice is the culprit. New research, though,
blames everything from vinyl floors to TV and Big Macs.
What if everything we think we know about asthma is wrong? By Kathleen McGowan
Judge Not
Once the arbiters of last resort, New York's judges have become
referees for city policy, from welfare reform to environmental
cleanup. But just when judges should be keeping the mayor in
check, his legal team makes sure they stay on the sidelines.
PROFILE
By Matt Fleischer
World Wide Waves ~
From its base in Manhattan, Global Kids teaches public school teens
how to take on the world-as international leaders of the future. By Phyllis Vme
PIPELINES
The Color of Money ~
Where foundations traditionally put minority communities on the
receiving end of their support, three budding New York endowments
are counting on successful African Americans, Latinos and Asian
Americans to put their dollars where their identities are. By Chau Quach
Shadow of a Drought ~
New York City's Water Board has decided to cut off the flow to
buildings behind on their payments-adding the threat of dry taps to
already out-of-control water bills. By Alex Ulam
Cityview
Out on His Own
Review
Corny Flake
Editorial
Letters
Briefs
COMMENTARY
128
By Alexia Lewnes
130
By Mark Winston Griffith
DEPARTMENTS
2 Ammo 29
4
Job Ads 33
5
Professional
Directory 34
W

JUDCMEMT CALL
I am a resident of WIlliamsburg-Bush-
wick, and I just couldn't be any more
astonished at "Race Politics" by James
Bradley in your July/August issue. The
source of my dismay is how the judicial
LETTERS " candidacy of Wayne Saitta, a highly quali-
....... ..l' fied trilingual attorney with unquestioned
commitment to the Latino communities of
WIlliamsburg-Bushwick, has been clouded
by a political cat fight. The worst thing
about this whole affair is that the opposing
candidate's qualifications are undergirded
not by on-the-field experience fighting
housing battles alongside tenants but by a
cadre of disgruntled politicos bent on gang-
ing up on a genuine community leader.
I have no doubt that his opponent, Jose
Rivera, is an able attorney. Nor do I ques-
tion his interest in improving our commu-
nity. We need more like him. But it makes
no sense to attack the candidacy of Saitta-
a man everyone agrees would be a "good
judge"-merely because he doesn't "come
from the community." Neither does Rivera
supporter Nydia Velazquez, who was born
and lived until recently in Puerto Rico.
I have been a resident of Bushwick
since I was nine years old, recently gradu-
ating from law school with an interest in
following Mr. Saitta's public service
example. I can't understand why a man
with a record of repeatedly fighting and
winning against flagrant housing discrimi-
nation by the Orthodox Jewish community
against the Latinos of Williamsburg would
be rejected by Luis Garden Acosta and
Congresswoman Velazquez. As Acosta
well knows, the Orthodox community of
Williamsburg hasn't exactly been his best
friend, and they certainly haven't voted for
Congresswoman Velazquez the way lati-
no victims of Hasid housing discrimina-
tion have. Politics has strange bedfellows,
but what could possibly be the benefit of
Congresswoman Velazquez supporting a
candidate endorsed by a community that
The first time I met Saitta was on a chilly
February morning in 1996 while on my way
to meet with three families that had been
locked out by their landlord. Then, as now,
the qualities that stood out in Saitta have
been his unreserved willingness to deal with
the critical housing issues plaguing the Lati-
no communities of Williamsburg-Bush wick
In the long years he has dedicated to revers-
ing deplorable housing conditions, munici-
pal neglect and political favoritism, honesty,
fairness and boundless resolve have been
the hallmarks of his commitment.
of
NEW YORK
IN CORPORATED
Your
Neighborhood
Housing
Insurance
Specialist
For 20Years
We've Been There
ForYou.
R&F OF NEW YORK, INC. has a special
department obtaining and servicing insurance for
tenants, low-income co-ops and not-for-profit
community groups. We have developed competitive
insurance programs based on a careful evaluation
of the special needs of our customers. We have
been a leader ti'om the start and are dedicated to
the people of New York City.
For /1i/iml/{//ilJi/ wI!:
Ingrid Kaminski, Executive Vice President
R&F of New York
One Wall Street Court
New York, NY 10005-3302
21) 269-8080 800 635-6002 212 269-8112 (fax)
7
has historically discriminated against her
Latino constituency? Since Mr. Rivera is
"rooted" in Williamsburg, why would he
accept such an endorsement?
In addition, how is it possible for the
writer to assert with a straight face that
"the area's Latino and Hasidic communi-
ties ... have joined forces to back Rivera"?
With all due respect, that is worthy of Mad
magazine, not City Limits. In my view, the
only Latino community supportive of
Rivera is the one employed by Acosta and
Congresswoman Velazquez. If Bradley's
target was the politics surrounding the
race, he should've asked the tough ques-
tions to all the parties involved instead of
serving as an uncritical mouthpiece for a
public relations pitch.
Wigberto Mercado
SUPPORTIVE
HOUSIMC WORKS
I was very disappointed in Kemba
Johnson's narrow and distorted portrayal of
supportive housing ("Cold Comfort,"
July/August). Over the past 19 years, non-
profit agencies have built or renovated
thousands of housing units, primarily in
single room occupancy (SRO) buildings,
into safe, affordable homes with on-site
services to serve the most vulnerable and
troubled tenant populations. In supportive
housing, tenants are given the support they
need to succeed in their housing after years
of living on the streets, in psychiatric hos-
pitals, in prison or in the city's shelter sys-
tem. Tenants in supportive housing need,
and have a right to expect, high standards
of security and safety in their homes. By
sensationalizing the inevitable tensions that
arise from the difficult process of providing
safety and security in the operation of sup-
portive housing, City Limits does a disser-
vice to both the providers and the tenants.
The nonprofit organizations that oper-
ate supportive housing do not "tack on"
rules to restrict the lives of tenants. They
do carry out a daily struggle to balance
the need for safety and security of resi-
dents with a desire to provide the least
restrictive possible living environment,
and to operate within very limited bud-
gets. They are in the business of serving
tenants efficiently and minimizing
turnover. Making extraordinary efforts to
retain even the most troubled tenants is
their mission, and it is cost-effective. If a
tenant does not pay rent or violates lease
provisions, the nonprofit landlord goes to
Housing Court with evictions often tak-
ing many months (not the "two to four
weeks" cited in the article). While build-
(continued on page 42)
CITY LIMITS
Public Space
Point of No Return
A
lmost every day in summer, 14-year-
old Michael Gonzalez and his friends
come to fish on a small stretch of
reedy waterfront in Hunts Point. The
few hundred yards of beach and
ruined piers are an unexpected quiet patch of
sunshine, green sea grass and river breezes, hid-
den behind ranks of industrial buildings and a
sewage treatment plant in this industry-clogged
Bronx neighborhood. "We usually come togeth-
er, like five or six of us, just to sit down, make
jokes," Gonzalez says. "All the fish are coming
in now because it's summer." The boys eat or
give away to friends the crabs and sea bass they
catch on sunny afternoons.
On July 20, Gonzalez was fishing for a larg-
er purpose, as part of a protest organized by The
Point Community Development Corporation
against a proposal to build a new waste transfer
station on the exact site where the teens spend
their summer days. While Gonzalez cast his line
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
to demonstrate that the water is teeming with
life, little girls danced as the Hunts Point
Fishettes. As a refrigerator box festooned with
trash and a sign reading "Garbage Barge"
cruised by, the Fishettes cried "Don' t dump on
us!" and fell down in make-believe death.
"Hunts Point, not Dumps Point!" agreed a sign
in the crowd.
With its planned garbage-processing plant,
the New Jersey-based company American
Marine Rail is hoping to win a deal to help han-
dle the city's garbage after the Fresh Kills land-
fill closes in 2002. The facility would accept up
to 5,000 tons a day of household trash and then
send it to out-of-town dumps. While AMR plans
to move garbage by barge and rail only, mini-
mizing the inland impact of the plant, a Depart-
ment of Sanitation environmental report con-
tends that trucks will also be necessary to trans-
port the large volume of garbage the plant
intends to process.
Hunts Point already gets dumped on dispro-
portionately. Although the area has almost four
miles of waterfront on the East and Bronx rivers,
residents say that the sunny patch of waterfront
they staked out with The Point CDC is the only
bit of river left accessible to the public in a
neighborhood that has virtually no open spaces.
The waterfront is eaten up by a freight yard
where trains arrive bearing industrial chemicals
and garbage, a huge sewage pelletization plant,
various industrial operations, garbage transfer
stations and the enormous Hunts Point food
wholesale market.
Several demonstrators expressed outrage at
the prospect of being cut off entirely from their
waterfront while the city pours support into the
Hudson River Park planned for Manhattan. ''The
river in Manhattan is great," says Marlyn Matias,
the Fishettes' grown-up dance coach. "Why
can' t it be great for us too?"
-Amanda Bell

Briem .......... ------.......... ------------..
s
Tenant Law
Collecting
Dust-Up
I
n July, a state Appellate Court panel hand-
ed down a surprise decision that took the
teeth out of a new but important tenant
legal defense. Contrary to a federal court
decision, the judges held that the federal
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act wasn' t
intended to apply to tenant-landlord disputes
after all.
The decision dismayed tenant advocates,
who had been jubilant when a U.S. Court of
Appeals decided last December that because
landlord lawyers are in the business of collecting
unpaid rent they are effectively debt collectors,
obligated to follow the federal law-including
giving tenants the right to 3 ~ - d a y written notice
of a rent demand. Under state housing law, ten-
Pharmaceuticals
ants get a mere three days' warning.
But now the federal ruling will no longer hold
in the Second Department of the Appellate
Court's jurisdiction, which covers Brooklyn,
Queens and Staten Island.
"I was a little surprised by [the decision] ,"
says dejected Legal Aid . attorney Derek
Dalmer, who represented the tenant in the case.
"In fact, I was a lot surprised by it. Part of their
opinion said that if Congress had meant to
cover rent demands [in the debt collection law l,
it would have been in the act already, which is
ludicrous. Why would Congress list every type
of notice to be covered? It's a very bad deci-
sion." Legal Aid plaits to appeal. Meanwhile, in
a similar pending case the state appellate
court's First Department, which covers Man-
hattan and the Bronx, may end up siding with
the federal judges.
Tenant advocates note that whatever the fate
of the decision, it may not make much difference
to the great majority of tenants who must brave
Housing Court without a lawyer: Few self-repre-
sented tenants know to use the fair debt law
defense. -Kathleen McGowan
In Italy, the antacid known as No-Gas Giuliani is as ubiquitous as New York's
mayor, stocked in phannacies and promoted 011 billboards from Milan to Paler-
mo. This package or red and blue pills was recently brought back as a souvenir
by a New Yorker.
ANTACID
TRIP
According to our source, the product's advertising emphasizes its ability to
calm the only digestive systems in the world more overworked than Italy's.
Loosely translated, the back of the box reads:
"Goat cannoIi making you woozy? Did your soppressata float in bilge all day? Don't worry-that street
food feeling will pass soon enough. No-Gas Giuliani is guaranteed to take 011 even New York stomachs-and win
every time.
"No-Gas Giuliani lays siege to your digestive system through a unique double-action fOl'llllIa. The blue pill
deploys thousands of miniature patrols to fire away at your toughest disruptions. The red one goes down into
the intestines to scrub that colon clean; when it's done, its newly activated ingredients regenerate into a fully
employable entry-level workforce.
"The active ingredient, CarbosyIane, was invented to degrease New York's 42nd Street With that proven
track record, it's 110 wonder people everywhere cry 'Giuliani!' when they get that queasy feeling."
Juvenile Justice
Directly to Jail
S
urrounded by a 20-foot-high razor wire
fence, the two-story Goshen Secure
Center in upstate Orange County has
been used as a maximum-security
prison for teenage boys since it was
built in the 1960s. The teens who get sent there
live a grim life, passing through metal detectors
regularly, getting strip-searched before and after
family or court visits, and being kept under lock
and key at night.
It's a system designed to keep the toughest
13- to 18-year-olds under control. The problem
is, with a shortage of space in the prison system,
kids who've committed crimes like drug-dealing
or fist-fighting but aren't considered a security
risk are now getting sent there. In fact, all 85 of
the kids now at Goshen were originally sen-
tenced to "limited secure" jails.
Last July, the New York State Office of Chil-
dren and Family Services decided to "convert"
the jail into a limited secure facility. "We need-
ed more beds at the limited secure level," said
Jim Cotta, an Office of Children and Family Ser-
vices spokesperson. "We change our beds as we
need to."
The problem, according to lawyers for the
kids, is that the prison still feels like Alcatraz. In
its conversion, OCFS didn't change the layout of
the center or its locks-Goshen's hardware is
still set up for maximum-security criminals.
Louis Mann, deputy commissioner for reha-
bilitative services at OCFS, asserted in an affi-
davit that the changes at Goshen include a more
academically oriented school program and fewer
restrictions.
But for the kids, the distinction doesn't carry
much weight. "It's like a jail in here," James B.
told his lawyer. "You got lots more barbed
wire ... These windows have bars and things
across them so you can see out less."
James B. and Melvin Anderson, another resi-
dent transferred to Goshen, both report that one
of the biggest differences is that they are locked
in their rooms all night, so that they can't go to
the bathroom without calling a guard.
This February, Legal Aid's Juvenile Rights
Division, which represents delinquents in Fami-
ly Court, filed suit to force OCFS to move the
kids from Goshen to more traditional limited
secure centers.
Henry Weintraub, the Legal Aid attorney
handling the case, says that one of the main
sticking points is whether the residents will still
be locked in their rooms at night. Settlement
discussions are ongoing.
- Wendy Davis
CITVLlMITS

A VIEW OF NEW YORK
FROM THE YEAR 2.000 SENATE CAMPAIGN
Housing
NEPPIus
mtra
T
he city housing agency and the New
York City Partnership agreed in May
to make some substantial changes to
the Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Pro-
gram, under which for-profit con-
struction managers rehabilitate city-owned
buildings.
The new guidelines promise to make the pro-
gram, which had confused and frustrated many
building residents, more tenant-friendly. They
ensure that residents and local politicians will be
notified promptly when buildings and redevel-
opers are chosen, and they reinstitute neighbor-
hood task forces that will review all the deci-
sions made in the program.
"I think these changes are good," says
Theresa Brooks of the Task Force on City-
Owned and Distressed Property. "A good many
[problems] were addressed, and the Partnership
was agreeable."
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
BINGHAMTON
ONEONTA
ITHACA
CORTLAND
SYRACUSE
NEP had been harshly criticized by Harlem
tenants, who said the program was badly man-
aged and ignored tenants' needs. One of the
biggest complaints was that residents, many of
them elderly, were being summarily moved into
dirty or dangerous buildings while their own
apartments were rehabilitated. Under the new
rules, tenants who are to be relocated while their
building is being rehabbed get to inspect the tem-
porary apartment before they agree to the move.
The entrepreneur must offer another choice if the
first apartment is no good.
Tenants also get more time-up to 120
days-to decide to opt out of this program and
into Tenant Interim Lease (TIL), the city's low-
income co-op program. Under the old system,
many tenants complained that they didn't hear
about this option until it was too late. Now, TIL
representatives will explain early on in the
process how the program works, giving tenants
more time to think through the decision.
Negotiators say that the housing agency and
the Partnership, which co-manages the initia-
tive, were backed into a comer when Harlem
Councilmembers Stanley Michels and Bill
Perkins threatened earlier this year to stall
approv.als for NEP buildings. "I want to guar-
antee that the community gets timely input, and
timely orientation for tenants," Perkins told
City Limits back in February. "Just asking us
for a stamp of approval-that's not the role I
want to play."
Bad publicity had something to do with the
changes, too. A fractious City Council hearing in
April saw hundreds of irate tenants pitted
against the enthusiastic entrepreneurs. It was
especially embarrassing because the program-
and the housing agency-had been nominated
for a prestigious "Innovations in Government"
award from Harvard's Kennedy School of Gov-
ernment, due to be decided in October.
Certain kinks have yet to be worked out. As
some residents get shifted from old-fashioned
six- or seven-room apartments into much small-
er quarters, they are forced to get rid of a lot of
furniture. "Some people have bedroom sets that
don't fit into the new rooms," says Brooks. "If
you're still paying for the stuff [on installment],
it's really unfair."
In any case, the NEP tenants will be watching
carefully to make sure that the Department of
Housing Preservation and Development and the
Partnership keep their side of the bargain.
"It remains to be seen," says NEP tenant
Maxine Newman. "We'll have to push, and call
their attention to these things if they' re not
done."
-Kathleen McGowan

PIPELI NE i
,
:M
The Color of Money
Emerging foundations are banking that minority donors will put cash into their own communities.
By ehau Quach
W
hen Robert S. Browne wanted
to use a million-dollar inheri-
tance to start a black founda-
tion 28 years ago, he didn't expect his
associates to call him a racist. Browne, an
economist, thought these friends, who
worked at foundations, would be just the
ones to help him raise additional money
to give grants to black-run groups and
other organizations that focus on helping
African-American communities. But
instead, Browne remembers, they told
him: "Absolutely not. That is racist and
separatist." Besides, they said, people
wouldn't give to funds like that.
So Browne started his own endow-
ment by investing his inheritance and
waiting for the interest to grow. It was the
beginning of the Twenty-First Century
Foundation, New York's first endowed
black foundation. Since 1971, the founda-
tion has given $2.4 million to 250 non-
profit programs.
Today, the opposition Browne encoun-
tered is rapidly becoming a relic. The idea
of creating fundraising campaigns and
giving programs specific to one race or
ethnicity is now being researched and
actively promoted by three of the nation's
leading funders. Local groups, in tum, are
beginning to think differently about their
own fundraising ambitions.
Three in particular-the Associated
Black Charities, the Asian American Fed-
eration and the Hispanic Federation-are
planning new long-term capital-building
campaigns. Today, they depend almost
totally on outside funders-particularly
the United Way, which created the three
organizations in the 1980s to provide tech-
nical assistance, advocacy and some limit-
ed funding for their affiliated community-
based organizations. Now these groups are
banking that a new breed of young profes-
sionals, as well as the monied leaders in
their communities, will be willing to sup-
port their neighborhood causes.
"There are a pool of people out
there ... what 'you would call the uptown
Chinese," offers Cao 0, executive director
of the Asian American Federation, with a
laugh. Many are American-educated
entrepreneurs and investment bankers,
approaching middle age, who already give
to institutions like museums and universi-
ties. "These people tend to follow the
American tradition of giving," he says.
''They might not give to human services
as much as they might to art and culture,
but there's still opportunity out there."
T
raditional fundraising in minority
communities has always been con-
sidered a challenge. A recent article
on black giving patterns in The Chronicle
of Philanthropy, for example, noted that
the median income for black households
was around $25,000 compared with
$40,000 for non-Hispanic whites. Only
2.7 percent of black households have
incomes of $100,000 or more, compared
with 8.9 percent of white households. The
lack of big-ticket donors is a major prob-
lem for charities and nonprofits looking
to mine a minority community, observed
Julian Johnson, who recently departed as
executive director of the Associated
Black Charities of New York. As he told
the Chronicle: "Endowments don't come
from $10 donors."
The picture, however, is getting better.
Census data shows that the important
indicators such as wealth, household
income, education and rates of business
ownership among minorities have been
;::
steadily improving over the last few [
years. And minority communities have ~
their own traditions of giving, albeit in [
more immediate ways. Extended family
networks, mutual support organizations,
fraternal societies and religious institu-
tions have long had a stabilizing effect,
accepting money from those who are able
to contribute and passing it on to neigh-
bors in need.
"The prevailing view is that people of
color need resources," Joel Orosz, a pro-
gram director at the WK. Kellogg Foun-
dation, which has taken a leading role in
helping establish new endowments that
both give to and solicit donations from
minority communities. "While we don't
want to say that is no longer true, it is also
true that people of color have been donors
and funders themselves."
Kellogg, along with the Ford Founda-
tion and the David and Lucile Packard
Foundation, recently funded a series of
reports and conferences aimed at explor-
ing the attitudes and giving patterns of
black, Latino, Asian and Native American
communities. The reports, prepared by the
Council on Foundations, attempted to
explore the various interests and giving
patterns of wealthy donors in these com-
CITVLlMITS
munities and eXarrllne ways in which non-
profits, local federations and community
foundations could build stronger minority
donor relationships.
For traditional foundations, always on
the lookout for ways to build their
endowments, raising and giving money
around racial and cultural issues offers a
new twist on the usual philanthropic
focus on programs. It's also an attempt to
generate interest among people who've
never considered giving before. The
amount of money donated by minorities
for minority-specific programs has been
increasing in community foundations.
Between 1990 and 1998, the number
of program funds established by or for
people of color increased from 100 to
639. Only 12 of these funds, however,
were both generated and spent within a
single racial or ethnic group.
income. The problem is, money sitting in
an investment account is useless to the
small nonprofits who desperately need
the associations' funding today.
Casita Maria Settlement House in the
Bronx turned to the Hispanic Federation
two years ago after more than a dozen
foundations refused to help the group
purchase new computers and software.
The federation provided $30,000. "We've
knocked on many doors. Theirs was the
fust to open," says executive director
Gladys Padro-Soler. Without the federa-
tion's help, the group wouldn't have been
able to upgrade its financial department,
Minority
federations
A key premise of the study was
that these minority groups all had
increasing numbers of wealthy people
with the potential to either offer large
donations or set up endowments and
foundations of their own. "We found
out that there is indeed a strong inter-
est in charity, but it's not necessarily
the same as Ford or Rockefeller," says
Joanne Scanlan, one of the study's
authors. Almost all of the 87 people
interviewed still had connections to
less fortunate people in their commu-
nities-mainly through family-and
understood how tough their problems
could be. ''There is a real awareness of
need, and that leads to real tension
about spending money," she says. "Do
you give directly to people with prob-
lems or to charity? Or do you put it in an
endowment where it will grow to be
more useful? These are real difficult
questions." Hopefully, she adds, "you
can have both." .
must compete
for dollars with
I
n New York City, the United Way fed-
erations have begun reaching out to
minority donors to build permanent
endowments. The Associated Black Char-
ities has invested $50,000 from its own
grant fund, while the Hispanic Federation
will soon move 10 percent of its commu-
nity chest into an endowment. The Asian
American Federation is still in the plan-
ning stages.
Over the coming years, these federa-
tions plan to raise enough money to pro-
duce a steady stream of useful interest
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
churches,
social groups
and other
countries.
or, with a later grant, make roof repairs.
Hispanic Federation president Lor-
raine Cortez-Vasquez admits that her
organization is still deciding whether it
can provide such grants while it builds its
endowment, and whether it will have staff
to fundraise for both current grant pro-
grams and future development. "It's a
constant discussion," she says. The feder-
ation's giving program "is one of the
competing demands."
Another challenge will be in identify-
ing new donors, many of whom already
give to programs and institutions they
know well. The federations are compet-
ing with churches, trade and social orga-
nizations, and other countries with strong
ties to city neighborhoods, all of which
receive a large share of donations from
their communities. Each year, for
instance, Vietnamese Americans send
almost $500 million back to their families
and organizations in Vietnam.
The groups are planning, first of all, to
improve on fundraising strategies they
have long used. Last year, the Hispanic
Federation raised $1 million by holding a
fundraiser featuring community celebs
like Daisy Fuentes. Events like these have
a long, lucrative history in minority com-
munities and can be powerful tools for
reaching out to all kinds of new donors.
Observes Henry A. 1. Ramos, who wrote
the Council on Foundations' report on
Hispanic giving: "If you want to do busi-
ness with the Hispanic leadership in
New York City, you better attend that
function or be perceived as not being
receptive to that community."
But if the federations are to meet
their goals, they will also have to find
new sources of support in minority
communities. Tapping into these mar-
kets is an untested science, observes
the Asian American Federation's Cao
O. In his case, he has to find issues that
will interest a range of different kinds
of Asian donors-his federation
includes 34 different groups serving
different populations, including Chi-
nese, Japanese, Koreans and Filipinos.
''That has been a challenge for us," he
says. "Often people are concerned
about how their gifts will benefit their
own communities."
There's also a good chance that the
Asian American Federation will have
to embrace and support new kinds of
nonprofits that do the work that
wealthy donors are interested in, he adds.
Initial surveys among Asians indicated
that there is a lot of interest in supporting
groups that help senior citizens as well as
those that work on public health and cul-
tural issues. Right now, the federation pri-
marily supports human services organiza-
tions, he says, "but certainly, there are
cultural programs that we could support."
''This is an area that few people have
tried before. In some ways there are
unknown elements," he adds. It's likely,
however, that the tastes of new donors
will influence the work of the federation
and the community groups it helps sup-
port. ''The mission of the organization is
going to have to be more expansive than
it is now." .
Additional reporting by Kemba Johnson.


PIPELINE i
,
ioM
Shadow of a Drought
Under a new city water policy, tenants may find themselves high and dry
By Alex Ulam
E
ver since indoor plumbing displaced
backyard pumps, New York City
residents haven't had to worry about
running water. But that changed on July 1,
when new regulations gave the city
Department of Environmental Protection
authority to shut off the flow to buildings
with outstanding water bills.
The city's new get-tough approach is
driven by the large number of delinquent
customers: between 20 and 25 percent,
compared with less than 5 percent in cities
that have shut-off policies.
The main intent of the new regulations,
say executives of the city Water Board, is to
target commercial properties, particularly
high-use operators like laundromats. But
while the DEP says that it does not intend
to go after residential buildings, the regula-
tions explicitly allow it--even spelling out
deadlines for shutting off the taps for apart-
ment buildings and single-family homes.
That has housing advocates worried.
Although the regulations require residents
of a building facing water shut-off to be
notified and to have the opportunity to pay
outstanding bills themselves, tenant and
owner groups say that's not enough. "Why
should the landlords do anything if the ten-
ants are going to be responsible [for the
bills l?" says Brian Homer, an organizer for
the New York State Tenants and Neighbors
Coalition. The end result, advocates fear,
could be tenants paying the price for land-
lords who shirk their bills.
Already, 123 low-income co-ops are
more than three years overdue, making them
liable for shut-off under the new regulations.
One reason for the arrears is that escalating
water rates have hit low-income housing
hard. In some co-ops and rentals, water
charges account for between 7 and 15 per-
cent of annual costs, says John McCarthy,
executive vice president of the Community
Preservation Corporation, which secures
financing for affordable housing. The bite
will only get worse: by 2010, it's anticipat-
ed, rates will be more than five times higher
than they were in 1986.
The spiraling rates and shut-off policy
are signs that the city's own bills are
mounting. The water system's yearly bud-
get has ballooned to $1.4 billion, up from
less than $400 million 15 years ago. ''The
big drivers in expenses are the capital pro-
grams driven by federal and state mandates
under the Clean Water Act and the Safe
Drinking Water Act," says William Kuster-
beck, treasurer for the New York City
Water Board. In the next 10 years, the city
will have to spend $8.5 billion on major
water infrastructure projects, including
sewage treatment plant upgrades and filtra-
tion of the Croton Reservoir system. In this
squeeze, outstanding bills are an attractive
source of revenue.
When these staggering costs get passed
down through metered water billing, which
the city imposed in 1992, they become in
effect a "hyper-regressive tax" that hits the
poor hardest, says Anthony 1. Blackburn, an
economic consultant who has prepared
reports on New York City'S water for envi-
ronmental groups as well as the DEP.ln gen-
era!, Blackburn has found that when meter-
ing is phased in, "many higher-income build-
ings' water bills will increase below average
or even decline, while for low-income build-
ings, water bills will rise." Low-income
housing tends to use more water because
household sizes are typically larger, and
older plumbing is more likely to leak.
The full impact of metering has yet to
be felt because low-income buildings
have benefited from special transition
programs provided by the city, under
which some are still paying flat rates. So
far, those breaks have been extended
annually under steady activist pressure.
But their future is now under discussion
at DEP, and a state rule prohibits the city
from simply extending discounts to build-
ings that need them.
Even with the rising rates, Kusterbeck
insists that the shut -off regulations are nec-
essary. "People look around at other things
that they have: electric, cable, telephone,
and if they don't pay them it gets shut off,"
he says. "So what doesn't get paid? Water!"
Meanwhile, housing advocates hold out
hope that the city won't risk cutting off water
to homes. ''I expect that they would probably
not do this," ventures McCarthy. "The PR
backlash would be tremendous." That leaves
the city with the challenge of collecting
unpaid water bills without tormenting ten-
ants-and the need to find some way of
making water affordable .
Alex Ulam is a Manhattan-based freelance
writer.
CITVLlMITS
World Wide Waves
With Global Kids, international borders are no barrier to New York City teens.
By Phyllis Vine
T
wenty-five hundred peace activists
have crowded into an auditorium in
The Hague, and in the first seat of
the first row sits I8-year-old Rocio Silve-
rio. With her hair in a ponytail, she dons the
two-way headset of a stagehand and confi-
dently hoists a cardboard sign announcing
''TIME.'' Her job this morning is to moni-
tor the speakers-Nobel laureates, interna-
tional dignitaries and celebrities-and keep
them within their allotted eight minutes.
It is a formidable task for a high school
senior. Silverio, however, seems undaunted
as she signals to halt the Netherlands' Min-
ister for Foreign Affairs, the secretary gen-
eral of Amnesty International, and actor
Peter Ustinov. But her frustration creeps in
when UNESCO's Federico Mayor ignores
her waving sign.
'The director-general won't stop," she
whispers into the mike of her headset. ''He
won't look at me!"
The other two dozen dignitaries
onstage can't help but notice. When
Desmond Tutu laughs in sympathy, her
brown eyes dance . as she squeals,
"Desmond Tutu just smiled at me!"
So began The Hague Appeal for Peace
for Silverio, who attended May's four-day
conference with seven other students repre-
senting the Manhattan-based youth organi-
zation Global Kids. It was worlds away
from her Bronx home in University
Heights. After the plenary session, the pace
quickened: When not speaking on panels
or leading workshops, Silverio and her
companions attended sessions about peace
for Cyprus and child soldiers in Sierra
Leone. They crowded into Indonesian and
Italian restaurants, discovered other young
activists from Colombia and Ghana, and
rushed to a screening of a fellow Global
Kid's video interviewing Serbian teens.
Along with the fun came a somber real-
ization for Silverio. ''No matter how much
I read about conflict, 1've never been
through a war or that kind of active perse-
cution," she says. "At The Hague, I was hit
hard by meeting these people who had."
Global Kids started 10 years ago, after
educator and peace activist Carole Artigiani
kept hearing students say they were curious
about international issues. For her, it was a
wake-up call. "Being good global citizens
and good local citizens are the same," she
says. ''It's commitment to community."
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
That philosophy has guided Global
Kids' participants as they recognize that the
problems they see in their neighborhoods-
homelessness, poor health care, labor
exploitation, racial tension, gun v i o l e n ~
are also found in most neighborhoods of the
world. By helping these students deal with
the conflicts they face, whether down the
street or halfway across the world, Global
Kids is helping them develop confidence
that they can help resolve them-as both
local citizens and future international lead-
ers. Their organization's foundation funders
share that faith, putting up the money to
send the teens to Croatia, Northern Ireland
and other hot spots.
'These are the kids for whom social pol-
icy is usually made," says Artigiani, the
organization's executive director. ''We want
to tum that around so they are the ones
shaping policy."
T
he students who gravitate to Global
Kids aren't recruited from tweedy
prep schools or graduate programs
named after their donors-the traditional
breeding grounds for international careers.
They are city teens from New York's public

PROFILE
At The Hague,
Bronx teen
Rocio Silverio
learned about
international
activism, ethnic
conflicts and
how to get
long-winded
diplomats to
stop talking.

fM
schools. Their interest in international
affairs is often personal: Most of the 175
participants in Global Kids' leadership
training program have international back-
grounds, so many are already bilingual and
steeped in more than one culture. (Silverio's
parents, for example, came from the
Dominican Republic.) The program also
reaches about 600 other students each week
through global studies workshops.
The leaders-in-training generally heard
about Global Kids through the workshops,
youth conferences or word of mouth.
They're an ambitious, self-selected group
-of the dozens of students who saw a
Global Kids presentation at Onassis High
School, which specializes in international
business, only Silverio signed up.
On a recent Tuesday, Silverio and a
dozen other students arrived at Global
Kids' cramped Soho office for the weekly
meeting of the Human Rights Group. Other
themed working groups meet regularly, too.
Monday is the Labor Project, while Friday
is Peer Leadership Training. For Human
At roundtables with
the Council on
Foreign Relations,
the teens discuss U.S.
relations with China
and the role of media
in global politics.
Rights, they watch a video about inmates
who were wrongly sentenced to death row.
''What are we supposed to see here?" asks
someone as they move their chairs toward
the monitor. "I don't want to say anything,"
responds staffer Peter Wilson, who, in
jeans, T-shirt and shoulder-length dreads,
doesn' t look much older than the students.
"I want you to form your own opinions."
Wilson's edict runs deep at Global
Specializing in
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Kids: Students need to develop their own
ideas to help them evolve as thinking lead-
ers. The first step in that direction, they
find, is structuring their own program.
After signing up, participants have few
formal obligations. But if they stay with
the program, and most do, they find them-
selves in a fast-paced arena in which the
staff helps them develop public speaking
and organizing skills. For the past three
years, a series of frequent roundtable dis-
cussions at the Council on Foreign Rela-
tions, the New York-based think tank, has
given about 20 students a year a chance to
get involved, participating in ongoing con-
versations with council staff about such
heady issues as the United States' relation-
ship with China and the role of the media
in shaping opinion about international
relations. It's the only educational forum
the council sponsors for nonmembers.
Important as the talking is, it's with
"social action projects" that Global Kids
makes a global impact. In August 1997
four students spent 10 days in Croatia with
40 teens displaced by war in the Balkans.
The New Yorkers conducted workshops
about bridging differences, building coali-
tions, participating in democracy and
resolving conflicts-all issues that they
had dealt with in their own communities.
Siva Persad, who learned video production
through Global Kids and used it on the
Croatia trip as well as a previous journey to
Northern Ireland, says it made him proud
to help the Bosnian youth realize that "they
have the right to say anything they want
and to say it freely."
The following year, representatives
from the Croatian youth center visited
New York to learn Global Kids' interactive
exercises, designed to get the students talk-
ing. One is the "human scavenger hunt": A
group of participants might be asked to
find a fellow player who lives in a country
that has been at war, or who has parents of
different ethnic backgrounds. While they
circulate around the room, they are forced
to talk intimately with each other about
their personal experiences. Another drill is
the "human barometer," in which a moder-
ator makes a provocative statement-such
as "Young people have nothing to con-
tribute to world peace"-and asks students
who agree to move to one side of the room
and those who disagree to go to the other.
Once clustered, participants explain their
. (continued on page 33)
CITYUMITS
Melrose IS Thorny Predicament
By Carl Vogel
Even in a
community
planner's paradise,
gardeners dread
the bulldozer.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
Y
olanda Garcia gets letters and e-mails from around the
world asking her how things are going in Melrose, the
South Bronx neighborhood she calls home. The daughter of
a carpet store owner, Garcia was flown to Edinburgh this
spring for a week-long conference on sustainable commu-
nities. While she was there, she says, people drove all the way
from London to meet her.
Garcia's cachet may be global, but it springs from her suc-
cesses metamorphosizing a troubled patch of the Bronx as exec-
utive director of the Nos Quedamos ("We Stay") Committee. Six
years ago, her group engineered the extraordinary rescue of Mel-
rose, 30 down-and-out blocks half a mile east of Yankee Stadium.
Melrose was, and is, a desperately poor place, condemned by the
city in 1990 as fit only to plow under. But once the city's plan got
out, Garcia's group transformed the death sentence into a triumph
of neighborhood planning.
During an intense six months in 1993, the group held more
than 160 meetings in the neighborhood and conducted door-to-
-
~
J?
~
door interviews with tenants. It put questionnaires about the area's
future into the hands of each of Melrose's 6,000 inhabitants. It
convinced the city's housing department and the powerful New
York City Partnership to collaborate with them---even to come to
meetings on their own Bronx turf. Nos Quedamos parlayed a bit
of luck, some political savvy and an astonishing amount of work
into a community blueprint that has become a celebrated example
of grassroots revitalization and community planning.
But even after all that, a handful of people in Melrose are
angry. Some of the most serious opposition to the project is com-
ing not from bureaucrats or planners but from Nos Quedamos'
own backyard. A total of 16 community gardens have been con-
demned to make room for planned construction, and the garden-
ers are asking why their hard work is on the chopping block-not
at the hands of the city or private developers, who combined have
plowed under almost 200 gardens since 1997, but by the very
organization rebuilding their neighborhood on their behalf.
"I have nightmares, and I'm dreaming about bulldozers," says
Irma Badillo, who started clearing the empty land next to her
home for the Antonio Badillo Garden in 1987. Named after her
late father, the garden is Badillo's pride. She says that neither she
nor her mother, who have lived on East 163rd Street near Mel-
rose Avenue for more than 30 years, heard about the plan for the
neighborhood's future until it was too late. It's still unclear
whether the Badillo garden, or any other individual plot, will ulti-
mately live or die. In the meantime, Melrose's gardeners wait
angrily and anxiously.
Though it's the darling of progressive urban planners, collabo-
rative community planning of the kind practiced by Nos Quedamos
is still the exception rather than the rule, and the recent discord sug-
gests why. Getting a whole neighborhood to agree on one viable
The Gardens of Melrose
Q. Community
'.1. . garden areas

Planned
development
Existing
buildings
O
New
construction
Source: Larsen Shein Ginsberg + Magnusson Architects
plan, while simple in principle, is devilishly complex in practice.
After six years of discussing, brainstorming, wheedling and argu-
ing, Garcia and Nos Quedamos saw their first new building, a
block of three-family homes on Elton Avenue, begin construction
this spring. But as the current dispute with the gardeners shows,
building consensus may be the hardest thing of all.
O
n a warm June afternoon, the front door of Nos
Quedamos' ramshackle office on Courtlandt Avenue is
open, providing a bit of ventilation. Sitting in front of a
map tacked to faded floral Wallpaper, the group's assistant
director, Delmas Vernon Cole, recalls the neighborhood's
grim past. "You have to understand," he says, "with arson and
abandonment, many buildings were ruined. More than 65 per-
cent of this area is vacant land."
The city's idea of a fix was to propose what Cole describes as
"a mini Co-Op City": 2,600 new units of mid-rise, middle-
income housing that would destroy 80 businesses and the homes
of nearly 500 residents. It didn't go over well. When the city for-
mally announced its intentions for Melrose Commons in Novem-
ber 1992, residents shut the meeting down with shouting and
demonstrations.
The outrage in Melrose fired up Borough President Fernando
Ferrer, who had staked a lot of political capital on a plan for the
South Bronx's revitalization. Ferrer put in a call to stop the plan-
ning process, even though it was near completion, and got the city
to promise that Melrose residents would get their say.
They were given seven months. Nos Quedamos began polling
the neighborhood door to door, asking if people wanted to stay or
go. Overwhelmingly, the response was "Stay." These residents
had lived through the Bronx's dark days, when everyone seemed
to turn their back on them; why leave when some
investment was finally coming their way?
Then their real work began: trying to craft a
plan that passed muster with both development
officials and neighborhood residents. Every other
Wednesday for six months, community members
met in the basement of a local church by the
dozens; at times, there were hundreds. College
students and volunteers canvassed and surveyed.
Every Tuesday, residents met at the Court\andt
Avenue office with city officials.
~ ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
It was no game of Sim City--compromise was
the essence of the exchange. Nos Quedamos per-
suaded the Dinkins administration to engage in
shuttle diplomacy, in which a staffer from the
city's housing department would go back and forth
from headquarters to community meetings. For
example, Melrose residents agreed that high den-
sity was important to keep rents cheap, make sure
businesses could find enough customers, and keep
public transportation running. But local zoning
required a parking spot for every two new residen-
tial units. Nos Quedamos and the architecture and
planning fum Larsen, Shein, Ginsberg & Magnus-
son negotiated with the city to permit the larger
residential buildings to be constructed on mixed-
zoning streets, such as Elton and Third avenues,
where parking requirements are less onerous.
-
CITY LIMITS
By February 1994 Nos Quedamos
had fInished the Melrose Commons
Urban Renewal Plan-a set of guide-
lines on density, building height, traffic
patterns, and income range that guar-
anteed that the community's carefully
negotiated criteria would be met. It
was a far cry from the city's initial pro-
posal. Ninety percent of current resi-
dents will stay in their homes, and
those who have to move are guaranteed
new housing nearby. New construction
of 1,700 units will be built in among
standing buildings, rather than replac-
'The gardens
can't all be
accommodated, "
says an official.
and when they left there was a lot of
garbage and old car parts. Teenagers
would do drugs there," Sterling says.
"For two years we struggled to clean
up that lot, and the only people who
got into the gardening were about 15
kids who live on this street." Today, the
garden is an unofficial community
center, where his daughter holds Bible
study classes and local kids perform
dance recitals.
II Housing is
needed. "
But like Badillo, Sterling wonders
what will become of his land.
ing them.
Melrose Commons' future can be glimpsed at the Soho office of
Larsen, Shein architect Petr Stand as a street grid map limned in a
range of pastels, each representing new housing, stores, parks or
rehabbed apartment buildings. The dominant color is pale rose, where
new housing will be built But exactly what goes where has yet to be
determined. In fact, many of the peach-colored parcels-where spe-
cific housing developments have already been p!anned-are still
awaiting funding.
Even as Nos Quedamos grew into a full-fledged community
planning operation with four paid staff, it had to continue to bend
the neighborhood's desires in its dealings with the city and other
development partners. For instance, the city's building department
shot down the popular idea of loft housing because new residen-
tial construction requires a predetermined number of rooms.
Today, the skeletons of the Plaza de Los Angeles houses rise
along Elton Avenue, the first new construction of the Melrose
Commons plan. When completed later this summer, these Part-
nership homes will be available to families earning between
$32,000 and $71,000 and their tenants. As the neighborhood
planners wanted, there is off-street parking amid Stand's com-
munity-led designs. The Partnership did win on another point:
the buildings will house three families, not four, which would
have had to adhere to far stricter-and thus more expensive-
building codes.
To bring the low-budget Partnership homes up to the design
and quality standards dictated by the renewal plan, Nos
Quedamos had to hit up Borough President Ferrer's office for
nearly $900,000 for better building materials and other "extras."
Indeed, all of the construction slated to take place over the next
two decades will depend on intricate arrangements of funding
from different sources: federal, state, city and private. All of
those come with their own constraints, and benefactors can't
always be counted on to bridge cash shortfalls. Ultimately, finan-
cial realities will decide what Melrose residents will get out of
the places they live-and what they won' t.
T
he Edith Garden first bloomed six years ago, when Herbert
Sterling saw a child nearly get hit by a car right in front of
his stoop on Elton Avenue. "I turned to the super sitting next
to me and said, 'These kids need to have somewhere to play
besides in the street,'" Sterling recalls.
A few days later, his daughter went down to Community
Board 3 for an application to create a community garden in the lot
next door. "It was abandoned-there had been a garage there-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
"Nobody's giving me information," he
says. "You hear rumors, but that's it."
The gardeners say the first time they heard their plots were at risk
was from a notice posted to local lampposts. "We've never seen
or heard of [Nos Quedamos]; they never sent us a letter," Sterling
says emphatically. ''There are four houses across the street and the
one building where I live-Nos Quedamos was supposed to noti-
fy people, but they had to find out on their own."
Garcia maintains that Nos Quedamos did more than sufficient
outreach. Her records show the group held 168 community meet-
ings in the six months it took to stitch together the Melrose Com-
mons plan, and it has continued to hold open meetings every Tues-
day since. Even garden supporters say it's impossible to know
who's at fault. ''The gardeners say they didn't know about the
meetings. I don' t know if that's a convenient excuse," says Alban
Calderon, a program manager for the Trust for Public Land who
has worked to organize the gardeners. "[Nos Quedamos] is no fly-
by-night group. They have a good track record, and they fought
for a plan that was community-friendly."
For now, time is on the gardeners' side. All 16 gardens sit on
land that does not yet have specific projects planned for it, and in
any case it will be at least five years until any gardens need to be
destroyed. Until then, gardening can continue under an arrange-
ment Nos Quedamos has negotiated with the city housing depart-
ment. And Garcia has promised that some of the four acres of park-
land planned for the development will be available for gardening.
"We have gorgeous gardens in Melrose. How can you get rid
of those? You can't," Garcia maintains. But, she acknowledges,
"eventually the gardens will have to be moved." Already, one gar-
den on Elton Avenue had to be transplanted to Courtlandt Avenue
two years ago. Says gardener Frank Madera, "It wasn't such a bad
idea- the houses were going up." He insists he and his fellow
tillers are pleased with the new spot. "We were like one happy
family," he says, "and now we still are."
Still, garden land will be lost-and it's unclear whether green
spaces can be integrated within the housing plans. 'They can't all
be accommodated," says Bernd Zimmerman, the director of the
Bronx borough president's bureau of planning and development.
"Housing is needed." A spate of new construction will follow the
homes on Elton, including La Puerta de Vitalidad, a 6O-unit low-
income apartment building with a community health facility on
the ground floor. But after that, there are no guaranteed funds, so
Nos Quedamos will have to continue to be flexible with its plans
while it looks for more money. Already, co-housing penciled in
for the comer of 159th Street and Elton Avenue was bumped to
(continued on page 33)
-
Scientists say pollution doesn't cause asthma.
The families of Hunts Point beg to differ.
-
by
Kathleen McGowan
,
CITVLlMITS
D
r. David Rosenstreich never meant to betray the Bronx. After
all, he's a native son. Raised in a walk-up in the shadow of
Yankee Stadium, educated at Bronx Science, City College
and NYU, Rosenstreich, now an immunologist, came back
to the borough of his birth to do research at Albert EiJIstein College
of Medicine. He stepped into the middle of an epidemic.
For an immunologist, asthma in the 1990s has been a fascinat-
ing mystery. In a decade in which medicine has started winning out
over killers like AIDS, asthma is unstoppable. The number of
Americans with the disease doubled between 1980 and 1994, and
the South Bronx, Rosenstreich's backyard, was front and center in
the epidemic, with one of the highest rates of asthma in the United
States and a hospitalization rate three times the national average.
In 1997 Rosenstreich, now director of allergy and immunology
at Albert Einstein, dropped his cockroach bomb. In a now-famous
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
paper in the New England Journal of Medicine, Rosenstreich
showed that a big part of what was sending more and more asth-
matic inner-city kids to the hospital was cockroach allergies. More
specifically, it was allergies to cockroach dung.
Researchers who knew asthma weren't surprised; it merely
proved what a lot of other work had already suggested. 'There was
really nothing revolutionary in that article," Rosenstreich says now.
But the press went wild for the study, and plenty of people in
the Bronx were furious. To them, the cockroach story read like
this: The disease that is ravaging your neighborhood is your own
fault. The Bronx is plagued with diesel trucks, factories, incinera-
tors, waste transfer stations and sewage plants, and the cockroach
paper seemed to get polluters off the hook. In this borough, where
anti-pollution campaigns have been built around the skyrocketing
asthma rates, it sounded like nonsense, and felt like betrayal.
"I believe from the bottom of my heart that roaches were here
before Christ," says Eva Sanjutjo, a longtime clean air activist
with Hunts Point Awareness. ''Now scientists are pointing to
roaches as if that's what's giving us asthma. Bullshit! What's giv-
ing us asthma is the garbage and the shit that Mayor Giuliani is
sending to our community."
Rosenstreich never saw it coming. "I was just nalve," he says
now. "I thought that if you tell someone something new about
asthma, they'd be happy." The fact is, Rosenstreich never said
that pollution doesn' t matter-only that cockroaches (and dust
mites, and cigarette smoke) are important too. "What surprised
me was the backlash, the idea of blaming poor people for their
asthma, which was not the intent at all," he says. 'The pollution
lobby fell on this study, saying there is no reason to [improve air
standards] because asthma is a roach problem, saying that peo-
ple should just get vacuums." It didn' t help that a pro-pollution
editorial in The New York Times co-opted (he says misrepresent-
ed) his research.
Sanjutjo is absolutely right: The waste coming through Hunts
Point makes asthmatics sicker, gives them frequent crippling
attacks, sends kids to the hospital and sometimes even kills peo-
ple. But no matter how hard scientists try, no one has yet been able
to prove that pollution causes asthma, that bad air is what gives
healthy people the disease.
If you hated the cockroach study, hold on tight. Some of the
newest asthma research backs up what people in the South Bronx
and East Harlem have been saying all along, that trucks and tox-
ins are to blame. But that theory doesn't answer some crucial
questions-why, for example, rich countries have much more
asthma than poor ones. Meanwhile, other streams of research have
begun to coalesce into a theory that could be even more infuriat-
ing to clean air organizers than Rosenstreich's work. This idea is
that asthma is a disease not of poverty but excess-that it's a side
effect of the well-fed, safe, leisurely lifestyles that most Ameri-
cans lead. It may be what so many of us don't do---exercise or eat
right-that makes us sick, rather than the air we breathe.
The lifestyle theories of asthma are still hypotheses; the kind
of work Rosenstreich did to prove the cockroach link is far off.
But even as asthma mobilizes communities to fight the powers
that dump on them, the blossoming environmental justice move-
ment may have to contend with the possibility that the root of this
disease lies not with polluters, but in ourselves.
The alliance between scientists and environmental organizers
is already a fragile one. Will the future of asthma research destroy
it for good?
-
The Point's asthma
rangers chase
down lawbreaking
truckers who
scatter garbage
or idle their
engines.
t:_
W
hen treated properly, asthma can be brought under con-
trol, but as a recent Mt. Sinai Medical Center study
emphasized, many New Yorkers aren't getting the help
they need. Hospitalizations jumped almost 13 percent in
just four years in the early 199Os. And while doctors agree that no
one should ever die from asthma, deaths citywide have increased
by 50 percent since 1980.
Attacks occur when an asthmatic gets "triggered" by smelling
or breathing in some particular substance like cat fuzz, dust mite
feces or truck exhaust. For certain people, even cold air will do it.
Usually the trigger itself isn't very dangerous to the body. But an
asthmatic's hypersensitized body responds to the trigger as if it
were being invaded by a hideous and destructive foe. The immune
system goes into panic mode, and the lungs seize up, swelling,
tightening and filling with fluid.
Doctors and researchers now have a good understanding of what
happens during an asthma attack. There's a growing recognition that
indoor contaminants-not just cockroaches particles but also mold,
cleaning products and dust mites-are some of the most common
triggers. Better drugs can now keep the disease at bay, rather than
just treating an immediate attack. From a public health standpoint,
keeping asthmatics healthy has become primarily an issue of man-
agement: teaching people how to monitor and control the disease
and helping them find good doctors and decent health insurance.
But nobody has yet been able to figure out where the disease
comes from, or how to prevent it from taking hold in a healthy per-
son. ''It's multifactorial," the researchers say, meaning that while
asthma seems to be loosely related to everything, it's hard to prove
that it's directly caused by anyone specific thing. Scientists have
noticed recently that all kinds of allergic syndromes, from food
allergies to eczema, have been getting much more common lately,
especially in Western countries. Asthma is just one variation.
But that doesn't explain what's going on in Hunts Point. Noth-
ing seems to.
At one time, this South Bronx peninsula of poor and working-
class families had been more or less abandoned to its industrial
tenants: recycling shops, auto glass stores, commercial waste
depots and its famous wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The
most visible businesses were prostitution and drug sales, catering
to the truckers who trundle in and
out of the neighborhood.
Then, as the neighborhood
improved in recent years, families
began moving back. That's when
they noticed that something was
wrong. Asthma would take over
whole families. Children were get-
ting violently ill, with repeated stints
in the hospital. When the principal
ofP.S. 48 surveyed her students, she
found that one-quarter of them had
some kind of respiratory problem.
For most parents, dealing with
even one severely asthmatic child is
a strain, but for a lot of families in
Hunts Point it has become a way of
life. Jessica Serrano's 18-month-old
son Robert has a case of asthma so
severe that someone must constant-
ly keep an eye on him. ''He has to be
kept away from rugs, anything that can keep dust," she says. "Out-
side, it really depends on the weather. With some smells, he's very
sensitive. In the Hunts Point area, it makes it harder. If we go away
for the weekend, he won't have an attack. When we come home, it
starts all over again. It's scary. When it's a baby, it's a nightmare."
Diagnosed with asthma at the age of three months, Robert has
been hospitalized a total of six times. He is now on a regimen of
a half-dozen drugs. 'They started him on Albuterol, where you
press the chamber against his face and push the pump," she says.
"He's also on the nebulizer, also Cromolyn, to prevent the asthma.
Also he's on Flovent, now that I think about it. We're always
walking around with the machine and the pump."
That's just the beginning. Virtually everyone in Serrano's fam-
ily has the disease. Her other child, 4-year-old Cruzita, has it. So
does her mother, who was hospitalized for two weeks in 1992
after a severe attack. Both her brothers and her husband's sister
are asthmatics. And although Jessica Serrano says she breathes
fine now, her mother says that she used to have it as a baby, too.
That's the difference between regular asthma and asthma,
Hunts Point style.
Across the neighborhood, her story is strikingly common. Par-
ents consistently say the same things: my kid wasn't like this when
we got here, and when we get out of the neighborhood he gets bet-
ter. Their children share other disturbing problems, like constant
nosebleeds and episodes of vomiting. Nobody can explain why
there are so many children with so many of the same problems.
A few years ago, a specially trained nurse who treated asth-
matic kids at P.S. 48 wound up developing asthma herself. It was
that sense of siege that pushed people in the neighborhood to find
out where the problem was coming from.
Potential culprits aren't hard to find. Hemmed in to the north
by the Bruckner Expressway, to the south by a sewage-pelletiza-
tion plant, to the east by the market, and all around by more than
two dozen waste transfer stations that dot the waterfront, the
peninsula is a crossroads for nearly all the city's produce, more
than half of the city's putrescible garbage, nearly all the city's
sewage sludge and as many as two million truck trips a year. Even
in smelly New York City, there's nowhere that compares. In sum-
mer the air is truly thick with stink.
CITVLlMITS
For a relatively poor district of only about 10,000, Hunts Point
has an unusually energetic, visible activist population and a wealth
of health-related programs and initiatives. Commurtity groups like
Hunts Point Awareness, Mothers on the Move, the South Bronx
Clean Air Coalition and The Point Comrnurtity Development Cor-
poration have had traffic lights installed, truck routes modified and
median strips put in to control truck traffic. They have secured new
trees and a waterfront park. Through forums and clever protests,
garbage has become a high-profile local issue. And beyond stan-
dard leafletting, letter-writing and public gripe sessions, activists in
Hunts Point are also doing their own research, like studying traffic
patterns to generate a comrnurtity-based plan and collaborating on
a study with Mt. Sinai researchers on asthma interventions.
What all this activism has done is connect the day-to-day
struggles of living with asthma to local problems like smells and
trucks, and with political decisions about public health and
garbage. The Point's summer student program is a perfect exam-
ple. Funded by the city Department of Health (DOH), the com-
murtity group has set up a comprehensive research and study pro-
gram that combines classroom learrting about environmental jus-
tice and air pollution with on-the-street air quality mortitoring and
watchdogging. Some of the kids, unifonned and outfitted with
mountain bikes and cell phones programmed to call the state and
city environmental authorities, go after the truckers themselves,
reminding them to stay on route, keep their loads covered and turn
their engines off while waiting. Other students count traffic, col-
lecting data to use in planrting projects.
"It's quality of life, that's how we look at it," says The Point's
Brielle Epstein. "Our goal is to improve the quality of life. If kids
are getting sick, we have to look at things that affect asthma. We
also look at things that make the neighborhood more pleasant, like
parks, and also at how parks affect asthma. It's interconnected."
cy. There's just one problem: According to what researchers say,
it probably won' t do a thing to stop the spread of the disease.
What seems painfully obvious in Hunts Point-that bad air is giv-
ing people asthma-has so far eluded scientific proof.
O
ne of the few straightforward facts about asthma is this: At
the same time that air has been getting cleaner, asthma has
been getting worse. Between 1978 and 1997, concentrations
of every outdoor air pollutant dropped sigrtificantly (see
chart). Carbon monoxide fell by 60 percent. Ozone dropped 30 per-
cent. Since 1989, when the federal government started mortitoring
particulate matter pollution-the fme soot that comes from diesel
trucks and power plants-levels have declined by a quarter. In the
Bronx, it's no different: emissions are down and air quality is up.
It's the basic paradox of asthma. Everyone can see that pollu-
tion is bad for people who have the disease, but no one under-
stands why cleaner air doesn't lead to fewer cases of asthma. This
peculiarity shows up around the world. At the end of the Cold
War, the West German city of Murtich was prosperous and rela-
tively clean. Leipzig, a poorer East Gennan city that was depen-
dent on dirty-burrting coal for fuel and choked with Soviet high-
smog industries, had very dirty air. But, as a group of Gennan sci-
entists found out, asthma rates in Murtich were 50 percent higher
than they were in Leipzig.
There are plenty of other examples. Westerrtized Hong Kong
has more than four times as much asthma as dirty, poor Beijing.
Indonesia has little asthma; New Zealand and Sweden, with very
clean air, have lots.
Figuring out what's going on has virtually become an industry.
The epidemic has meant boom times for asthma researchers, and
in the last year scientists and doctors have published more than
3,000 papers on the origins, character and treatment of the disease.
Surprisingly, the Health Depart-
ment sees it the same way. Unlike
many city-run programs, its new Child-
hood Asthma Initiative recognizes the
ways that commurtity activism can
make the connections between one
family's asthma problems and a public
health campaign. The health depart-
ment is funding seven community
groups, including The Point, to set up
asthma-focused coalitions, and it is
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, the air may be cleaner, but asthma is worse. All the pollutants
that the government measures have decreased steadily in the last decades; this graph shows
average concentrations of four of them-sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and
ozone-in parts per million. Meanwhile, asthma rates continue to climb.
Average
in ppm
3.00
now in the process of expanding its 2.50
comrnurtity-based asthma project, pio-
neered in Hunts Point, to all five bor-
oughs. It's a holistic approach, combin- 2.00
ing case management with school-
based programs and intense outreach.
"Building comrnurtity coalitions is 1.50
something the DOH is interested in,"
explains initiative director Louise
Cohen. ''We have a broad vision. It's 1.00
not just about a doctor and a family; it's
a supportive system. It's more difficult
to do, but it will yield more fruit." 0.50
It comes very close to an ideal syn-
ergy of enlightened city policy and
grassroots activism, using organizing 0.00
to link up individual problems to poli-
1980
Pollution
Asthma
1985
1990
Prevalence
per 1,000
population
65
55
45
35
~
0
1995
. ~
'j
'"
E
ill
:I:
.E
j
I
z
~
:t
. ~
~
I
1l
]
~
~
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
-
Some grasp at straws: anything that has also been increasing over
the last 20 years seems to be fair game. Studies connect asthma to
everything from vinyl flooring to maternal depression to live bait.
Two compelling theories stand out from the crowd. Explana-
tion number one: asthma is the price of the good life.
For the most provocative version of this theory, we tum to Dr.
Thomas Platts-Mills, the University of Virginia Medical Center's
director of immunology. In the early 1980s, Platts-Mills did for the
dust mite what Rosenstreich would later do for the roach-identi-
ASTHMA AGGRAVATORS
For an asthmatic, anything from cockroach particles to
truck fumes can set off an attack.
--
fy it as a major cause of asthma attacks. Back then, he was con-
vinced that the mite explanation would solve the asthma paradox.
Now, he says, he's at something of a loss. "Just because you
know what's causing the disease, you don' t know why it's
increasing. For many years, 1 thought the increase in dust mites
would explain it across the world. That's fallen apart. The [asth-
ma] increase has been seen in areas where dust mites don't grow."
Instead, Platts-Mills has come to blame what he calls the
Annette Funiciello effect. The reason so many kids get asthma, he
says, is that they spend too much time sitting around inside. Kids
~ don' t get much vigorous exercise, and while they sit for long
j hours playing Nintendo or watching TV, they are cooped up with
z allergens like dust mites, roach droppings or cigarette smoke. It's
a double wbammy-their lungs don't get exercised, and they get
a heavier dose of allergens. Asthma is the result.
According to Platts-Mills, his theory also explains why kids in
poor city neighborhoods like the South Bronx get it worst of all:
because kids living in dangerous areas without many parks or
playgrounds have the fewest opportunities to play outside. A study
done by the Centers for Disease Control this year backs him up,
indicating that in dangerous neighborhoods, 45 percent of people
get very little exercise, much higher than the nationwide average
of 30 percent. ''The Bronx phenomenon is
an exaggeration of the world phenome-
non," was how he explained it at last
year's asthma conference at Albert Ein-
stein.
Platts-Mills enjoys playing devil's
advocate-"He'll take something contro-
versial and say it loudly until someone
proves him right or wrong," says one col-
league-and as yet he has no hard evi-
dence to back up this theory. It also leaves
important questions unanswered, like why
New Yorkers, who do a lot more walking
than most Americans, would have so
much asthma, or why some professional
athletes have the disease. "I don't know
the answer to that," he admits. "We don' t
know how to explain everything."
But the idea does have some com-
pelling supporting evidence. For exam-
ple, it appears that the muscular structure
of lungs changes in response to hard use
like exercise. Other work shows that fat
kids are much more likely to get asthma.
The theory also fits in nicely with a
fragmentary but growing body of
research positing that the increasing rates
of asthma are due to a shift in our immune
systems, an underlying change that has to
do with the way we live in Western coun-
tries-in offices, stores and well-insulat-
ed apartments, well-fed and largely pro-
tected from viruses and diseases.
This counterintuitive idea is that dis-
eases may actually be good for you. We in
Western countries no longer live our
whole lives in the company of parasites
and, thanks to vaccines, don' t have to
endure a gauntlet of childhood diseases like smallpox and whoop-
ing cough. But, runs this theory, that may also be why we now get
so many allergic diseases-perhaps the developing immune sys-
tem needs to be barraged by the diseases of childhood in order to
develop correctly and be able to identify its proper targets, instead
of reacting violently to anything from dust bunnies to roaches.
One 1997 Japanese study, for example, showed that kids who've
been exposed to tuberculosis at an early age are much less likely
to show an allergic response or to have asthma.
Other observations corroborate the idea. The youngest kids in a
family tend to get more respiratory infections from their older
brothers and sisters and are less likely to wind up with asthma. Chil-
dren with eczema, another allergic disease, sometimes go into spon-
CITVLlMITS

taneous remission after getting a serious viral infection.
But so far, these are all scattered theories, not a coherent analy-
sis. Every researcher has his own variations-Platts-Mills, for
example, speculates that antibiotics are a more likely culprit than
vaccinations. "Antibiotic usage is like a runaway train," he points
out. "Perhaps in some way we' ve changed the balance in the
immune response, and it's changed the waythe lungs behave." In
any case, some version of the Western lifestyle hypothesis is the
only one that accounts for the bizarre patterns of the asthma epi-
demic, and it comes close to explaining why people in Munich,
London and East New York are all getting more asthma.
"It's the one people get most angry about, and therefore most
likely to be true," observes Platts-Mills wryly. "At this point, there
is no other coherent explanation. Some aspect of sedentary
lifestyle has got to be contributing. It's the best explanation in the
American inner city, where the epidemic is the worst, and we need
to address it."
T
he "good life" theory of asthma may address the epidemiol-
ogy of the disease-where it's found and why-but it has
one big problem, says UCLA School of Medicine's Dr.
Andrew Saxon. It doesn' t offer a plausible explanation for
how exactly healthy lungs go bad. "Tom likes to stir things up, but
it's very hard to prove," Saxon says. "It's a nice theory, but with-
out data, it's nothing."
Saxon is trying to answer the same basic question as Platts-
Mills: why there's so much more of the disease. But he goes about
it in a very different way. Instead of looking at what populations
of people are doing, he looks at what their lungs are doing.
Given the fact that diesel truck traffic has increased as overall
air pollution has decreased, researchers have reasoned that diesel
exhaust now makes up a greater proportion of the crud in the air.
So, following the work of several Japanese teams, Saxon began
looking more carefully at what goes on when asthmatics are
exposed to diesel. His team squirted ragweed pollen and exhaust
particles into the noses of allergic people. Combined, the two
nasty gases resulted in a much stronger response than either alone.
"What a diesel engine does is to carry into the air respirable
particles which provide oxidative stress and inflammation," says
Saxon. "We've been able to show that in the presence of these par-
ticles, people make robust allergic responses. If they don' t have the
particles, it's not so robust." The reason why, conjectures Saxon, is
that diesel particles somehow link up with allergens, carrying them
deeper into the lungs or amplifying their aggravating effects .
Saxon's research suggests that asthma may not be a question of
cockroaches versus trucks so much as a question of cockroaches
and trucks put together. It's much closer to what people in Hunts
Point believe, but it's inconsistent, too. For one thing, it doesn't
explain why there are such intense pockets of asthma, as in Hunts
Point and Jamaica, Queens. Air moves around a lot, and soot gets
wafted and eddied and blended across the city, the region and even
the nation, explains the Environmental Protection Agency's Ray-
mond Werner. "Pollution can travel very long distances," he notes.
"About half of the fine particles in the area comes from long-range
transport," from as far away as the Midwest. Trucks also account
for only a small part of particulate pollution.
In any case, even if local diesel pollution really is to blame, why
is it that Chinatown, with much worse air than East Harlem or Wash-
ington Heights, has much less asthma? Why are there so many asth-
(continued on page 32)
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
Inside Job
Some of the people who see asthma every day are pointing out that indoor pollution isn't
so much about housekeeping as it is about housing.
Wilma 1IaJTero, a caseworker with the city's Community Asthma Program, makes reg-
ular visits with about 20 Hunts Point families, checking up on asthmatics and trying to troo-
bIeshoot problems that may be making the disease worse. A lot of the time, that means
dealing with housing issues.
One of her patients is Luis Santarosa, a slight 7-year-old with a sly grin who missed a
total of 74 days of scIIoollast year because of his asthma. "Sometimes, I can't breathe,"
he grimaces, squirming 00 the couch. "My stomach hurts. Then I throw up a lot" On a new
medication, he's been doing much better lately, and his mother also keeps a close eye on
him in school as a PTA volunteer.
Today, Marrero spends some time teaching Luis how to use his flowmeter. But for most
of the rest of her visit she's looking aroond the apartment, asking Luis' mother W'dma about
her building and landlord. Santarosa leads IIaJTero to the bathroom, where water collects
in a tub beneath the sink. She points to the ceiling, where paint chips peel away from the
mildew beneath. "The whole apartment needs to be fIXed," sighs Santarosa.
Marrero says she's been trying to reach the Santarosas' landlord for a while. But the
ooly phone number the tenants have is for a beeper, and her pages go unanswered. "This is
what we call a slumlord," she says. According to Marrero, a lot of her time is spent trying
to get landlords to fIX problems that contribute to asthma.
The housing connection is obvious to Jessica Serrano, too. She's been organizing her
own building to get repairs done, but she says she's now planning to move, simply to pr0-
tect her son's health.
In New York, policy-makers haven't started thinking about asthma as a housing prob-
lem. But it's a basic part of code enforcement in Boston, where landlords get ootices about
health-related housing problems, like moldy carpets and roaches, and can be charged with
vioIatioos if they don't respond.
Everyone agrees that the connection makes sense. "It's absolutely a housing issue, and
I don't know why it doesn't get more pia,y," says Michael Marcus, director of pulmonology
at Maimonides Hospital. Many of his cases are from Sunset Park, which has a lot of aging
buildings, and Marcus says that shabby housing is what prevents a lot of his patients from
being able to avoid asthma attacks. "I see it all the time," he says. "We try to educate fam-
ilies about it, but they can ooly do so much. It's like CORStintIy flglrting an uphill battle."
Among all the asthma programs and initiatives in New York City, only one focuses
directly on housing. At the Hunter College Center for Occupational and Environmental
Health, Daniel lass is currently working on a pilot asthma reductioo program with the New
York City Housing Authority in East Harlem. The prqject uses comprehensive bug-killing
techniques, trying to improve indoor air pollution problems at a systemic level. "On the
intervention end, there is much more work being done apartment by apartment rather than
the whole of a building, " says lass. "That's a shame, because if you look at one issues like
roaches or mice or mold, a lot of the problem is building-wide."
Could improving housing become an integral part of asthma treatment? It's a com-
pelling vision right out of the tenant organizer playbook. By tackling housing as a commu-
nity issue instead of a personal problem, the same organizing energies that have enabled
Hunts Point to get trucks and trash in line could be aimed at bad landlords, too.
"We're definitely interested in doing anything that improves health and the environ-
ment," says The Point's Brielle Epstein. "If that means door-koocking about dust and
roaches as well as diesel, then those are things we need to do."
Until then, a response to asthma that can stop the disease as eIfectiveIy as mobilize
entire neighborhoods is still just something in the air. -KM
-
Corporation
Counsel Michael
Hess has one
thing to say to
public interest
lawyers: "Let's
make a deal. "
fM
S
tate Supreme Court judge Helen Freedman has heard
promises, promises from city lawyers. For the past 14
years, she's been the state Supreme Court judge who has
handled many advocates' complaints about the city's
treatment of the homeless, notably in a case known as McCain v.
Koch. She's heard how the city hadn't set aside enough permanent
and temporary housing for homeless families and children. How
the city denied homeless families shelter without letting them
know they had other options. How the city interviewed homeless
mothers for workfare jobs before it had found shelter for them and
their children. How unrepaired leaks in a shelter dribbled rain on
residents for weeks.
Pressed by the Legal Aid Society, the city promised changes
and signed on the dotted line, only to have Judge Freedman subse-
quently find that its efforts didn't make the grade. Through sever-
al cycles of this promise-and-punishment dance, she has held the
city in contempt of her orders, fined it $6 million, even tried to
force David Dinkins' first deputy mayor to spend a night at a
Bronx emergency shelter.
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and his lawyers hope to never see a
case like McCain again. They can tolerate the endless chiding by
the court and the advocates. It's the micromanagement they can't
stand. ''This type of litigation ties agencies' hands," contends city
With Corporation
Counsel
Michael Hess,
the Giuliani
administration
has figured out
how to get its
way in court:
Cut judges out of
the picture.
By
Matt Fleischer
lawyer Jonathan Pines. "It forces agency administrators to concern
themselves with issues that are peripheral to their mission. It dis-
tracts from the question of how well the agency is doing what it's
doing, to how well is it documenting what it's doing."
To keep these legal quagmires at bay, for the past year and a
half the mayor's chief lawyer, Michael Hess, has taken a new strat-
egy into court: keep the judges out of it. Confronted with a case
that challenges the mayor's policies, from police practices to work-
fare rules, he pushes to settle it. Settle it, before any other jurist can
possibly replicate the detailed contempt findings and orders that
Judge Freedman has authored. In New York's overburdened court
system, where a quarter of all cases take more than a year just to
see a trial, many judges are happy to help broker a settlement.
Equally critical in forging these deals have been public interest
lawyers, who are tom between their distrust for an administration
that has failed them time and again and the opportunity these set-
tlements present for them to quickly get what they want.
''When I came to the office," says Hess, "there were two or
three or four big, big institutional cases taking a tremendous toll on
everybody in terms of resources and time. One of my goals was to
get them settled." He's still working on it.
'The mayor reaJly dislikes consent judgments," Hess adds, refer-
ring to court-supervised remedial plans that a city agency agrees to
CITVLlMITS

undertake to correct past wrongdoing. 'They burden the city for
years to come and somebody else runs his agencies. He appoints
quality commissioners, and they should be running them and over-
seeing them." Not the judges, he says. And certainly not Legal Aid
Since Hess took over as the city's corporation counsel in March
1998, he has settled one thorny class action involving prison abuse
and another one concerning the protection of the city's 38,000 fos-
ter children. In a third, the city agreed to prosecute juvenile defen-
dants more fairly. Unlike the court decisions that saddled previous
administrations, none of the settlements left the city answering to
either judges or outside monitors. And now, several ongoing high-
impact cases are ripe for settlement, including a state court class
action challenging arbitrary denials of home care services for Med-
icaid recipients, a federal claim that welfare applications were
improperly rejected and a state suit against workfare.
Hess even says he sees enough of a breakthrough in the inter-
minable McCain homeless rights case, med in 1983. He tells City
Limits he's confident that this case, too, will get resolved soon.
The surge in settlements means fewer opportunities for New
York's most committed judges to take an active role in shaping city
policy. Conservatives sometimes call their ilk 'judicial activists."
Historically they have served as shadow commissioners, changing
life for thousands of city residents at a time with a stroke of the pen.
Judges have given 209,000 city welfare recipients more money
to pay their rent; guaranteed the homeless the right to sleep in a
shelter overnight rather than on the floor of a city office; required
the city's child welfare agency to investigate child abuse reports
within 24 hours; ordered the Human Resources Administration to
provide toilets, drinking water and protective clothing to workfare
workers; and decreed that the city's 42,000 disabled, homebound
residents should receive better health care.
But the only thing these judges have given the Giuliani adminis-
tration is headaches. In return, they pay a price: insults and interfer-
ence from Republicans and the right Mayor Giuliani singled out
Judge Freedman as "biased for the plaintiffs from the start," "using
judicial imperialism" and "trying to maintain a &ystem of failure."
The New York Post has written one editorial after another slamming
her for being extreme even among loony lefties. "Just because the
Soviet Union failed doesn't mean Socialism's dead," the paper
railed. With George Pataki as governor and Republicans controlling
the State Senate, palm trees will grow in Albany sooner than they'd
allow Judge Freedman to climb to a seat on a higher bench.
N
o case has been more offensive to the Giuliani adminis-
tration's lawyers, no consent decree more redolent of
aggressive advocates and compliant judges, than the Ben-
jamin v. Jacobson federal class action suit slamming Rik-
ers Island conditions. A 1976 consent order has cost the city trea-
sury $265 million, officials claim. City lawyers say its provisions
were persnickety, like a requirement to put four ounces of Borax in
a floor-cleaning formula. Its stipulations govern virtually every
aspect of operating Rikers, including requirements for improving
health care, overcrowding, prisoner safety and food services.
For years, city lawyers have asserted that the consent order
should be retired because officials have complied with the terms of
the settlement. They were therefore overjoyed when Judge Harold
Baer voided the consent decree in response to Congress passing
the Prison Litigation Reform Act in 1996. To this day, though, it
lingers on. To make sure that the controversial federal law didn't
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
undo any progress that had been made at Rikers, Judge Baer imme-
diately put a freeze on his own order until higher courts could give
the case a look. To their chagrin, city lawyers are to this day writ-
ing up briefs about why the Benjamin decree should be finished
off. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide by the end of November
whether it wants to take the case.
Hess and his team don't want to see another Benjamin. So in
cases they get first crack at, they're looking to put the city-and
not the judges-in the leading position.
In 1995, shortly after the death of 6-year-old Eliza Izquierdo at
the hands of her abusive mother, the advocacy group Children's
Rights, Inc., filed Marisol v. Giuliani, which called for a federal
judge to oversee the city's troubled child welfare agency. At that
time, the agency had already been under review by judges for 15
years thanks to an earlier suit by Children's Rights, which culmi-
nated in a consent decree that spelled out what the city must do to
abolish racial discrimination in foster care. For Hess, Marisol
would mean twice the trouble. His first priority was to eliminate it.
Unlike the court decisions
that have saddled previous
administrations, none
of the city's recent
legal settlements leave it
answering to judges or
outside monitors.
As the New York Law Journal reported, Hess happened to be
old friends with David Brodsky, an attorney who was helping Chil-
dren's Rights with the case-both had worked together in the U.S.
prosecutor's office. So they had lunch. By the time the bill came,
they had decided that the two sides would pursue a settlement.
U.S. District Judge Robert Ward lent a hand to get a settlement
underway by making it clear early on that he wasn't going to let the
plaintiffs fire Administration for Children's Services commission-
er Nicholas Scoppetta. Once the two sides started working out the
deal, Judge Ward scheduled meeting after meeting, imposed short .
deadlines and limited the length of trial.
Hess believes this case was a triumph. "It's a very favorable
settlement-they can't tell us what to do at all," he says. Under the
agreement, Scoppetta retains complete control over the agency and
has no monitor to answer to.
The city's only concession was to agree that an advisory panel
would review the agency's performance, offer recommendations for
improvement and publish its findings. The commissioner, however,
is not required to act on these recommendations, making for a much
softer deal than any judicial order or court-ordered panel. On top of
the free advice, the city got its own concession: no other advocates
...
-
JUDGE ROBERT WARD
His guiding hand helped the city
keep control of its
child welfare agency.
JUDGE HELEN
FREEDMAN
An ex-advocate, she controls
homeless policy with
the nib of her pen.
for children could file a class-action suit against the agency for two years.
The settlement was wrapped up last December.
The agreement is being challenged by lawyers at the Urban Justice
Center, but Hess isn't worried. "We've been trying to address this ques-
tion of consent decrees," he says. "One of the proudest things I did was
making sure we didn't enter into one of those."
Hess took the same approach to Sheppard v. Phoenix, filed by Legal
Aid's Prisoners' Rights Project on behalf of men detained at the highest-
security unit at Rikers. ''We were going to go to trial with massive evidence
of abusive conduct and coverups, with culpability going pretty high up the
chain of command," says plaintiffs counsel John Boston of Legal Aid. ''If
this case had gone to trial, it would would have been a horror show."
It didn't. To avoid a trial, the city proposed that reports be present-
ed by two experienced observers, one chosen by each side. As with the
Marisol settlement, their recommendations aren't binding. But from
Legal Aid's point of view, the slice of victory that a settlement pro-
vided was better than no action at all. Explains staff attorney Jonathan
Chasan, "We ended the injunction because the city's comprehensive
compliance plan, if implemented correctly, will protect the prisoners
at Rikers Island much better than before."
City lawyers will probably also push to settle Davila v. Turner,
which accuses the city Human Resources Administration of refusing to
give workfare participants appropriate jobs and interfering with their
schooling. That case is in state court before Judge Richard Braun, who
is known as a settlement specialist. The same is true of Best v. Giuliani,
a class action in which the city stands accused of arbitrarily denying
home health care services to the elderly. A settlement is also possible in
Morel v. Giuliani, in which Judge John Keenan-no bleeding heart-
has already declared thai the city illegally stopped payments to welfare
recipients who were waiting for an eligibility hearing. If the city can't
avoid court-ordered monitoring, it will at least ask the advocates to keep
it short, predicts Valerie Bogart of Legal Services for the Elderly, who's
litigating Best-an offer she says she would be reluctant to accept.
Some public interest lawyers are concerned that the courts are mov-
ing away from vital monitoring of city government just when it's need-
ed most. "Courts are the only effective vehicle to insure that the city is
forced to do what it is required to do," says Marc Cohan, director of lit-
igation at the Welfare Law Center. ''Whether in areas of lead paint or
housing discrimination, these are cases about law enforcement. This
mayor, who treats law enforcement as one of the accomplishments of
his administration, is told time and time again by the courts that he is
violating the very laws which he is charged with a duty to uphold."
Even a legal scholar known for his disdain of court-propelled gov-
ernment believes judges are getting hamstrung by a city driven to cut
deals and advocates prepared to accept them. "The image of the aggres-
sive activist judge running the agency is really more like the aggressive
activist attorneys, working with the city attorneys, that actually write
these orders," contends Ross Sandler, director of the Center for New
York City Law at New York Law School. "Instead of having the courts
decide these issues, it essentially privatizes public policy."
H
elen Freedman and other state judges antagonize City Hall
from their chambers off a narrow hallway in 60 Centre Street.
Their primary task is keeping track of 500 manila case folders
at a time and finding time to read court papers for a case before
its scheduled hearing arrives. "It's a very lonely job. You can pass peo-
ple in the hallway, and they won't say hello," says one judge who, like
virtually all of her colleagues, did not want to be named.
Judges who serve in State Supreme Court, the confusingly named
CITVLlMITS
lower court where many public interest cases are filed, are elected to
14-year terms. In Manhattan, the Democratic Party has a virtual lock on
judicial politics. It's no small influence: most of these cases are brought
in Manhattan by attorneys who hope to land before liberal judges.
The judges who hear these cases can't simply play Solomon; they
are obliged to defer to precedent and decisions by higher courts.
Supreme Court Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaarn cited this rule of jurispru-
dence this July, when she decided a case challenging the state's prac-
tice of denying Medicaid to legal immigrants. The judge upheld the
policy-with vocal regrets. A higher court decision issued just prior to
hers left her no choice. In her decision she asked the higher court to
reconsider its decision and even outlined arguments why it should.
Judge Abdus-Salaam has public interest experience (East Brooklyn
Legal Services), as does Judge Freedman (DC 37 Legal Services). They
and a handful of others like them started on the bench in the 1970s,
when Legal Aid attorneys had more influence in the Democratic Party.
When judges do take an active role, they can have enormous influ-
ence. But few have been as openly confrontational toward the city as
Judge Freedman. McCain appears to have brought out her fierce side-
more typically, she's known as judge who works hard but can be
pushed around by attorneys. "She only did that because the city dissed
her" by defying her McCain orders, says one colleague on the bench.
Freedman misses few opportunities for action; after city lawyers invit-
ed her to visit Human Resources Administration offices at "any time,"
she conducted several surprise inspections.
Supreme Court Judge Karla Moskowitz often gets mentioned in the
same paragraph as Judge Freedman. They're of the same generation (both
are fiftyish), and the two are considered by colleagues to be very much
alike, both serious about holding the city accountable. But where Helen
Freedman has played McCain fast and furious, in one influential case
Karla Moskowitz got her way by dragging matters out as long as possible.
In 1989, a Queens woman named Barbara Jiggetts approached
Legal Aid because the rent subsidy that state welfare law granted her-
$312 a month-was woefully low. The lawyers challenged the rate. In
a 1990 decision, Judge Moskowitz ordered state welfare officials to
provide an emergency rent supplement to clients who applied for it
until the case could be resolved.
The court-ordered subsidy became a crucial life raft for welfare
clients, keeping 26,000 families from being evicted. It was only in
1997, seven years later, that Judge Moskowitz finally ordered the state
to recalculate its rent allowance, and this Mayan appellate court upheld
the decision.
In the interim, Moskowitz took a measure that another judge calls
"a stroke of genius." Concerned that a state appellate court might over-
turn an increase in the welfare housing allowance if she simply grant-
ed one, Moskowitz decided to sit on the case like a mother hen, delay-
ing permanent action for as long as possible. She got away with it
because her temporary arrangement was a boon for tenants and land-
lords alike. The case only came back to life when New York State's
chief judge, Judith Kaye, called Moskowitz' boss, Chief Administrative
Judge Stephen Crane, to ask why Jiggetts was taking so long to resolve.
"It was very savvy decision by taking the heat away from the politi-
cians," remarks another Manhattan judge. "You're giving them an out. If
you're the politician, you bear no responsibility. They can take the posi-
tion that this is Judge Moskowitz doing this."
But judges who go above and beyond the case at hand are an
increasingly rare breed. Most state Supreme Court judges who spoke
with City limits contend that they have far less power in dealing with
the city than the public might think. One took issue with the suggestion
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
JUDGE KARLA
MOSKOWITZ
Her handling of Jiggetts was
"a stroke of genius," says
a fellow judge.
JUDGE STEPHEN CRANE
The boss at 60 Centre Street, he's
thinking of changing how his court
handles public interest cases.
c
111
i'ij
g!.
~ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = d ~
-
that judges have power they choose not to wield: "We are not [sup-
posed to be] making those type of determinations where we over-
throw an administrative policy that was determined by a duly con-
stituted governmental body." Another judge was equally yielding,
saying "You make a decision, you take whatever the press hands
you, and you go home and have dinner."
Then there's office politics. Twenty judges in Manhattan Supreme
Court are "acting" substitutes promoted by the court administration
from the lower courts. A hot case like McCain could easily bum them,
says one judge who opposes giving them city cases for fear they'll
play it safe. 'They've got enough to do as judges just learning their
skills. And if they screw up, that'll saddle them with a reputation.
Politically, they want to keep their noses super-clean," he says.
'The administrators want somebody that is not newsworthy,"
contends Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Elliott Wille, who has had
more than his share of press attention for his rulings in favor of East
Village squatters (as well as his brokering of the Woody-Mia
divorce). "What an administrator wants is for this [case] to move
smoothly and anonymously. Like you're an umpire, you don't want
to be known," he says. Another state court judge notes that most of
her peers don't want high-profile cases to return to their courts again
Special Assignment
Stephen Crane, administrative judge for Manhattan Supreme Court,
tells City Umlts that he is considering a change that could have a big
impact on policy lawsuits. His idea: designate a half-clozen experienced
judges to handle these proceedings.
"The notion stems from our systemwide desire to make life easier for
the judge," says Judge Crane. "The need is to avoid various judges hav-
ing to learn anew all the intricacies of the social service law or the intri-
cacies of the New York City Charter. " Court-compiled statistics show that
cases in the court's commercial division, specialized In 1995, move to
trial much faster than they did when they were mixed In with innumer-
able slip-and-fall and fender-bender cases.
Because almost all action against city policy is filed under ArtIcle 78
of the city charter, such cases are commonly known as Article 78 pro-
ceedings. The majority are filed in Judge Crane's court. He has not for-
mally proposed his plan or discussed the notion widely, but if Crane
moves forward the change could come as early as January, as part of a
larger court restructuring.
Are the demands of these cases so great that only a few judges
should handle them? From a boss' view, .yes. The McCains on the docket
have special hearings, more witnesses, and more witnesses with promI-
nent positions and busy schedules. They can be a big drain on a judge.
But these cases also cany substantial prestige, which is why some
judges win oppose splitting them off. Without high-profile Article 78 rul-
ings, judges will have fewer opportunities to generate the juice for get-
ting elevated to a higher court. "It's another way of controlling who gets
the cases, to keep them out of undesirable hands," remarks one judge
who asked not to be named.
"You grow stale If you are handling the same kind of thing, " another
judge complains. "Pulling all the matrimonials out, all the tax certoriari,
the commercial cases and then this, you'll leave the remaining Judges
with motor vehicle cases. Lettuce on the floor in the superrnarkBt cases.
I presumed I was being elected to a court of general jurisdiction, and I
think this Is true of most of my colleagUes. " -MF
--
and again as they cycle through appeals. The prospect of a settlement
is attractive. ''We don't want to own and own and own these cases,"
she says. ''When we decide a case, we want it to be over."
F
or attorneys who sue the city, judges are only as necessary
as their decisions are useful-getting results for clients is
the bottom line. Courted by Hess, some have been willing
to give settlements a chance. Among them is Scott Rosen-
berg of Legal Aid's civil division. "When there are cases where
there are clear legal obligations, it's my impression that Michael
Hess' belief is the city should just settle those and get on with it,"
says Rosenberg. 'The question then is, how are we going to deal
with the getting on with it?" For advocates, it boils down to a basic
Can a settlement be made as strong as a judge's own
orders? Will the city even obey them?
Advocates report that Hess' staff attorneys consistently anive at
the negotiating table with one request: no judicial monitoring of
city agencies. That's why battle-tested Legal Aid attorneys like
Rosenberg and his colleague Steven Banks refuse to settle until the
city actually delivers on the promises it's making. Banks, the attor-
ney seeing McCain through to the bitter end, says that all he wants
out of Michael Hess is compliance with the court's earlier orders
to make shelter and permanent housing available to the homeless.
''We wouldn' t be litigating in enforcement proceedings if the city
would comply with the law," Banks says.
Michael Hess certainly sounds like he wants to be the advo-
cates' man. Compared with his predecessor, the in-your-face Paul
Crotty, he's a conciliatory guy, pledging that the city will do the
right thing this time around. ''If I can end some of this contentious-
ness, and everyone can live with it, I'd like to do it," he says.
Hess says the city is making strides on the case's major stick-
ing point: making sure that no homeless family has to sleep on the
floor of the Bronx Emergency Assistance Unit. 'The city made a
commitment to the court that as of July 12, nobody is being forced
to spend the night at the EAU. The judge considers that a major
breakthrough," Hess reports. "We' ve worked on it diligently, and
basically succeeded. One night there was a huge influx of families.
But aside from that, we' re in compliance."
Banks remains wary. He says there are other issues to be
resolved as well, including whether the city is providing enough
permanent housing for the homeless and whether people are
improperly being deemed ineligible for shelter. He's not willing to
settle yet. ''We've been down the route of trying to give the city an
opportunity to forge its own compliance plan and plan for moni-
toring," he says. 'The city has failed to keep its promises."
He expects to keep an eye on the EAU office for a few more
months and continues to hold conference calls almost every day
with Hess' lawyers. Then it's possible, he says, that he will con-
sider Hess' offer: taking the case out of Judge Freedman's hands
and give it to a special monitoring panel, similar to the ones set up
for Marisol and Sheppard.
If that happens, Banks won't have the court around to make
sure the city keeps its side of the bargain. Even if there is a settle-
ment in McCain, there's always the possibility that Legal Aid will
have to come back to court again one day over the same issues.
Without Judge Freedman there to play inspector, Banks may fmd
himself at the EAU for a long time to come .
Matt Fleischer is the legal columnist for the New York Observer.
CITY LIMITS
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Because ignorance of the law is no excuse
Fall 1999 Schedule
September 9 Fundraising Law and Regulation
September 14 Incorporation and Tax Exemption
September 30 Political Activity
October 7 Employment Law
October 14 Franchises: How to Start Them
Throughout the year,
Lawyers Alliance holds
workshops on a variety of legal
issues of interest to nonprofit
managers, including
incorporation, tax exemption,
fundraising, and even special
topics such as housing
development and c.hildcare.
Instruction is provided by leaders
in nonprofit law.
October 26 Developing Low-Income Housing Using the Federal
Tax Credit: The Legal Framework
Workshops are held at:
99 Hudson Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10013
from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
except as noted.
Regist ration is $40;
a limited number of scholarships
is available.
To register, or for more
information, call (212) 219-1800.
Lawyers Alliance
for New York
SEPTEMBERIOCTOBERI999
November 9 Child Care*
a.m. session Legal Issues Surrounding the Incorporation and
Tax Exemption Process (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p .m.)
p.m. session Legal Issues Surrounding Administration of
Nonprofit Daycare Centers (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
November 18 Legal Aspects of Insurance .
November 30 Incorporation and Tax Exemption
December 2
December 9
(6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - 99 Hudson Street, 14
th
Floor)
Corporate Governance
Contracts and Your Organization
*Registration for the November 9 Child Care workshops is $40 for one session or
$75 for both sessions
-
--1111!1-........ ~ ... "..-
CITYVIEW
Alexia Lewnes is
working on a
book about
homeless
youth in New
York City.
-
Out on
His Own
By Alexia Lewnes
I
n January, 13-year-01d Joel's jaw was broken because
he is gay. Joel was attacked in a Queens schoolyard
by two fellow students. When the boys asked if he
was gay and Joel told them that it was none of their
business, one of the boys punched him. As Joel turned
to defend himself, the second boy slammed his fist
into Joel's chin. "You faggot," they yelled. "That's
for being gay."
The next day, Joel's cheeks looked like they'd
been stuffed with tennis balls. That evening, a sur-
geon wired his jaw shut. "Stuff like this happens
all the time," Joel told me later. "I'm used to it."
Joel's used to being beaten up because he's
in foster care. Since entering the system at age
9 after his grandmother fell fatally ill, he's
been thrown down a flight of stairs, had his shoulder
blade and finger broken, his nose broken twice, and was almost
drowned. All of this happened to him in a home run by a private
agency that contracts with the city's Administration for
Children's Services. He's been attacked in front of staff who did
nothing or even blamed him for the abuse. Social workers have
told Joel that being gay is the surest way to get sexually trans-
mitted diseases and that being gay is wrong.
Unlike Joel, many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
kids in foster care were victims of ignorance and intolerance
before they even left home. It is estimated that about one-third
of them ended up in the city's care after being rejected by their
families. And foster care is no refuge from loneliness and fear.
In 1993, a report on gay and lesbian adolescents in New York
City's child welfare system found that all of the 27 gay and les-
bian young people interviewed for the study reported verbal
harassment that was related directly to their sexual orientation;
70 percent indicated they had tried to hide their orientation from
staff and peers because they feared being mistreated; 70 percent
reported violent attacks resulting from their sexual orientation;
56 percent spent some time living on the streets because they
felt "safer" there than in foster care.
The study, which also included interviews with 78 child
welfare professionals who corroborated the findings, prompted
New York City's child welfare agency and the Council of
Family and Child Caring Agencies to convene a task force to
address the bias against gay and lesbian youth in foster care.
While that task force generated numerous policy and train-
ing recommendations, most gay kids are still without a safe
haven. So little has been done to protect gay youth in foster care
that in January, the Urban Justice Center filed a class-action
lawsuit on their behalf, Joel A. v. Giuliani. (Joel is a pseudo-
nym.) Naming six young plaintiffs, the suit alleges that ACS
employees ignored anti-gay attacks, told gay teens to act less
gay and even joined in the taunts against gay young people. It
also contends that many group homes have a de facto policy
against admitting gay youth.
But that suit has been put on hold by an unusual court-
ordered moratorium on new class-action lawsuits against
ACS-an arrangement agreed to by advocates seeking an over-
haul of the city's child welfare system. This fall, a judge will
decide whether Joel's lawyers can continue with their class-
Since entering foster care, Joel, who
is gay, has been thrown down a flight
of stairs, had his shoulder blade,
finger and nose broken, and was
almost drowned.
action suit or will have to file individual cases.
Meanwhile, Joel can't put his life on hold. When he returned
to his group home a few days after the schoolyard attack. the
taunts and harassment continued. Eventually, he ran away."I
couldn't take it anymore," he told me, after a boy kicked him in
his still-wired jaw. "I just didn't feel safe."
For more than a year after that, Joel spent an increasing
amount of time on the street. He ran away from at least 10
group and foster homes, fleeing psychological and physical
abuse. He missed an entire year of school. "Before entering
ACS, I was going to school, I was well-fed, I was never beat
up," he told me. "I feel like I'm wasting my life."
Now, he can stop running. In mid-July, Gerald Mallon of
Green Chimneys Gramercy Residence bent age limits to
accept Joel into the home, the only one in New York dedicat-
ed to gay youth. The residence, however, is open to just 25
boys, ages 16 to 21. Meanwhile, it is estimated that there are
several hundred gay and lesbian young people among the
37,700 youth in New York City's custody. Although ACS now
provides special staff training and is currently searching for
more agencies to house gay and lesbian teens, it has been slow
to respond to these kids' needs.
ACS is supposed to protect children. How many more kids
need to suffer? How many more broken bones will it take?
CITY LIMITS
Bibles for Builders
--...... ~ ..... -
l1
e Encyclopedia of Housing is something between a his-
torical reference, government decoder ring, and light read
for the housing-obsessed. Browsing the Encyclopedia is
both a great time-killer and instant education. Fascinating tidbits
include the fact that the average life of a federal housing assis-
tance program is seven years and that there is a special branch of
architecture concerned with housing the senile. If you want to
know what "overload/arousal" theories of household crowding
are, this is the place to tum to.
This no-nonsense volume offers lucid explanations of pro-
grams like Section 811 (supportive housing for the disabled) and
phenomena like housing trust funds. The Encyclopedia is a good
jargon-cutter and acronym index as well, laying out how a TOAD
(Temporarily Obsolete Abandoned Derelict site) may well be a
LULU (Locally Unwanted Land Use).
But the book is best read as a well of history and context: the
entries are frequently more like mini-essays, with sharp analysis
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and built networks of underground cities. Likewise, HUD's entry
includes subsections on the political context of its formation, the
agency's historical problems and its current structure.
There are also nice touches like an appendix of major hous-
ing legislation and a brief bibliography that ends each entry. If
you're trying to figure out where to store this 712-page volume,
the Encyclopedia even includes a page-long entry onfeng shui.
The Encyclopedia of Housing, William van Vliet, Ed.,
$169.95 hardcover, Sage Publications, www.sagepub.com.
Housing How-to
Feeling brave now, with all that history under your belt? You
may want to pick up the revised edition of Developing Affordable
Housing. Something like an extremely technical Funding and
Building for Dummies, the volume walks readers through the
basics of the development process, from project feasibility and
cost estimates through securing the cash (via equity, grants, fed-
eral public housing funds and loans) and structuring the loans to
buy and build on the property.
It's pretty thick stuff, even for a textbook, but not insuf-
ferably dry. Author Bennett Hecht, VP of Program Services at the
Enterprise Foundation, also offers helpful hints and words to the
wise, like this caution about housing tax credits: ''Nonprofit devel-
opers should be aware this program is extremely complicated and
rife with land mines for the uninitiated"
The book is broad and necessarily shallow. But more to the
practical point, there are hundreds of pages of appendices, with
sample contracts, statements and management reports.
Developing Affordable Housing, Second Ed. , $95.00. John
Wiley & Sons, www.wiley.com 732-469-4400.
Briefing Pages
A few lobbying and advocacy tips. a quick primer on the
federal HUD budgeting process and a wealth of tables and
charts make the National Low-Income Housing Coalition's
web-based resource guide a must-visit-especially since it's
both well-organized and free.
The guide's most enticing resource consists of updates on
about 50 housing-related issues. from "Census 2000" to
"Welfare Reform and Housing." Each subject is deftly summa-
rized, then explained in about four to 10 paragraphs. Here's a
typically insightful sample, from the entry on the Community
Reinvestment Act: "While the CRA challenge is a popular griev-
ance procedure .. .it rarely works in the way many envisioned it
would. Generally, the effectiveness of the challenge process rests
with the ability of community groups to win commitments
directly from financial institutions themselves."
The entries update changes to each program, note related inter-
net and real-world resources, and include a "What you can do"
section. Many end with success stories: the briefing on the feder-
al HOME program mentions how the Northern Manhattan
Improvement Corporation helped tenant groups take over two
Washington Heights buildings with HOME funds.
1999 Advocate's Resource Guide," National Low Income
Housing Coalition. Free on the web: www.nlihc.orgladvocates! or
call 202-662-1530 for print ($15 members, $25 non-members).
Supported
Housing
u.s. Government Housing Subsidies, 1999
Estimated Distribution, In Billions
63%
$81.8
What's wrong with national housing
policy is distressingly simple to see.
In fiscal year 1999, $28.3 billion in
federal funds went to subsidies for
low-income housing. At the same
time, $102.1 billion was doled out in
the fonn of tax breaks-the major-
ity of it going to the wealthiest fifth
of the population.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
Low Income Outlays
Tax Expenditures
Bottom
Average Income $8,872
3%
$3.8
Second
$22,098
Third
$37,177
Fourth
$57,582
Top
$122,764
AMMO
-
-_ ........ .--.-: . ..... -
REVIEW
-
Corny
Flake
By Mark Winston Griffith
"The Way of the Bootstrapper, "
by Reverend Floyd Flake
and Donna Marie Williams,
HarperSanFrancisco, 253 pages, $23
R
ising from Southern poverty to the leadership of a church-
based economic development empire, the Reverend
Floyd Flake is both an American archetype and one of the
most complex figures on the New York political scene. Until his
recent retirement from Congress, Flake represented black mid-
dle-class neighborhoods that boasted the highest voter turnout for
David Dinkins in the city. Yet he went on to back conservative
causes, including school vouchers and the candidacy of Rudolph
Giuliani. Through it all Flake has emerged as the champion of a
fascinating career that has included both the revitalization of
Southeast Queens and a federal indictment for embezzlement.
On this history Flake has built a reputation as a political mav-
erick who preaches economic self-help, practices political expe-
diency and focuses on the interests of his congregation, some say
at the expense of the wider black community. With his first book,
The Way of the Bootstrapper, Flake attempts to convert this pub-
lic image into a coherent philosophy. The predictable result, as
with books by other public personalities who offer their lives as
an inspirational message, is a gassed-up Horatio Alger homily.
Bootstrapper is part traditional self-help book and part corpo-
rate how-to guide in the spirit of Seven Habits of Highly Effective
People. Flake shares his own nine-step plan for personal success
and community-building, stocking it with practical advice, moral
finger-wagging and self-improvement exercises. He draws on his
own history as one of 13 children born into a poor family in
Texas who then worked his way through high school and college
before becoming pastor of Queens' Allen AME church in 1979.
Unlike with many self-help and spiritual guidance books,
readers won't get lost in touchy-feely language or ethereal
themes. But where Bootstrapper succeeds in being reader-friend-
ly and practical, it suffers by offering warmed-over, social con-
servative "wisdom" that borders on the banal. That's not to say
that all of Bootstrapper suffers from a lack of imagination. In one
chapter Flake refers to personal introspection as "closet work," a
process through which we visualize our future, challenge our
inner demons and tap into our internal energy. Perhaps Flake's
most effective and insightful concept is "claiming," "an aggres-
sive style of prayer where you acknowledge the result
even before you receive it. Sometimes you need to be
quiet and listen for guidance. But at other times you
must become a prayer warrior and claim your good."
Unfortunately, this is as deep as it gets. Mostly
we find the good pastor delivering cliched obser-
vations: "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."
"Develop good work habits and all your steps
will be efficient." "By becoming proactive
through daily exercise, healthy eating habits
and stress relief we become healthier and fit."
And so on.
Flake mines popular culture, like the
movies GrouruiJwg Day and The Truman
Show, for his parables and teachings. When
he does refer to the Bible, which is not as
often as one might think, Flake trots out phrases so
familiar that he manages to make the Good Book itself seem trite.
At other times Flake is recklessly reductionist "There are two
types of people in the worJd," he theorizes, "people who do and
people who won't." Flake's consideration of "success" takes place
wholly outside of history and social context. Follow his logic to its
natural conclusion, and everyone's personal life story is either a
victory cry or an excuse: Public assistance recipients are public
enemies, and anyone stuck in a low-paying job deserves it
But what fundamentally damns Flake's analysis is its lack of
genuine spirituality. Flake uncritically joins the cult of the capi-
talist American dream, in which success, fulfillment and self-
worth are measured by one's competitive fervor. The true value
in learning the path to inner peace and God, we to come to under-
stand, is to get you off your lazy ass.
Flake's bootstrapping poster children are the usual suspects:
Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Sam Walton, Colin Powell, the
founders of Federal Express and Nike. Notably, Jesus Christ is
rarely held up as a role model. Unlike most of Flake's heroes,
Jesus never aspired to be anything more than a carpenter, pro-
fessionally speaking. If Christ were alive today, I suspect Flake
might exhort him to ' ~ u s t do it."
Flake claims at the outset that "bootstrapping" is a "process of
achieving success by making it, against the odds, through self-
directed action." It is a "mindset" and a "value system" that is
shared by others. But by the time we move into the finaI chapters,
the laws of bootstrapping become less universal and veer dan-
gerously into self-rationalization. In response to those who criti-
cize him for playing both sides of the partisan fence, Flake rea-
sons that "a successful bootstrapper must be able to navigate the
political and economic minefields in search of common ground."
But Flake's walk on "common ground"-liberal Maxine
Waters and conservative William Bennett write the book's fore-
word and introduction-leaves him standing in the fog. Lost
from sight are the values of social justice and self-love on which
true self-determination and personal responsibility are built.
Flake's co-author deserves part of the blame-there is simply
no excuse when a man whom I know personally to be intelligent,
independent and creative, as well as warm and spiritually ground-
ed, is represented in print this way. If the political gossip is right
and ''Rev'' does decide to run for mayor, I will not only campaign
for him but also insist on writing his campaign literature .
Mark Winston Griffith is the executive director of the Central
Brooklyn Partnership.
CITY LIMITS
THERE IS NO SUCH THING
AS A FREE LUNCH
But there is free legal assistance
Not-far-profits, community groups and organizations working to improve their communities in New York
City are eligible for free legal assistance through New York Lawyers for the Public Interest's
(NYLPI) pro bono clearinghouse. The clearinghouse draws on the expertise of lawyers at our 78
member law firms and corporate legal departments.
Our network of attorneys can work with you on a wide variety of legal issues:
Establishing your group as a not-for-profit
Lease negotiations and other real estate matters
Establishing a long-term relationship with one of our member law firms
Representing your organization in litigation matters
If you believe your organization can benefit from legal assistance, call Wendy Brennan
at (212) 244-4664, or email at wbrennan@nylpi.org to see if you qualify.
All legal services are free of charge.
NYLPI, 151 West 30th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001-4007
Bankers Trust
Architects of Value
Community Development Group
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
A resource for the non-profit
development community

Gary Hattem, Managing Director
130 Liberty Street
10th Floor
New York, New York 10006
Tel: 2 1 2 ~ 2 5 0 ~ 7118 Fax: 2 1 2 ~ 2 5 0 ~ 8 5 5 2
-

Breathing Lessons
(continued from page 21)
maties in places where the air is beautifully clean,
like in New Zealand and Los Alamos, New Mexico?
Platts-Mills is both impressed and nonplussed
by Saxon's work: ''His data are wonderful, but his
epidemiology is no good. If you try to explain the
situation-here's why there's an increase in asth-
ma-you can't see it. I remain confused."
P
eople in Hunts Point don't wonder where the
disease comes from. They get constant
signs. "There's a scrap metal heap through
my kitchen window," says Laverne Davis,
who organizes with Mothers on the Move on
garbage issues. "When I get up to get a cup of cof-
fee, that's what tells me good morning through the
window. That's a disgusting sight."
For a lot of people, Davis included, asthma was
a wake-up call. "At first I was not aware of the sit-
uation," says Davis. "Then my daughter ended up
in the ICU with a lung infection. She almost died.
It woke me up. Here I was, not getting involved."
One reason organizing has been so successful in
Hunts Point is that it feeds off the understandable
hatred that people already have for the overwhelm-
ing number of trucks and dumps in their backyard.
It speaks to the feeling that they are literally being
shit on, forced to cope with the entire city's waste.
Asthma has become a symbol in Hunts Point, a
stand-in for all its problems. The fact that there are
few trees. The constant parade of loud and annoying
trucks---ood the memory of the little girl who was
run down on Spofford Avenue last year. The smells,
and the loose garbage that clings to fences and col-
lects in the gutters. What might be easy to isolate as
an asthma problem in the doctor's office or lab is, in
this neighborhood, bound up with the problem of
living next door to a cluster of environmental night-
mares. For now, environmental justice activism is
the only thing that pulls all the pieces together.
''My own personal belief is that the reason why
asthma is going up worldwide will turn out to be
some factor like Western lifestyle or nutrition," says
Dr. Thomas Matte of the Center for Urban
Epidemiologic Studies at the New York Academy of
Medicine, which is working on a school-based asth-
ma survey in Hunts Point. "But people are skeptical,
when these problems are put forward, that it's a way
of avoiding dealing with the issue they are really
interested in. Whether or not they are affected by
asthma, nobody wants to live in a community with
poor air qUality. To tell somebody who lives near the
Bruckner Expressway that you need to worry about
roaches .. .I can understand the reaction."
Depending on where research goes in the next
few years, the lifestyle theories of asthma may real-
ly catch on. It's already beginning to happen. In
June, when the U.S. Surgeon General gave a press
talk at the American Lung Association's annual con-
-
ference, he took a page right out of the Platts-Mills
book by citing sedentary lifestyles and indoor pollu-
tion as likely reasons for the increase in asthma.
That means that the gap between researchers
and activists-the divide Rosenstreich accidentally
stepped into-could become a gulf. Even before the
scientific research to prove or disprove lifestyle the-
ories is done, the idea could have a profound impact
on public health policy. Like the cockroach
research, it could be interpreted by everyone from
Congressmen to activists as turning asthma into a
private problem. The premise that asthma comes
from personal behavior smacks of a familiar theme
of the 1990s, in which public accountability (and
government intervention) gets replaced with a story
of individual responsibility and personal blame.
It may simply be that the Bronx marriage of med-
icine and environmental justice was doomed from
the start. Processes that are essential to good scientif-
ic debate-like suggesting improbable, provocative
ideas--can be politically disastrous, points out Omar
Freilla, transportation coordinator for the New York
City Environmental Justice Alliance. "On the one
hand you have a lot of researchers following their
own questions, legitimate questions that need to be
answered," he says. ''The problem is when you have
a good question being asked, but the people who are
responsible' for implementing some sort of solution
purposely put it in a context where they don't have to
do anything. Government agencies don't want to
look at asthma as an air pollution problem because
then they'd have to do something about it" Instead,
says Freilla, just as polluters co-opted Rosenstreich's
cockroach study, regulators manipulate studies on
indoor air pollution, using them as a dodge.
That gap is hard to avoid. Where organizers think
first of power and the possibilities of collective public
activity, doctors by training turn to the smail, man-
ageable lifestyle changes individual people can con-
trol. So while activists fume at factories, doctors are
more concerned about getting rid of Fluffy and wall-
to-wall carpeting. "A physician talking to a patient
can't do anything about outdoor pollution, so they talk
about pollen, mold, mites, roaches. They focus on
what an individual can do," notes George Thurston,
an environmental scientist at New York University's
Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine. ''But
going into people's homes is not something govern-
ment should or could do. When you're talking in a
regulatory forum, air pollution is what they talk about
because they can do something about that. What's
important depends on your venue."
Depending on what happens in asthma research,
organizers will be faced with a crucial tactical deci-
sion. They may decide to oppose scientists and doc-
tors, their traditional allies in the fight against pol-
luters. Or they can try to strategically repoliticize
asthma Quite a few mothers in Hunts Point concur
with part of Platts-Mills' theory: that it's hard to find
somewhere decent for kids to play. In Hunts Point,
with few parks and little green space, asthma will
never be just a lung disease. It's also a rallying cry .
Reach
20,000
readers

In
the
nonprofit
sector.
Advertise
In
(ity
Limits
Call Kim Nauer
at
(212) 479-3352
CITY LIMITS
World Wide Waves
some on a leadership skills scholarship established
for them at New Jersey's Ramapo College.
Melrose
(continued from page 12)
positions, free of interruptions or attacks on their
views. By this May, the Croatians had established
programs similar to Global Kids in four schools,
and 18 teens were learning how to reach their peers
the same way their New York counterparts did.
Before his trip, says Persad, who grew up in
Washington Heights, he "didn't understand why
Bosnians, Serbs and Croats fought against each
other. I thought racism was black and white." But
experiences like his, and how they changed his
ideas about his own environment, are at the heart of
Global Kids' reason for being. "When young peo-
ple gain insight into what is happening internation-
ally, they gain insight and broader perspective on
issues confronting their own community," says
Evie Hantzopoulos, the program's deputy director.
By the time Silverio graduated from high school
in June, she had participated in two trips abroad.
The 1996 United Nations conference on sustainable
development, held in Istanbul, subsequently led to a
Global Kids project on homelessness. Silverio read
to youngsters in women's shelters, and worked on a
handbook about homelessness in New York City.
She has been a regular at the council's roundtables,
did an internship at Human Rights Watch, moderat-
ed a panel at this spring's Global Kids conference
on Human Rights, and, last spring, received the
Urban Hero Award from the Catalogue for Giving.
Then there was The Hague.
(continued from page 15)
make way for more proposed Partnership homes.
As in Harlem, where Partnership rowhouses are
being built on top of bulldozed community gar-
dens, none of the Partnership projects include
space set aside for gardens.
'This is very important to the borough president.
It's the poorest section of the Bronx, and it's the last
major piece of land to make a major dent in the hous-
ing supply," Zimmerman says. "How quickly more
is built depends entirely on political will. Six years
from now, the entire site could be built out if the
money was allocated."
Even leaving their own neighborhoods can be
transformative. Silverio recalls that one of the
strangest trips she took was the first time she went to
the Global Kids office, just 45 minutes away from
home. She had never been to Soho before. "I was
shocked," she says. "I thought, 'Okay, where am IT"
For the most part, when the students join Global
Kids, college is a place others went. But by the time
they're done with high school, more than 85 percent
of Global Kids students go on to higher education,
As she packs for Ramapo's summer orienta-
tion, Silverio proposes that her Global Kids expe-
rience will likely lead her to work for peace in an
international arena. For now, she intends to do that
through education. "When you have this energy
and are willing to stand for one cause, it gives you
the sense you can do it," she says. "To work on
social change is not a part-time job. You have to
gi ve of yourself."
Pushing precise ideas of what Melrose's resi-
dents need in their neighborhood, Nos Quedamos
and its allies are already fighting to rework the
cookie-cutter new housing usually available to
low-income communities. They' re also proving
that a well-organized neighborhood can force city
and private powers to shape the environment they
want to live in. Now accomodating garden space
is one more demand on Melrose's agenda-and
may be one that doesn' t make the cut. As for Global Kids, she intends to participate as
an alumna. "Global Kids was my first school," she
says. "They make us think." Carl Vogel is a former editor of City Limits.
Additional reporting by Suzanne Boothby and
Amanda Bell. Phyllis Vine is a historian and freelance journalist.
Jobs that make a difference. Two positions open at nonprofit that is organizing
low-income and minority communities: FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR,
GRANTWRITER. Exciting opportunity to be part of social change. Some cam-
paign or nonprofit experience required. Fax cover letter, resume to ACORN, attn:
Steve Kest, 718-24&7939.
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Working Today, a non-
profit membership organization that promotes the interests of people who
work on their own, is hiring a special assistant to the executive director. The
special assistant will carry out a range of writing projects, including the orga-
nization's newsletter and other communications material. He or she will
schedule meetings, answer phone calls, and handle correspondence for the
Executive Director, as well as assist the Business Development Director with
researching and designing new benefits programs for members. General
office duties will include sorting mail, helping maintain office equipment,
computers and phone systems, organizing staff meetings, and coordinating
the hiring of temporary staff and interns. Candidates should have aBA,
some experience working in a relevant field, and an interest in Working
Today's mission of creating a new labor structure for the independent work-
force. This position requires superior writing and organizational skills and the
ability to meet frequent deadlines. The Special Assistant should also be com-
fortable collaborating with others and incorporating suggestions into his or
her work. Mail or fax resume and cover letter to: Working Today, PO Box 1261
Old Chelsea Box Station, New York, NY 10113. Fax: 212-366-6971, Attn:
Special Assistant.
GRANTMAKING ASSOCIATE. Jewish Fund for Justice, a national foun-
dation supporting community organizing seeks assistant to program officers in
all facets of grantmaking. Expertise in word processing, data bases and strong
writing skills a must. Salary: $30,000 plus benefits. Fax resumes to Amanda
Berger at 212-213-2233.
POUTICAL ORGANIZERS. The Working Families Party is an independent,
tiracial progressive political party working through elections and legislative
campaigns to advance the work of community organizations and labor unions.
The WFP is seeking committed staff persons to organize local grassroots
political organizations in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. EOE. Call
Bill at 718-222-3796.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
TEACHER/DIRECTOR (NYS certified) Great opportunity/challenge! Take
over small, higtrquality, midtown school for 2-5 year-olds. Established 19
years. $3().60K salary potential. Brilliant, caring entrepreneurs fax resume:
212-677-3391.
ASSOCIATE-PROGRAM FOR STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. The Program for
Student Achievement of the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation seeks candi-
dates for the position of Associate, one member of the Program's three-person
team. The Associate plays an important role in helping the Program achieve its
goal of enabling students in urban middle schools to meet academic standards
in mathematiCS, science, language arts and social studies by the end of the
eighth grade. Support for systemiC, standards-based middle school reform is
the means by which the Program seeks to achieve these goals. Candidates
should have completed their undergraduate and preferably their post-graduate
education, and worked for at least three to five years in fields related to the
Program's interests such as urban public education or youth development.
Candidates must have superior analytical, writing and oral communication skills.
Some knowledge of major issues of public education reform is necessary, and
knowledge of middle schools will be useful. Candidates must be willing to reside
in the New York metropolitan area and travel approximately 20 days each year.
Applicants should be aware that this position does not include opportunities to
provide technical assistance in instruction or curriculum to school systems' or
schools. Please send cover letter, resume and six references to Deepa Purohit,
Associate Search, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, 250 Park Avenue,
Suite 900, New York, NY 10177 or fax to 212-9864558.
SOCIAL WORKER/COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. New Settlement, a nonprofit
housing community service and community action organization located in the
Southwest Bronx seeks a trained organizer with a passion for social justice to
work with an established parent-led group working towards educational reform
in Community School District 9. Two years in organizing; proven organizing
skills including outreach, research, campaign development; and proven group
facilitation and writing skills. position, requiring evening and weekend
hours. MSW preferred, or BA and plus two years experience in organizing.
Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred. Full benefits. Please mail or fax cover
letter and resume to: Megan Nolan, Community Organizer Search, New
Settlement Apartments, 1512 Townsend Avenue, Bronx, New York, 10452.
Fax: 718-2944085.
(continued on page 34)
-
SOl ADS
(continued from page 33)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Nonprofit organization serving aging networl<
agencies, general office duties, operationsjbenefits, travel arrangements, liaison
with Board and Committees. Proficient in Word/Excel. Good written and oral com-
munication. Minimum 2 years office experience. Some college preferred.
Midtown office. Full benefits. Salary in low $20s commensurate with experience.
EOE. Send resume with letter. CSCS 49 W. 45th Street, 7th Aoor, NY, NY 10036.
Fax: 212-3988398.
Nonprofit technical assistance provider seeks a SENIOR PROGRAM ASSOCI-
ATE to design and deliver interventions and worl<shops to nonprofit organiza-
tions in at least four of the following areas: strategic planning, organization
design, program development, fundraising, board development, human
resources management and community/economic development. Minimum five
years consulting experience or eight years in non profits. Second language desir-
able. Salary: high $40s-low $50s. Send cover letter and resume by July 30,
1999 to: Donna Panton, Executive Director, The Nonprofit Connection, One
Hanson Place, Room 2504, Brooklyn, NY 11243. Fax: 718-399-3428. EOE.
www.nonpro1itconnection.org.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE-RJNDRAlSING. Part-time. Design and deliver interven-
tions and worl<shops to nonprofit organizations in fundraising and program
development. Provide prospect research services through the Brooklyn
Connection Ubrary, a Cooperating Collection of The Foundation Center. Assist in
the formulation of fundraising strategy for The Nonprofit Connection. Minimum
five years consulting or nonprofit experience. Second language desirable.
Salary: high $40s, pro-rated. Send cover letter and resume by July 30, 1999 to:
Donna Panton, Executive Director, The Nonprofit Connection, One Hanson
Place, Room 2504, Brooklyn, NY 11243, Fax: 718-399-3428. EOE. www.non-
profitconnection.org.
SPECIALIZING IN REAL ESTATE
J-51 Tax Abatement/Exemption. 421A and 421B
Applications 501 (c) (3) Federal Tax Exemptions All forms
of government-assisted housing, including LISC/Enterprise,
Section 202, State Turnkey and NYC Partnership Homes
KOURAKOS & KOURAKOS
Attorneys at Law
Eastchester, N.Y.
Phone: (914) 395-0871 Fax: (914) 395-0415
LAWRENCE H. McGAUGHEY
Attorney at Law
Meeting the challenges of affordable housing for 20 years.
Providing legal services in the areas of General Real Estate,
Business, Trust & Estates, and Elder Law.
217 Broadway, Suite 610
New York, NY 10007
(212) 513-0981
COMPUTER SERVICES
Hardware Sales:
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.--I!II!.
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES. Develop policy and conduct investigations
and research on issues related to child care, welfare, homelessness. Knowledge
of New Yorl< City agencies and programs and top writing skills are required. Salary
commensurate with experience. RESEARCH ASSOCIATE. Assist senior policy
analyst on research on issues ranging from mass transit to consumer banking.
Salary: $28,000 - $32,000 a year. Send resume and writing sample to Glenn
von Nostitz. Office of the Public Advocate, 1 Centre Street, New Yorl< 10007.
Burchman Terrio Gebhardt and Quist is a New Yorl< City-based consultant
group providing an array of planning, development, and financial manage-
ment services in the areas of health and human services and housing. We
currently seek the following professionals: PROJECT MANAGER (facility
development). The Project Manager will coordinate facility development pro-
jects including special needs housing and health care facilities.
Responsibilities will include advising clients on all aspects of development
process including financial feasibility analysis, development team coordina-
tion, project scheduling, budgeting, construction oversight, and supporting
clients to secure development funding. A bachelor' s degree plus several
years of related experience is required and a master's degree is preferred.
ACCOUNTANT. BTG&Q seeks accountant with nonprofit experience to pro-
vide a variety of financial management and accounting services to the firm's
nonprOfit, community-based clientele. A minimum of a bachelor' s degree in
accounting is required. For consideration please send resume and salary
requirement to Burchman Terrio Gebhardt and Quist, 180 Varick St., 17th A.
New Yorl<. NY 10014, fax 212-627-9247.
Not-for-profit organization in Brooklyn wants to hire a PIT PROPERTY MANAG-
ER to implement a new management service for residential and commercial
property. Professional requirements are as follows: knowledge of management
procedures, rent subsidy programs, negotiating lease agreements, tracking and
DEBRA BECHTEL - Attorney
Concentrating in Real Estate & Non-profit Law
Title and loan closings D All city housing programs
Mutual housing associations D Cooperative conversions
Advice to low income co-op boards of directors
313 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201,
(718) 780-7994 (718) 624-6850
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folding, collating, labeling, wafer sealing and more.
Henry Street Settlement Mailing Services i8 a work readiness program
offering participants on-the-job and life-skills training
For iDformation cootad Bob Modic
(212) 505-7307 Fax: (212) 475-8711
NesoH Associates
management solutions for non-profits
Providing a full range of management support services for
non-profit organizations
management development & strategic planning
board and staff development & training
program design, implementation & evaluation
proposal and report writing
Box 130 7SA Lake Road Congers, NY 109200 tel/fax (914) 268-6315
CITY LIMITS
collection of rents, tenant selection process. Experience in fiscal and opera-
systems required including govemment funded projects, over-
seeing maintenance staff and day.tCHlay operations of the projects. Three
years of experience required. Fax resume to 718-389-9501.
JOB DEVELOPERS. Our Brooklyn multi-service agency is seeking individ-
uals . to work with a diverse population seeking employment.
ReqUirements: Understanding NYC job market, sales and marketing abil-
Ity and 1 year placement or job readiness training experience or other
related experience. Competitive salary and benefits. Send resume with
cover letter to: CAMBA, 1720 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226. Fax:
718-287-0857. E-mail: annem@1720.camba.org, web site:
www.camba.org.
RNANCIAL MANAGER. National progressive political organization seeks full-
time financial manager/administrative director. Financial management experi-
ence required. Political campaign or nonprofit experience preferred. Salary
commensurate with experience; health insurance. Fax resume and salary
requirements to: Naomi, 718-24&3718.
DOMES!IC VIOLENCE COUNSELOR. Full time, bilingual (English/Spanish);
weekly support groups, develop and lead workshops;
Includes evenings and some weekends. Degree and 3 years experience.
Salary $26,000 with excellent benefits. Fax resumes and cover letters to Irene
Navero. Queens Women's Network 718-739-6974.
Community Food Resource Center is looking for a FOOD STAMP PRE-
SCREENER to assist individuals and families to determine their eligibility
and enroll in the Food Stamps program. Requirements: strong people
skills/good verbal communication skills. Familiarity with government ben-
efits a plus. Able to learn a basic computer program/work independent-
CoNSULTANT SERVlW
Proposals/Grant Writing
HUD Grants/Govt. RFP.
MI(HA(L 6. BU((I
Developmm.
CONSULTANT
Real Eola Salet/RentaU
TecluUcal A..istanc.
Employment Programs
Capacity Building
Community Relations
HOUSING, DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING
212-765-7123
212-397-6238
ftIIbucclOaol.com
451 WEST 48th STREET, SUITE 2E
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036-1298
Does your nonprofit need corporate, real estate,
tax or other business legal services?
Lawyers Alliance for New York has a staff of skilled lawyers
and a roster of 400 volunteer attorneys from leading NY firms.
We specialize in providing free or low-cost legal services to
nonprofit corporations. We also offer helpful publications and
workshops on many nonprofit legal issues.
To find out if we can help your nonprofit, call 212 219-1800
Lawyers Alliance
99 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013 for New York
Committed to the development of affordable housing
GEORGE C. DELLAPA, ATTORNEY AT LAW
15 Maiden lane, Suite 1800
New York, NY 10038
212-732-2700 FAX: 212-732-2n3
Low-income housing tax credit syndication. Public and private
financing. HDFCs and not-for-profit corporations. Condos and co-ops.
J-51 Tax abatement/exemptions. Lending for historic properties.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
Iy. Preference given to candidates with two years' work experience in social
serVices, health or education positions. Bilingual a plus. Salary and bene-
fits: $25,000 a year, plus full medical. Send a cover letter/resume: CFRC,
Attn: Carlos Rodriguez, 90 Washington Street 27th Roor New York NY
10006. " ,
Catholic Charities has the following pOSitions available: ACCOUNTS
PAYABLE CLERK: Verifying Approve for Payments are prepared properly and
on a timely basis. Coordinate activity with Data System center for
processing batches. Maintain Accounts Payable files in an efficient manner.
Other & projects as required by senior management.
College credits In accounting or HS diploma with two to four years of
payables or related experience. Willingness to work additional hours when
nece.ssary. Overall management of Migration
Services and ItS .programs, Including day-tCHlay operations, direct supervi-
s!on. of staff, review files and accounts. Responsible for the com-
P!latlon monthly statistical reports and budgets. Provide training and tech-
assistance to casework staff regarding immigration related issues.
ASSist tJ:1e Director in developing strategies and program expansions as well
as drafting grant proposals. Master's degree preferred. Previous experience
in staff supervision, highly motivated and self-starter; good communication,
analytical and interpersonal skills. Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.
Knowledge of immigration and naturalization laws helpful. Experience with
Office. COMPUTER HELP DESK/IT SUPPORT ASSOCIATE.
ProVide the support needed for adequate utilization of computer resources
by servicing end-user requirements and monitoring computer resources.
Develop and assist in developing application software systems and reports
as required. Other assignments and special projects as required by senior
management. College degree with one to three years of end-user support
and help desk support. Ability to relate and communicate with both end-
users and management. Ability to initiate projects, prioritize and complete
tasks on a timely basis and work with minimal supervision. Intermediate
knowledge of the following: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Lotus Crystal
Reports, Explorer, Windows (95/98/NT), Novell and DOS,' personal
computers, penpherals and servers. GRANTS COORDINATOR. Responsible
for coordinating the distribution of HPNAP and FEMA funds to 50+ NYC
emergency food and shelter programs & social service staff programs locat-
ed throughout the Archdiocese. Position will assist Office Coordinator in
soliciting, reporting on, and monitoring grants. Bachelor'S degree in related
area or three years experience in grants management or similar accounting
procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Excellent communication and
organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks and attention to detail.
Y"e competitive benefits. Send resume, salary requirements, & include
Job title In your response to: Catholic Charities, 1011 First Ave. Rm. 1113,
New York, New York 10022 or fax to 212-826-8795.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING DIRECTOR. Conduct organizing to improve pub-
lic schools in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. Assist grassroots activist groups with
recruitment, leadership development, strategy, use of media. Supervise
interns/staff. Conduct workshops on educational issues. Spearhead voter
registration. Fundraiser. Qualifications: MSW + 2 years community organiz-
ing experience-additional experience may substitute for Master's. Bilingual-
Spanish necessary. Excellent oral/written communication skills. Able to
work evenings/weekends as needed. Salary: Low- to mid-30s DOE. Full
medical and dental benefits. To apply: Resume and cover letter to Megan
Chambers, Cypress Hills LDC, 3214 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208. Or
fax to 718-647-2104.
TEAM LEADER/EVENING TEAM. For CUCS Transitional Uving Community (TLC),
a successful mental health and housing placement program for mentally ill
homeless women located in SoHo. Responsibilities include staff supervision,
provision of clinical services to individuals and groups, crisis intervention, and
participation in program development. Requirements: MSW, 2 years post-
Master's direct experience with the population served by the program, good writ-
ten and oral communication skills, computer literacy. One year of pre-Master's
experience can be substituted for 1 year of post-Master's experience. Hours:
2:30-10pm, MondClffriday. Salary: High 305 + comprehensive benefits.
Resume to: Julie Lorenzo, CUCS, 350 Lafayette Street, NY, NY 10012. CUCS is
committed to workforce diversitY. EEO.
LOAN OFRCER. Underwrite real estate loans for national nonprofit lender.
Structure and negotiate transactions with borrowers and third party lenders.
Strong financial analysis skills and excellent communication capabilities.
Minimum 2 years experience in community lending and housing development.
Salary DOE. Resume to Low Income Housing Fund, 74 New Montgomery, #250,
San Francisco, CA 94105.
ASSISTANT PROGRAM OFRCER (APO) FOR COMMUNITY REVITAUZAnON.
The Surdna Foundation seeks an assistant program officer for its community
revitalization program. The APO will work collaboratively with other program
staff and the Board of Directors on all aspects of the Community Revitalization
program. Activities include evaluation proposals, conducting site visits and
assessing grantee performance. Advanced degree in economic development
or related field and knowledge of housing or family support programs required.
Competitive salary and excellent benefits. EOE. Send resume and cover letter
with salary history to: The Search Co@SR, 90 Washington Street, 27th Roor,
NY, NY 10006.
(continued on page 36)
-
(continued from page 35)
PROGRAM DIRECTOR. For the Times Square Program, a permanent support
ive housing residence for 650 low income tenants, many of whom have a his-
tory of mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse and/or HIV/AIDS.
Responsibilities: senior staff supervision, budget management, contract com-
pliance, liaison with host agency, community relations and promoting on-going
program evaluation and development. Requirements: CSW, a minimum of 5
years .direct service experience with the population served by the program,
including four years of supervisory experience and three years of administrative
and management experience, strong written and verbal communication skills
and computer literacy. Salary commensurate with experience and competitive
benefits. Cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Suzanne Smith
the Times Square/Personnel Office, 255 West 43rd Street, NY, NY 10036:
CUCS is committed to workforce diversity. EEO.
INTAKE SPECIAUST. The Center for Urban Community ServiceS, Inc., an innova-
tive communitybased social service organization, has the following position avail-
in a d>:'ar.nic supllOrted housing residence for formerly homeless and spe-
Cial needs IndMduals In mid-town Manhattan. This position is responsible for
intake-re!ated activities including presentations to referral agents, interviewing,
I?w:up with tenants, coordinating with illhouse components, and sta-
tistical reporting. ReqUirements: SA and two years direct service experience with
the specifiC populations to be served; or two years college and five years experi-
ence; or high school and seven years experience. Candidates should have demon-
strated assessment skills in the above mentioned areas, strong organizational
and analytical skills, appropriate writing and communication skills, and computer
literacy. Salary: $30K and benefits including $65/month in transit checks.
Resume and cover letter to Susan Maye, CUCS-Times Square, 255 West 43rd
Street, NY, NY 10036. CUCS is committed to workforce diversity. EEO.
The Center for Community Alternatives, an agency whose mission includes
developing effective alternatives to incarceration, is seeking a CUNICAL
SUPERVISOR FOR YOUTH Responsibilities: Supervise case man-
agers With making appropnate assessments to address clinical needs of
clients and their families; oversee groups, clients, charts and satisfaction of
criteria. C.S.w. and supervisory experience required, experience work-
Ing With a young offender or adolescent population. Knowledge of family ther-
apy. Excellent verbal and written skills. Familiarity with juvenile courts a plus.
Salary depending on experience. Send resume and cover letter to: Nancy
Serling, Personnel at CCA, Youth Services, 39 West 19th Street, 3rd Roor,
New York, New York 10011. EOE.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 8. FINANCE OFFICER. The Primary Care Development
Corporation (PC
oc
) provides financing and technical assistance for primary
health care facilities serVing medically underserved communities. The Project
Development & Finance Officer is responsible for guiding projects from
tlon to the completion of construction and permanent loan closing. The suc-
cessful candidate will have outstanding analytical capability, highly polished writ-
ten and oral presentation skills, knowledge of the real estate development and
fir:tanclng process and the ability to bu!ld and sustain effective relationships with
clients, colleagues and all the parties necessary to successful financings.
Compensation commensurate with experience. Resume to Director of Project
Development, PCDC, 291 Broadway, 17th Roor, New York 10007 or
lawson@pcdcnyc.org.
ASSOCIATE. The Kaplan Center for New York City Affairs at New
School University proVides a forum for dialogue and debate on urban issues.
Conceive, develop, promote, implement workshops, panel discussions, other
events. Develop networks of contacts among practitioners, officials and others
In areas such as public education, community development, urban environ-
.. Uals.on with paneliSts, speakers. Work closely with New School staff in
events. Manage outreach and promotion. Qualifications:
In writing on public policy issues. Ability to communicate
effectively. Commitment to urban reform. Journalistic experience pre-
Event planning or related expenence preferred. Database skills a plus.
Position IS three to five per week. Salary commensurate with experience.
Excellent benefits Include discounted New School tuition. Please send resume
and cover letter with salary requirements to: Andrew White, Program Director
Center for New York City Affairs, Milano Graduate School of Management and
Urban Policy, New School University, 66 Fifth Ave., 7th Roor, New York, NY
10011; or by e-mail to: whitea@newschool.edu.
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR. National nonprofit doing voter regis-
tration and turnout projects in minority communities seeks Development
In our Downtown Brooklyn office. Exciting opportunity to be a part of
SOCial change. Campaign or nonprofit experience required. Fax letter, resume to
Project Vote 718-246-7939 or call 718-246-7929.
SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER. The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation is
candidates .for the poSition of Special Projects Manager. The Special
Manager serve under the direct supervision of the President and
Will work closely With the Director of Institution and Field Building on a variety
of tasks that support the development of a new approach to grantmaking at
the Foundation. Across the five program areas of the foundation this
approach will focus on the Foundation's work in youth development and com-
mUnity development. R
7
sponsibilities will include reviewing concept papers
and proposals, developing grant recommendations for the Board, and
--
toring grants. The Special Projects Manager will also be responsible for draft-
ing correspondence, speeches, and concept papers, conducting research,
and analyzing data. Superior written and oral communication skills and a track
record of effectively communicating with diverse audiences required.
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Salary range - low
sixties to mid-seventies, depending on experience. Excellent benefits pack-
age. Mail or fax resume with cover letter and two-page writing sample to: The
Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, 250 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10177-
0026; 212-986-4558 (fax).
PROGRAM COORDINATOR for employment counseling center. Supervise small
staff, coordinate staff training, manage budgetjfunder relations, provide job
search assistance, facilitate workshops, perform job development. Bilingual
English/Spanish a plus. BA. EMPLOYMENT SPECIAUST to provide job search
assistance, facilitate workshops, research job openings, perform job development.
Spanish, BA required. Resume, letter to Karen Courtney, Citizens Advice Bureau,
2054 Morris Ave., Bronx 10453. Or fax: 718-365-0697. Resumes without letters
not considered. EOE.
Public Allies New York seeks AWES 8. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS. Public
Allies is seeking zealous young adults, ages 18-30, from diverse backgrounds
In New York who have at least a high school diploma or GED and have demon-
strated a commitment to their community. We are also looking for partner-
shiP.s with commun!ty-based organizations that want to support the next gen-
eration of community leaders by providing a full-time apprenticeship with a
Public Ally. Public Allies is a ten-month leadership development program for
young adults. All Allies are selected through a competitive process and
receive ongoing training, staff support, networks and resources. Allies are
paid a stipend of $1,500 a month, receive health care, child care and an edu-
cational award of $4,725 to pay for college or towards past student loans.
The .host organization and Public Allies share the cost of the ally stipend.
Applications are due July 16. If you are interested in becoming an Ally, con-
tact Managers Carmen Balantine or Kevin Toliver-Lyons.
Organizations that want to host an Ally, contact Executive Director Arva Rice.
Call us at Public Allies New York, 718-789-9063.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE, FINANCIAL SERVICES. A 19-year-old nonprofit commu-
nity devel.opment financial institution with a $20 million loan fund for nonprofit
organizations seeks a lender for Its New York program. Duties include credit
written and oral presentations, closing loans, monitoring the port-
f?1I0, and speCial I.deal candidate would have 24 years credit expe-
nence and strong Interest In the nonprofit sector. Familiarity with nonprofit
accounting a plus. Salary depending on experience. Send or fax
resume and cover letter to: Norah McVeigh, Nonprofit Facilities Fund, 70 West
36th Street, 11th Roor, New York, NY 10018. Fax: 212-268-8653. No phone
calls please.
SPECIAUST. Brooklyn nonprofit seeks housing counselor with prior
expenence with tenant and homeowner assistance. Responsibilities include
one-orHlne counseling, and organizing workshops and tenant and block asso-
ciations. Knowledge of SCRIE and DHCR regulations, computer literacy (Corel
Word Perfect) and Knowledge of Access and Page Make;
a plus. BIlingual (RUSSian/English) a plus. Some evening work required. Salary
lowmid $20s plus benefits. Fax: 718-382-6453. Mail: MDC, 1416 Avenue M,
6th Roor, Brooklyn, NY 11230. No phone calls.
POUCY COORDINATOR/DIRECTOR. Responsible for implementing and coor-
dinating the Federation's public policy work, including policy research, govern-
ment relations, and the Census 2000 Project. Assist the Executive Director
with .the. of policy initiatives. Must have excellent planning, com-
and Interpersonal skills, a Bachelor's degree, extensive
ence policy a.dvocacy and(or goverr:tment relations, as well as knowledge of
the ASian Amencan community. Expenence in community organizing or census
work a plus. Salary: $35,()()O. $55,000 depending on qualifications. TECH-
NOLOGY COORDINATOR. Responsible for implementing the Federation's new
Information Technology Initiative, including managing the provision of technical
in information technology to the Federation's member agencies,
assisting In the development of an ISP at the Federation, and coordinating the
Technology Internship Program. Must have strong technical background tech-
nology planning experiences, and a Bachelor's degree. Salary: $40,O()(}'
$55,000 depending on experience. Candidates interested in either position
should forward resumes and cover letters to the attention of Mr. Cao K. 0
Executive Director, Asian American Federation of New York, 120 Wall Street:
3rd Roor, New York, NY, 10005.
Positions open at Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service 40-
year-old East Harlem agency: COORDINATOR OF ADVOCACY SER-
VICES/FOOD PANTRY. Coordinate team of staff and volunteers network with
other providers, work directly with clients facilitating' access to
entitlements/benefits. Excellent inter-personal skills, knowledge of systems,
flexl.blllty, to delegate, openness to diversity. Spanish helpful. Two years
Similar expenence. Salaryjbenefits negotiable. PREVENTATIVE SERVICES
MSW/MA or BSW/BA plus equivalent experience. Bilingual
(En&lI.sh-Spanlsh). Great opportunity to join team committed to helping stressed
stay together. Rexibility, willingness to make home visits
writlngjrecord-keeping skills. Competitive salary/benefits. Fax resume: M:
Lufkin, 212-9874430.
(continued on page 38)
CITY LIMITS
,
Leroy and Kenneth Morrison
of Lemor Realty surveying
construction at W. 140th St.
CALL: CHASE REAL ESTATE
LENDING UNIT 212-622-3741
Moving in the right direction
Building like father, like son.
Leroy and Kenneth Morrison are a father and son team that is work-
ing with Chase's Community Development Group to make a differ-
ence in the community they call home.
The Morrisons are part of New York City's Neighborhood
Entrepreneur Program. Working closely with the city and the New
York City Housing Partnership, Chase helped create this program,
which is designed to transfer ownership of clusters of city-owned
vacant and occupied buildings to experienced neighborhood-based
property managers/owners.
It all boils down to desire and commitment. The Morrisons' desire to
do the tough it takes to be responsible contractors and build-
ing managers. The Chase Manhattan Bank's commitment to have a
long-term relationship with people who invest in themselves and their
communities.
Through innovative financing programs and relationships with people
like Leroy and Kenneth Morrison, Chase's Community Development
Group is redefining the concepts of affordable housing and local
entrepreneurship. We call that doing business right.
:........................ Community Development Group
CHASE. The right relationship is everything. SM
C 1997 The Chase Manhattan Bank. Member FDIC. Opportunity Lender A
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
-
(continued from page 36)
INFORMATION TECHNOlOGY SPECIAUST. Progressive human service/advo-
cacy organization seeks experienced candidate for full-time computer net-
work/client database, management position. Work with contractor to set up and
maintain intemal network/web access for 60 stations. Manage/ troubleshoot
network. Manage multi-program client database for thousands of homeless
clients. Analyze data/prepare monthly reports. Train staff in use of new tech-
nologies. College degree, experience with networks and client database
required. Nonprofit, staff training experience preferred. Competitive salary and
benefits. Women and persons of color strongly encouraged to apply. Fax resume
to: Coalition for the Homeless, 212964-1303, Attn: Karen.
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK AND CUNICAL SERVICES. Small child welfare
and social services agency focused on adolescent pregnancy, parenting and
prevention seeks committed and hardworking candidate to supervise and coor
dinate social work and clinical services to matemity shelter residents and their
families. Applicant should be flexible, have a sense of humor, enjoy adoles-
cents, and deal well with emergencies. Strong supervisory, organizational , and
communication skills required. Minimum of five years of administrative and
supervisory experience, sol id knowledge of City/State foster care regulations
and adolescent developmental and parenting issues. Spanish profiCiency pre-
ferred. Good benefits. MSW required. Mail to 320 E. 82nd Street, NY, NY
10028 or fax to 212-535-3775. Attn: Executive Director.
JOB READINESS TRAINER/JOB DEVELOPER. Midtown Community Court, an
experimental criminal justice project, seeks Trainer/ Developer for orl-site pro-
gram designed to move low level ex-offenders to full-time work. Bachelor's
Degree and experience required. Fax resume: 212-586-1144. EOE.
VISTA VOWNTEER. Major women's nonprofit in South Bronx seeks Vista for
regional transportation advocacy effort. Work with transportation planning agerl-
cies, local government and CBOs on transportation initiatives. Bachelor'S
degree preferred. Computers a must. Community organizing a plus. Uving
allowance, educational award, medical benefits and more. Call 718839-1106.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR. Innovative community building membership organiza-
tion of major Momingside Heights institutions (Columbia, Barnard, TC, St.
Luke's Hospital, St. John the Divine, etc) seeking individual committed to
diverse community collaborations and concrete outcomes. Major effort in place
to strengthen relationships between HarlemjWashington Heights and
Morningside Heights with economic and workforce development, worker-owned
childcare and Momingside Park renewal. Youth Center program in education and
youth services. Master' s preferred. Fax 212749-0842 or mail resume: MM,
90 Morningside Drive, NYC 10027.
TEACHER. Exciting Bronx preschool child care program seeks head teachers to
work with 3 and 4 year olds. Strong earty childhood background, at least 1 year
experience in preschool setting, and New York State certification N-6 required.
Bilingual Spanish a plus. Fax resume and cover letter to Rose Rivera, WHEDCO,
718839-1172.
RESEARCH ANALYST/URBAN PlANNER. Citizens Housing and Planning
Council seeks urban planner to prepare policy analyses and research reports
on housing, zoning/land use regs, and public finance issues. Should have grad-
uate degree in planning or related field, quantitative research expertise, and
excellent writing skills. Send letter/resume to: Job Search, CHPC, 50 East 42nd
Street, Suite 407, New York, NY 10017.
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR. Directs fund raising, maintains foundation, govern-
ment, corporation, donor files & contacts. 5 years' successful experience in
nonprofit fundraising required. Knowledge of special events, corporate, individ-
ual fundraising, major gifts, & direct mail preferred. Excellent communication
skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office & DONORPERFECT. Salary commensurate
with experience. EOE. Resume, salary requirements & writing sample by
8/15/99 to: MC, CCNYC, 305 7th Ave., 15th floor, NYC 10001 or jobs@Citi-
zensnyc.org. Please include DVLP in subject line.
DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE. Citywide non-profit seeks Development Associate
to assist in management Major Gifts Campaign, proposals, & other fundraising.
Strong writing skills; proposal writing experience, ability to work well with others,
meticulous concern for details & appearance of all materials required. Minimum
3 years fundraising experience required. Knowledge Microsoft Excel required.
Knowledge NYC donors foundation, corporate, & govemment contributors.
Strong planning & time management skills. Salary low 4Os. Resume, salary
requirements & short writing sample to: MLS, CCNYC, 305 7th Ave. 15th floor,
NYC 10001 or jobs@Citizensnyc.org. Please include MG in subject line.
PUBUC POUCY ORGANIZER. CVH seeks an individual to manage citywide
campaigns focusing on job creation, economic justice and welfare reform.
Responsibilities include: membership development, leadership training, partic-
ipatoryaction research and coalition work. Salary $28,000-$32,000 depending
on experience. People of color, women, and lesbian/gay strongly encouraged to
apply. Resume and cover letter to CVH, 173 East 116th Street, NY, NY 10029.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. CVH, a member organization of lowincome women
on welfare, is seeking a community organizer to build organizing committees of
--
workfare workers, welfare recipients and other lowwage workers in Northem
Manhattan and the South Bronx. The ideal candidate will have 23 years experi
ence in direct action membership building or issuebased campaign work. Salary
is $24,000-$30,000 depending on experience. Please send resume and cover let
terto CVH, 173 East 116th Street, 2nd Roor, NY, NY 10029. Fax: 212996-9481.
DYnamiC growing social service organization for gay and lesbian seniors seeks
DIRECTOR OF PUBUC POUCY EDUCATION. Develop policy and education on
LGBT aging. Excellent communication skills, ed/training and policy/advocacy
experience required. Community organizing a plus, MA preferred. Salary to
$40K. DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE to administer individual donor program,
coordinate special events. Fundraising and computer experience necessary.
Salary to $30K. Send resume and cover letter to: SAGE, 305 7th Avenue, NYC
10001. Fax: 212366-1947.
UTIGATION DIRECTOR. The HIV Law Project provides legal representation and
advocacy to low-income, HIV positive individuals and is dedicated to protecting
rights of historically undeserved HIV affected populations: low-income women
and their fami lies, communities of color, injection drug users, undocumented
and recent immigrants and low-income lesbians and gay men. The Law Project
seeks litigation director to manage all aspects of litigation, including developing
and overseeing impact litigation and supervising direct services provided by
staff attorneys. Responsibilities also include supervising attorney and paralegal
staff in all matters, including weekly case conferences; training staff attorneys
and paralegals; overseeing trainings/presentations to clients and staff at corn-
munity-based organizations; legal program planning and evaluations; overseeing
case/client reporting to funders. Minimum seven years experience and basic
knowledge of poverty and women's rights law. Salary $70,000. Please send
resume and cover letter to: Roma Baran, Esq. , HIV Law Project, 841 Broadway,
Suite 608, New York, NY 10003. No calls, please.
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT. Outgoing, organized team player needed to join
busy fund raising office and contribute to the revitalization occurring in the South
Bronx. Responsibilities include: database management, special events, corre-
spondence, and public relations. Excellent writing and computer skills. Send
cover letter and writing sample to: SOBRO, 370 E. 149th Street, Bronx, NY
10455, Attn: Karen Hill. Fax: 718-2923115.
Eva Moskowitz, a Democratic candidate for City Council is seeking energetic,
dedicated STAFF MEMBERS to fill leadership positions in field, fundraising and
operations on her campaign. Ms. Moskowitz, an educator and political activist,
ran for election in 1997 against the heavily favored incumbent, capturing 48%
of the vote. She is the odds-on favorite in this November 1999 election. To
apply, fax resumes to Recruitment Coordinator at 212-813-9319.
SOCIAL WORKER/FAMILY DAY CARE COORDINATOR. Come use your creative
clinical, administrative, groupwork and training talents!!! Unique aftercare pro-
gram seeks an experienced social worker/family care coordinator. Provide ongo-
ing counseling and case management to adolescent mothers, their children and
families; make horne visits; plan and facilitate groups and special events; inspect
and approve potential day care provider homes; maintain a working relationship
with day care providers and facilitate trainings. MSW/BSW or related degree with
counseling/case management and group work experience; strong written, verbal
and organizational skills; computer literacy. BHingual English /Spanish and a car
helpful. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send or fax resume: S. Muniz,
Inwood House, 320 East 82nd Street, NYC, NY 10028. Fax: 212535-3775.
The American Red Cross in Greater New York seeks qualified professionals
for the following positions: MANAGEMENT AND POUCY ASSOCIATE. Report
directly to the Administrator of the department to coordinate activities related
to program management as well as extemal relations. Requires BA and expe-
rience in program development, inter-agency collaboration, strategic planning
and grantsmanship. Excellent computer skills necessary. Salary $33,600.
American Red Cross in Greater New York, Employee Resources Dept . DM,
150 Amsterdam Avenue, NY, NY 10023. Fax: 212-875-2357. EOE M/F/DjV.
CONTRACTS COORDINATOR. Support contract management and compliance,
including financial and programmatic reporting. Requires BA, excellent corn-
puter proficiency (including advanced Excel), experience with nonprofit COrl-
tracts or bookkeeping and excellent communications, administrative, and orga-
nizational skills. Salary $31,200. American Red Cross in Greater New York,
Employee Resources Dept. DM, 150 Amsterdam Avenue, NY, NY 10023. Fax:
212-875-2357. EOE M/F/ DjV.
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR. Coordinate program operations, implementation
of new programs and training program. Requires BA, excellent communication,
administrative and organizational skills, excellent computer proficiency and
experience in program operations and report writing. Salary $31,200. American
Red Cross in Greater New York, Employee Resources Dept. . DM, 150
Amsterdam Avenue, NY, NY 10023. Fax: 212-875-2357. EOE M/F/DjV.
VOCATIONAL SPECIAUST. Provide vocational assistance to homeless women
in our residential facilities for families, by assessing employment and educa-
tional history and developing customized service plans. Requires BA degree in
social work, 4+ years vocational counseling or job placement experience, strong
CITY LIMITS
communication and interpersonal skills; a background running educational
groups for adults preferred. Salary $31,200. American Red Cross in Greater
New York, Employee Resources Dept. - DM, 150 Amsterdam Avenue, NY, NY
10023. Fax: 212-875-2357. EOE M/ F/ DjV.
WElFARE RIGHTS ORGANIZER. Make the Road by Walking, a communitY-
based organization in Bushwick, Brooklyn seeks organizer to coordinate welfare
campaigns to secure equal access to benefits for the Latino/ a
community and to promote Welfare Center-based democracy. Experience a plus,
Spanish a must. Salary: $30,000, full benefits. People of color and women
encouraged to apply. Contact Andrew Friedman by fax at 718418-9635.
OUTREACH COORDINATOR. The Training Institute for Careers in Organizing
(TICO), New York City's organizing center, seeks Outreach Coordinator to recruit
organizers and develop TICO as a resource for city CBOs. Qualifications: prior
organizing experience, familiarity with CUNY/SUNY and/ or NYC's CBOs;
Spanish profiCiency preferred. Salary DOE. Send letter/resume immediately to
TICO, fax: 718-7336922, e-mail: tico@tic01.org.
Progressive Assembly Member in Manhattan is seeking an ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT. Responsibilities include: scheduling, database management,
answering phones, filing, faxing, reception, web site maintenance, some corre-
spondence. Good speaking manner, knowledge of Microsoft Access and
Microsoft Word are essential. Full benefits. Fax or send resume with cover let-
ter and salary history to: Wendi Paster, Executive Assistant, ASsembly Member
Richard Gottfried's Office, 270 Broadway, #1516, NY, NY 10007. Fax: 212-312-
1494. No phone calls, please.
Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service, recognized for excellence in social service
since its inception 132 years ago, with a budget in excess of $20 million, 16 pro-
gram sites, and more than 500 staff, is seeking dynamic leaders to join our senior
management team. The Bureau is committed to building a stronger and healthier
community by empowering its clients to achieve their full potential. Successful can-
didates will evidence visionary thinking, and creative, analytical and problem solv-
ing skills to support the Bureau as it strengthens and expands its programs and
operations. SENIOR RNANCIAL MANAGER. Seeking experienced professional for
our Accounting Department. Responsibilities include budget, financial analysis,
grant management, and reporting forecasting and audit and review. Supervision
of staff. Requirements include an advanced degree in finance (CPA, MBA).
Knowledge of Fund Accounting. Excellent communication skills. DIRECTOR OF
FACIUTIES AND CENTRAL SERVICES. Seeking seasoned professional to over-
see building services in 16 sites, including housekeeping services, building sys-
tems maintenance and repair. Negotiate leases and ensure compliance with cap-
ital and operations budgets. Oversee the purchase of supplies, telephone sys-
tems and equipment. Direct switchboard, mail room and messenger services and
records management. Requirements: seven years experience in related areas and
supervision of staff. Excellent organization and communication skills. Working
knowledge of office systems including telephone and computers. Not-for-profit
experience needed. DIRECTOR OF NEW WElFARE TO WORK INmA11VE. We
seek a proven professional to lead new large-scale initiative to ensure that adults
transition successfully to employment. The Director will design and/ or implement
major program components including assessment, adult basic education, train-
ing and placement, and will develop a comprehensive marketing program and a
system for program self-assessment and monitoring. The position requires
demonstrated achievement in overseeing programs that include at least several
of the following areas: client assessment, adult education, job training, job place-
ment, job market analysiS, and employer relations. Job development and mar-
keting experience and skills are highly desirable. We offer a salary commensu-
rate with experience and excellent benefits. Please send resume and cover let-
ter stating position of interest and salary requirements to Barry Newmark,
Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service, 285 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, NY
11217. Fax: 718-858-7570. EOE.
Common Ground Community is looking for a TECHNOLOGY TRAINING PR0-
GRAM MANAGER to launch, direct and oversee start-up program to train home-
less, special needs individuals for technology related careers. Fax resumes to
Dawn Saperstein at 212-768-8748.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. New Visions for Public Schools seeks program
assistants to provide administrative and clerical support for mathematics
reform initiative and other critical functions. Must be organized, possess excel-
lent communication and computer, including database and website, skills. inter-
est in public schools essential. Two years experience in comparable setting pre-
ferred. salary mid to upper $20s. Send letter and resume and resume to: PA
Search, NVPS, 96 Morton Street, NYC, 10014. www.newvisions.org. EOE.
PROGRAM OFRCER. New Visions for Public Schools seeks a professional to
facilitate the development of small schools utilizing a standards-<lriven
approach. Must be familiar with strategies for improving teaching and
and college placement support. Candidates must have excellent facilitation,
communication and organizational skills t o assist school teams in setting and
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
meeting rigorous performance standards. Excellent benefits. salary commen-
surate with experience. Send letter and resume and resume to: PO Search,
NVPS, 96 Morton Street, NYC, 10014. www.newvisions.org. EOE.
Maternal and child health organization starting up home-based and center-
based Head Start programs in Washington Heights of NYC seeks: ADMINIS-
TRATIVE DIRECTOR. Full-time. MA preferred; BA plus two years administra-
tive/ supervisory experience or three years paid experience in child care under
6 years of age and developing community linkages; budget management - $40K
plus. EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR. Full-time. MA in Early Childhood Education with
Permanent NYS Teaching Certificate; two years' paid experience developing ECE
Curricula for children under 6 years of age; strong supervisory skills; $35K.
HEAD TEACHER. Full-time. BA in Education; 300 hours supervised student
t eaching or one year paid experience teaching children under 6 years; NYS
Provisional certification N-B, or completion of all certification requirements
except NYSTCE - $30K. ASSISTANT TEACHER. Full-time. Two years' college - 64
credits; at least one-half related course work; three years' experience working
with children 2-5 years and a CDA Credential - low $20K. HOME VISITOR. Full-
time. High school graduate or GED, good communication and writing skills,
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of adult and child development;
bilingual a plus. Low $20K. BOOKKEEPER/ SECRETARY. Part-time. High
school ; two years' experience as full charge bookkeeper; good verbal , written
and communication skills; computer literate - $24K. CUSTODIAN. Full-time.
High school or GED; two years' paid experience - $18K. COOK'S HElPER. Full-
time. High school diploma or GED; have basic knowledge of food preparation
and nutrition, Passing ACS food protection course is required - $18K. Fax
resumes: HR Director/ NMPP, 212-665-0495 or 212-665-1842.
PROJECT MANAGER. The Fairmount Housing Corporation is seeking an experi-
enced Project Manager to produce affordable rental housing in Jersey City, NJ.
The Project Manager will coordinate the development process and identify new
projects. Responsibilities include: identification of potential projects; financial
feasibility analysis; coordination of financing sources; management of project
budgets and timelines; assembling and coordinating the development team;
overseeing day-to-day development activities. BA/BS and three years of real
estate project development experience required. Excellent computer skills need-
ed. Salary commensurate with experience. Mail resume and cover letter to:
Project Manager Position, FHC 270 Fairmount Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306 or
fax to 201-333-9305.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for innovative organization that empowers Black and
Latino youth by facilitating mentoring relationships with Black and Latino pro-
fessionals. Responsibilities include fund-raising, program development, PR,
mentor recruitment/training and hands-on work with youth. If you're energetic,
and have a profound commitment to youth development, send cover letter,
resume, and writing sample ASAP to FCG/ SC, 225 w. 34th St. #1517, NYC
10122 or fcgsearch@aol.com.
The Center for Urban Community Services, Inc. (CUeS), a growing not-for-profit
organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for homeless and low-
income individuals has the following positions available in a dynamic supported
housing residence for homeless and special needs individuals. These positions
are available at the Times Square Program, a permanent supportive housing res-
idence for 650 low-income tenants. many of whom have a history of mental ill-
ness, homelessness, substance abuse and/or HN/ AIDS, located in mid-
Manhattan. SENIOR SOCIAL WORK CUNICIAN. The primary responsibility of this
position will be to direct client care, group work and program development on a
core services team. Additionally, this individual will provide clinical support to para-
profeSSionals, participate in the design and provision of in-service trainings, and
assist the clinical coordinator in reviewing core plans to meet agency standards.
Requirements: CSW; two years of applicable post-Master' s direct service experi-
ence with populations served by the program; two years of applicable pre-Master's
degree experience may be substituted for no more than one year of post-Master's
degree experience; good writing and verbal communication skills; computer litera-
cy. Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred. Salary: $39K and competitive benefits
including $65/ month in transit checks. Send cover letters and resumes to John
Lysaght, CUCS-Times Square Program, 255 W. 43rd Street, NY, NY, 10036.
INTAKE COORDINATOR. This individual will coordinate all intake-related activi-
ties including documentation review, interviewing, and follow-up with
tenants. Additionally, this position will function as liaison with contract agencies,
other providers and the host agency concerning intake issues, and coordinate
with various on-site components to ensure the stability of the program's tenan-
cy. Requirements: esw; two years post-Master's related experience; two years
of applicable pre-Master's degree experience may be substituted for no more
than one year of post-Master's degree experience; good writing and verbal corn-
munication skills' computer literacy. Bilingual Spanish/ English is preferred.
Salary: $39K and competitive benefits including $65/ month in transit checks.
Cover letter and resume to Susan Maye, CUCS-Times Square Program, 255 W.
43rd Street, NY, NY, 10036.
(continued on page 40)
doiABs

(continued from page 39)
REHABIUTATION SPECIAUST. The rehabilitation specialist is the senior para-
professional on a core services team. The primary responsibilities of this posi-
tion are to provide a full range of direct services to clients, assist in program
planning and development and implementation of group services with a partic
ular emphasis on mental health and chemical dependency services.
Additionally, individual will coordinate with agency and community collaterals and
provide training and clinical support to all on-site staff. Requirements:
Bachelor's degree and two years experience providing direct services to the spe-
cific populations to be served; or an Associate's degree and five years experi-
ence providing direct services to the specific populations to be served; or a High
School diploma and seven years experience providing direct services to the spe-
cific populations to be served. Also required is the demonstrated ability to ser-
vice a specialized population or address a special need of the program, good
writing and verbal communication skills, and computer literacy. Bilingual
Spanish/English is preferred. Salary: $30K and competitive benefits including
$65/month in transit checks. Cover letter and resume to Eileen Utrell, CUCS-
Times Square Program, 255 W. 43rd Street, NY, NY, 10036.
CASE MANAGER. This position is responsible for individual and group services,
crisis intervention, coordination of program activities, and working with team
members to develop treatment plans and interventions. Requirements: High
School diploma. A Bachelor degree and experience with mentally ill or homeless
people is preferred. Salary: $25K and competitive benefits including
$65/month in transit checks. Cover letter and resume to Eileen Litrell, CUCS-
Times Square Program, 255 W. 43rd Street, NY, NY, 10036.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR. CUCS' West Har1em Transitional Services, a highly suc-
cessful program that helps mentally ill homeless people prepare for and access
housing through its outreach services, drop-in center, and transitional residence,
seeks an Assistant Director. Resp: aSSisting the Director with program oversight,
development & management; supervision of clinical staff; contract and regulato-
ry compliance; community relations; and participation in efforts to develop effec-
tive public policies for the program's target population. Reqs: a master's degree
in the human services field, MSW/CSW preferred; 4 years applicable post-mas-
ter's direct service exp with populations served by the program; 2 years of applic-
able pre-Master's degree experience may be substituted for no more than 1 year
of post-Master's degree experience; good writing and verbal communication skills;
computer literacy. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred. Salary: $48K + compo
Bnfts including $65/mo in transit checks. Resume and cover letter to Lolita
Jefferson, CUCS-WHTS, 312-314 West 127th Street, NY, NY, 10027. The Center
for Urban Community Services is committed to workforce diversity. EEO.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR. The Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) pro-
vides on-site services in five supportive housing residence in Upper Manhattan
for 218 low income tenants, many of whom have a history of mental illness,
homelessness, and/or substance abuse. As a forerunner in the supportive
housing movement for people with special needs, this program now seeks to
advance this service model by achieving a higher level of mutually beneficial
integration with its surrounding community. The Director will be expected to play
a leadership role in these efforts. Resp: management of the service program's
day to" day operations, ensuring effective relations with the community, program
development, supervision of senior clinical staff, contract compliance, and bud-
get management. Reqs: Masters degree in human services, MSW/CSW pre-
ferred; 5 years of related experience, including significant experience with clini-
cal supervision, program management, and community development/organiz-
ing. Salary: $58,000 + comp bnfts, including $65/mo. in transit checks. Cover
letter and resumes to: Joe DeGenova, CUCS, 120 Wall Street, 25th Floor, NY,
NY 10005. CUCS is committed to workforce diversity. EEO.
HOUSING SPECIAUST. CUCS' West Har1em Transitional Services, a highly suc-
cessful program that helps mentally ill homeless. people prepare for and access
housing through its outreach services and transitional services, seeks a Housing
Specialist. Responsibilities: providing housing placement case management ser-
vices, assisting staff with the development and implementation of client housing
plans, coordinating the housing application and referral process, developing and
maintaining housing resources, facilitating housing readiness groups, and serll-
ing as liaison to housing providers. Requirements: BA and two years of related
experience providing direct services to the population served by the program; or
60 college credits and five years of related experience providing direct services
to the population served by the program; or high school diploma and seven years
of related experience providing direct services to the population served by the
program. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred, strong writing and verbal commu-
nication skills; computer literacy. Salary: $30K and competitive benefits includ-
ing $65/month in transit checks. Resume and cover letter to Lolita Jefferson,
CUCS-WHTS, 312-314 West 127th Street, NY, NY, 10027. The Center for Urban
Community Services is committed to workforce diversity. EEO.
The Center for Urban Community Services, Inc., a growing not-for-profit organiza-
tion whose mission is to improve the quality of life for homeless and lovHncome
indMduals, is seeking two SENIOR SOCIAL WORK CUNICIANS. These positions
are available at our supportive residential programs in Upper Manhattan which
provide services to low income tenants, many of whom have a history of mental
illness, homelessness, substance abuse, and/or HIV/AIDS. The primary respon-
sibility of this position will be to direct client care, group work, and program devel-
(.M
opment on a core services team. Additionally, this position will provide clinical
support to para-professionals, participate in the design and provision of in-ser-
vice trainings, and assist the clinical coordinator in reviewing core plans to meet
agency standards. Requirements: CSW, two years of applicable post-Master's
direct service experience with populations served by the program; two years of
applicable pre-Master's experience may be substituted for no more than one year
of post-Master's experience; good writing and verbal communications skills; com-
puter literacy. Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred. Salary: $39,144 and com-
petitive benefits including $65/month in transit checks. Send cover letter and
resume to Dawn Bradford, CUCS-The Delta, 409 West 145th Street, New York,
NY 10031. CUCS is committed to workforce diversity. EEO.
PROJECT MANAGER Community-based, non-profit housing organization. BA/BS
and development experience. Responsible for dayday management, housing
development projects, including; coordinating development activities with ten-
ants, owners, architects, investors, and govemment. Excellent writing, judgment
and computer skills (MS Office). Excellent benefits. Salary $28-35K. Send
resume to: Clinton Housing Development Company, 480 Tenth Ave. , NYC,
10018, or Fax to: 212-967-1649.
Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement, Inc., a comprehensive multi-service
agency which serves youth, teens, families seeks applicants for the following
positions: ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Seeking applicant 3-5 years pro-
gressively responsible experience in leading community based organizations.
Requirements include a MPA or related graduate degree, and significant lead-
ership, management and budget experience. EDUCATION COORDINATOR:
Seeking applicant w/ 3-5 years teaching expo preferably in an altemative setting.
Position is FT, app must be available during afterschool time. Reqs M.S. in Ed
or related field. Ability to work with local schools, community and develop strong
relationships with participants as well as computer lit a must. SCHOOL BASED
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Seeking applicant w/ 3-5 years exp in community
based Afterschool Program. Position is FT, app must be available during after-
school time. Reqs M.S. related human services field. Ability to work with local
schools, parents and community a must. RJND DEVELOPER: Seeking PT or FT
Fund Developer to work directly with ED in all aspects of fund development,
including public contracts, foundation proposals and individual giving cam-
paigns. Requirements include BS in related field and excellent writing skills.
Applicant must be creative and self starter, experience a plus, but will train right
applicant. Full-time PARENT ORGANIZER to support Queensbridge Community
Action, working to hold the local public schools accountable for educating com-
munity youth. 2 yrs prior organizing experience. Bilingual and Master' s in social
work preferred. Please submit resume and cover letter clear1y indicating posi-
tion to William Newlin; Executive Director, Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement,
Inc., 10-25 41st Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
Brooklyn community-based organization looking for self-motivated, bHingual
(Spanish), energetic, creative PROJECT COORDINATOR with experience working
with at-risk Latino youth to work in a school-based program and also participate
in agency's organizing efforts. Strong written and verbal skills a plus. Must work
well independently and also be a team player. Also looking for bilingual (Spanish,
also Chinese) OUTREACH WORKER with good written and oral communication
skills. Experience working with youth, coordinating events, record keeping. Must
be a team player. Send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Elizabeth
C. Yeampierre, UPROSE, 5417 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220 or fax 718-
492-9030, email UPRISE99@aol.com.
The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (NFCDCU)
assists credit unions in lovHncome communities. We will add these positions
after September 1 at our downtown NYC offices: GRANTS OFRCER- research
funding opportunities; write proposals; assist in grant reporting. Track record,
excellent writing skills required. EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT-assist senior staff with
extemal and intemal communications with Board, membership and staff;
arrange Board meetings' respond to information requests. Good writing and tele-
phone skills required. MICROLENDING SPECIAUST- help credit unions develop
policies, underwriting prooedures, and monitoring; provide consultations to bor-
rowers. Experience required. RECEPTIONIST-answer telephone; respond to calls
for basic information; clerical duties. Please send resume and cover letter with
salary requirements to Executive Director, NFCDCU, 120 Wall Street, 10th floor,
NY, NY 10005. Fax 212-809-3274. Deadline: August 23 or until filled. EOE.
LEAD ORGANIZER. NYS Tenant & Neighborhood Information Service seeks
motivated person to provide organizing and technical assistance to tenants IiII-
ing in at-risk Section 8 and Mitchell-Lama housing in NYC. At least three years
organizing experience required. Salary low to mid-30s. Includes health bene-
fits. Send letter and resume to: Joe Heaphy, NYSTNIS, 505 8th Avenue, 18th
Floor, New York, NY 10018. Fax: 212-6954314.
LOAN RJND MANAGER. A 19-year-old, national nonprofit community develop-
ment institution with a $20 million loan fund for nonprofit organizations seeks
a Loan Fund Manager to oversee NFF's loan program including the lending
process of underwriting, negotiating, closing loans and the portfolio. The man-
ager will supervise the work of several lenders and will work on product devel-
opment and special projects in addition to credit analysis. Ideal candidate will
have minimum four years commercial or real estate lending and portfolio man-
CITY LIMITS
agement experience. Experience with nonprofrts and nonprofit accounting a
plus. Salary commensurate with experience. Send or fax resume and cover let-
terto Norah McVeigh, Nonprofit Facilities Fund, 70 West 36th Street, 11th Roor,
New York, NY 10018 fax 212-268-8653. No phone calls please.
RETAIL MARKET PROPERTY MANAGER. St. Nicholas Neighborhood
Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit communitybased organization, seeks to
fill the position of Retail Market Property Manager for its Property Management
Unit. Responsibilities include: Day to day operation of a retail market and prcr
motions. Experience with commercial leasing. BHingual Spanish a plus. Please
send resume to: St. Nicholas NPC, 11-29 Catherine Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211,
Attn: Ivan Roman, or fax to: Attn: Ivan Roman 718486-5982.
OCCUPANCY SPECIALIST. St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation
Corporation, a not-for-profit communitybased organization, seeks to fill the posi-
tion of Occupancy Specialist for its Property Management Unit. Responsibilities
include: Annual Re-Certifications for all families in low Income Housing Tax
Credit properties. Preparation of Initial Certification files for new applicants.
Tracking and preparation of renewal leases, including Section 8 subsidy
renewals. Initial screening of all eligible applicants. Tracking of vacancy roster
and maintenance of Master Waiting List. Requirements: Working knowledge of
HUD Multi-Family Housing Occupancy Requirements (4350.3) and Tax Credit
Compliance Certificate. Working knowledge of DHCR regulations. Please send
resume to: St. Nicholas NPC, 11-29 Catherine Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211,
Attn: Ivan Roman, or fax to: Attn: Ivan Roman 718486-5982.
COOPERAnVE PROPERTY MANAGER. St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation
Corporation, a not-for-profit communitybased organization, seeks to fill the posi-
tion of Cooperative Property Manager for its Property Management Unit. The
Property Manager is responsible for the overall administration and operation of
various cooperative property under the supervision of the Deputy Director for
Property Management. Responsibilities include supervision of site porter; per-
formance against budget, purchasing, when applicable participation in tenant
selection and leasing, rent registration, rent and subsidy collection and arrears
management, tenant relations, maintenance, internal and extemal reporting, and
compliance with all program and miscellaneous compliance. Please . send
resume to: St. Nicholas NPC, 11-29 Catherine Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211, Attn:
Ivan Roman, or fax to: Attn: Ivan Roman 718486-5982.
Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation seeks a PARALEGAL STUDIES
PROGRAM DIRECTOR/MSW STUDENT SUPERVISOR to manage program,
supervise MSW intems and program staff, and help coordinate NMIC' s
Workforce Development Center. MSW, two years post.graduate experience and
legal and/ or advocacy experience required. Bilingual Spanish/ English and prcr
posal writing experience preferred. Fax resume to Julie levine, 212-928-4180.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Inwood House, a growing youth service not-for-
profit, is seeking an Administrative Assistant for a fast paced, complex environ-
ment. Duties include managing database, secretarial support to multiple prcr
grams, receptionist coverage, light statistical calculations. Requirements: HS
diploma, secretarial school training preferred; type 55 wpm; expenence with
Microsoft Office Suite a must. Bilingual a plus. Good salary and benefits.
Resumes: Cecilia Gaston, 320 E. 82nd St., NY, NY 10028 Fax: 212-535-3775.
Social Services agency, providing a comprehensive array of services, is opening a
newly renovated 45-bed SUpportive Residence in the lower East Side for persons
with HIV/AIDS. The following positions are open: RESIDENCE MANAGER, SA, or
equiv expo in related field. Salary to low 3Os. CUNICAL SUPERVISOR, MSW or relat-
ed Master's req'd. Salary mid to hi $30s. Vocational/Recreational Counselor, SA
prefd. Salary mid to hi $205. Three CASE MANAGERS, SA prefd. Salary mid 205.
All positions req. expo w/HIV/A1DS. Exc bnfts. Send/ fax resume to: H. Holloway,
Bowery Residents' Committee, 191 Chrystie St. , NYC 10002. Fax: 212-533-5760.
COORDINATOR to launch school-based community development program in
Washington Heights. Initiative will focus on economic literacy, IMng conditions,
and tenant empowerment. Responsibilities include: program management; cur-
riculum development; initiating collaborations with community partners; leading
workshops for children, adolescents, and adults and recruitment and tracking
of participants. Requirements: MPA, MSW, MBA or equivalent experience; famil-
iarity with communitY development; strong administrative and interpersonal
skills; abilitY to work effectively on the grassroots and administrative levels; b i l i ~
gual Spanish-English; persistence; creativitY and flexibilitY. Salary: low to mid
$30's + benefits. August start. Fax cover letter and resume to The Children'S
Aid Society at (212) 358-8935.
South Manhattan Development Corporation, a nonprofrt organization committed
to the economic and cultural vitality of Manhattan'S historic lower East Side, is
seeking a DIRECTOR OF ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT. Responsibilit ies
include: oversee the final stage of development of a nonprofit thrift store; cre-
ate systems and procedures to ensure efficient operations; provide program
development for job training activities; supervise manager of store, continue
development of a materials exchange program; develop and carry out fundrais-
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999
ing strategies. Bachelor' s degree, 3 years experience in fundraising and/or busi-
ness development, excellent writing and interpersonal skills required. Send
resume to South Manhattan Development Corporation, 200 East Broadway,
New York, NY 10002, Attn: R. Krasner.
Project Vote-ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/RESEARCHER. Provide research,
writing and fund raiSing support to non-partisan voter registration and turnout
projects in low income and minority communities. Exciting entry--level opportu-
nitY to be a part of the fight for social change. Must be detail-oriented, good
writer. Fax letter, resume to Project Vote 718-246-7939 or call 718-246-7929.
Abyssinian Development Corporation seeks a PROJECT MANAGER. BA or BS
in business, finance, urban planning or related field and at least two years work
experience. Knowledge of development process from concepti.on to completion
of construction. Strong written, analytical and oral skills. Fax confidential
resume to: J. Mcleod 212-368-5483.
PROGRAM ANALYST-program planning & development for new & existing shel-
ters/ programs for homeless women. Conducts research, writes proposals, eval-
uates programmatic needs, writes department newsletter. Travel to sites. BA
degree plus experience. Master' s a+. Computer literate, strong writing, corn-
munication and interpersonal skills essential. Salary $35K, full benefits. Fax
resume & writing sample to 212-337-7279 or mail to The Salvation Army, 120
W. 14th Street, NY, NY 10011 attention Pat DeLouisa. No phone calls.
TENANT ORGANIZER to counsel tenants on their legal rights; assist low-
income tenants learn management skills for ccrop ownership; negotiate with
landlords; assist in rent strikes if required; assist tenants in housing court;
respond to holdover and other eviction proceedings. Required: good commu-
nications skills, computer skills, ability to work well in group situations and
teamplayer. Bilingual (Spanish) required. B.A. preferred. Past experience in
organizing or community work preferred. Send a cover letter, resume, and three
references to Margaret Hughes, GOlES, 525 E 6th Street, New York, New York
10009 or fax (212) 533-8126.
EXECunVE DIRECTOR: CityWide Task Force on Housing Court, nonprofit hous-
ing advocacy organization, provides assistance to prcrse litigants in NYC
Housing Courts and promotes court reforms to decrease evictions and improve
housing code enforcement. Responsibilities: program planning and develop-
ment w/ Board of Directors; program implementation and staff supervision
w/ ass't director; grant-writing; government contract management; private
fund raising, statistics compilation and report preparation; organizing around
and advocacy for policy issues. Qualifications: experience in and abilitY to do
above tasks. Salary: $43T + depending on experience plus benefits. Starts
10/ 99. Resume/cover letter by 8/ 27/ 99 to: Search Committee, CWTFHC, 29
John Street, Suite 1108, NY, NY 10038.
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER NYC based non-profit seeks energetic and creative
fund raising generalist with at least three years of experience in grant writing,
research and database management. Experience with special events and pul>-
lic relations a plus. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently in a
small office environment. Strong written and verbal skills essential; computer
literacy and a sense of humor a must. The Catalog for Giving raises funds and
creates awareness for community based organizations providing direct services
to urban youth. Salary $30-$45k. Resume/letter to: Catalog for Giving; 250
West 57th St. , New York, 10107 Fax: 212-765-8190. EOE M/F/ D/V.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/COMMUNITY UAISON POSInON in the District Office
of a State Senator. Responsibilities include administrative duties, constituent
service work, maintaining the office schedule, some research and attending
communitY meetings. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Fax
resume to 212-397-3201.
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR. Prof. to direct fundraising for nat'l nonprofit loan
fund for operational support and lending capital. Min. 3 yr sr. level exp., demon-
strated success in fund raising. Resume & writing samp. to: low Income
Housing Fund, 74 New Montgomery st. #250, SF 94105.
Sinergia, Inc seeks a PARENT GROUP DEVELOPER for Northem Manhattan par-
ents of children with disabilities. Facilitate group formation and development around
education and disabilitY themes. Train groups in basic disabilitY rights. Liaison with
service and govemmental organizations. BA, B.S. , or minimum 3 years relevant
experience. Spanish-speaking. Send resume to: Walter Thies, Sinergia, Inc., 15
West 65th Street, New York, New York 10023. Fax: 212496-5608.
Small , pri vate development company seeks a PROJECT MANAGER.
Requirements: good writing and computer skills, hardworking, eager to leam
and willing to do anything in the office attitude. Self starter. Diplomatic. NYC
based office. Fax resume to 212410-2751.
(continued on page 42)
-
s
Letters
BALAMelMe FACTS who is not appropriate. Agencies will also stop
reimbursing residents who have been incarcerat-
ed or hospitalized for more than 30 days, leaving
the strapped nonprofit with the bill. Some non-
profits report over $130,000 a year that they
must cover when a tenant refuses to payor the
city stops reimbursement.
(continued from page 4)
ing management is holding the tenant
responsible to his or her lease, support staff are
available to help the tenant address the issues that
prevent them from abiding by their lease.
Carefully crafted house rules are essential to
ensure safety and stability in supportive housing.
They are expensive to administer and are developed
not arbitrarily but in response to security threats.
The rules are incorporated into leases and are
known to tenants before they agree to move in. For
most, these rules are welcome because they provide
the stability, security and safety they want and need.
Of the 12,000 units of supportive housing in the
city, the vast majority are operated by nonprofit agen-
cies with caring staff, and all have policies that
include abiding by housing laws. There may be indi-
vidual lapses, but this does not change the fact that
nonprofit supportive housing is a tremendous
improvement over dilapidated commercial SROs
that are dangerous havens for drug dealing and pros-
titution. In supportive housing, formerly homeless
tenants are able to rebuild their lives. It is worth our
continued efforts to build more supportive housing-
the proven, cost-effective solution to homelessness.
City Limits is usually so good at going
beneath the surface and identifying the causes
of systemic issues. That is why I was surprised
when I read Kemba Johnson's article "Cold
Comfort." The article completely missed the
point of a very real issue and contained many
factual errors. New York City AIDS Housing
Network is not a coalition of nonprofit land-
lords, as the article stated, but a coalition of
nonprofit housing providers, AIDS service
organizations, and homeless and formerly
homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. In
addition, I have never heard of an eviction pro-
ceeding taking less than two months, rather than
the two to four weeks stated in your article.
Most take over six months.
The article also fails to explain the wide
array of options that make up the housing con-
tinuum. Johnson lumps together transitional,
emergency housing, such as the St. Nicholas,
with permanent housing such as Euclid Hall.
Using two completely distinct housing types to
make assertions about an entire solution to
homelessness leads to inaccurate generaliza-
tions and does not address the unique issues that
face each of them.
I commend Johnson's attempt to cover the
issue of illegal evictions in all types of housing.
Many of the people who reside in supportive
housing entered into homeless ness through ille-
gal evictions. However, it is easy to criticize
nonprofit housing providers for having house
rules that are not always necessary for every-
body. To blame the nonprofits is shortsighted.
Nonprofits that commit to providing housing for
those in need are forced to adhere to schizo-
Nonprofits have been struggling with the bal-
ancing act of providing housing and compas-
sionate services for the past 20 years. Your con-
clusion that property management should be
separate from social service is one such solution,
which has worked for some housing providers
but not for others-just as not all rules work for
all tenants. Until city and state agencies provide
some real guidelines and support for nonprofits,
there can be no one answer.
Maureen Friar
Executive Director,
Supportive Housing Network
phrenic contract obligations from city agencies Jennifer Flynn
that provide the funding. Often, the agencies will Director,
force the housing provider to accept a resident New York City AIDS Housing Network
--------
(continued from page 41)
North Bronx disability advocacy and resource center seeks COORDINATOR for
Senior Outreach Project. This project targets senior parents who need to make
plans for the Mure financial, residential, and service needs of their children who
have a mental illness or developmental disability. Responsibilities include provid-
ing information and referral, counseling, outreach and making presentations to
aging parents. BA, counseling experience, strong oral and written skills, and
ty to work independently are desired. Recent grad OK. Salary is $28,000, plus
benefits. Please send cover letter and resume to J. Peters, Bronx Independent
Uving Services, 3525 Decatur Ave, Bronx, NY 10467 or fax 718-515-2844.
Corporation for Supportive Housing, a national nonprofit, seeks a highly
vated & creative professional to fill a PROGRAM OFRCER position to work with
community-based organizations on the development of service supported hous-
ing for persons with special needs. The PO position requires at least 5 years
experience; excellent verbal, written, analytic & computer skills; and BA degree
(advanced degree preferred). CSH offers competitive salary and excellent belt-
efits. (EOE/M/F/DjV) Apply ASAP to Program Director, CSH, 162 West State
Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.
DIRECTOR OF MC OPERATIONS. The Puerto Rican Family Institute, a com-
munity-based social service agency serving Latino consumers in all bor-
oughs, seeks a Director to oversee Medicaid managed care contracting, par-
ticipate in mental health special needs plan networks, plan for managed
child welfare service delivery, and develop grant proposals for program
expansions. MPA, MSW or equivalent required, 3+ years experience in man-
aged care operations or administration and excellent proposal writing skills,
bilingual a plus. Send resume and salary requirements to PRFl, 145 West
15th Street, New York, NY 10011.
MINORITY BUSINESS COORDINATORS. Brooklyn/Queens Minority Business
Opportunity Center (MBOC) is seeking two (2) candidates to assist with
nation, outreach and implementation of new program to provide technical assis-
tance and market opportunities to minority business enterprises in Brooklyn
and Queens. Responsibilities include data base management, client outreach,
counseling and monitoring (including site visits) and identification of contract
resources, financing and training opportunities. Requires strong written and ver-
bal communications, ability to work on deadline and manage multiple tasks.
Bilingual in Spanish and knowledge of Brooklyn and/or Queens community a
plus. Salary commensurate with experience. Fax cover letter, resume and salary
requirements to: 718-797-9286, attention MBOC Director.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER for REDAC Program. REDAC, a
citywide lending program, seeks candidate to assist women and minority borrow-
ers to access funding. Position will concentrate on one-t(}{)ne assistance to bor-
rowers to help in completing business plans and loan applications, and monitor-
ing post4oan progress. Responsibilities include counseling, outreach activities,
and development of marketing materials. Require college degree in related field,
or experience working with small businesses. Must be proficient in preparing/ana-
lyzing spreadsheets. Strong written, verbal skills a must. Fluent Spanish a plus.
Local travel required. Salary to mid-30s. Fax cover letter, resume and salary
requirements to: 718-797-9286, attention REDAC Business Manager.
Corporation for Supportive Housing, a national nonprofit, seeks a highly
vated & creative professional to fill a PROGRAM OFRCER position to work
with community-based organizations on the development of service support-
ed housing for persons with special needs. The PO poSition requires at least
5 years experience; excellent verbal, written, analytic & computer skills; and
BA degree (advanced degree preferred). CSH offers competive salary and
excellent benefits. (EOE/M/F/D/Vl Apply ASAP to Program Director, CSH,
162 West State Steet, Trenton, NJ 08608.
ADMINISTRAnVE ASSISTANT jOFRCE MANAGER. Housing development
agency seeks well-organized, reliable and energetic individual with good inter-
personal skills to provide administrative and clerical support. Requirements:
A.A. or business degree. Strong computer and word proceSSing Skills
(Microsoft Word and Excel) and good writing skills essential. Office manage-
ment experience preferred. Salary: to $24,000 with excellent benefits. Mail
or fax resume and cover letter to New Destiny Housing Corporation, 2
Lafayette Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10007. Fax: 212-577-7759.
FAIR, the national media watch group, seeks a RACISM WATCH DESK DIREC-
TOR. Monitor issues of race and racism in major print and broadcast news media.
Research and write for FAIR's magazine, EXTRA!, and other outiets, on coverage
CITY LIMITS
of issues affecting people of color and media diversity; communicate directly with
journalists on expanding and imprOving coverage; work with anti-racism and pub-
lic interest groups to promote their viewpoints and spokespeople; assist activists
with expertise and resources; represent FAIR in the press and at conferences,
etc. ; contribute to FAIR's evolving media critique. Qualified applicants will have a
background in progressive activism as well as writing and public speaking.
time starting salary: $27,000 plus child supplement of $1,500. Excellent bene-
fits. Application deadline is October 1, 1999. No phone calls, please. Resume
and cover letter to: FAIR Job Search, 130 W. 25th St., New York, NY 10001
Hudson Guild, a multi-service agency is seeking a full-time EMPLOYMENT
SPECIALIST to develop and implement job readiness and job placement
assistance to program partiCipants ages 16 - 40 years old. Outreach to
nesses to develop job placements for partiCipants. Teach group workshops
on resume writing, interview preparation and other World of Work topics.
BA/BS degree with min. 2 years expo as a vocational counselor or job
oper. Bilingual Spanish & English, computer literate. Salary low-mid $20' s.
Contact: L. Davis, Hudson Guild, 441 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001.
Fax: 212-268-9983 NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. EOE
The Greater Williamsburg Collaborative seeks an ASSISTANT DIRECTOR who
will be responsible for assisting the Director in implementing a number of com-
munity development projects, including a network of community technology
centers. Duties include: assist with the administrative functions and fundrais-
ing; research new curricula, programs and best practices of other community
technology centers; develop collaborative informational and outreach
als. Submit resume and cover letter to: Melissa Magallanes, Director, Greater
Williamsburg Collaborative, 545 Broadway, Lower Level, Brooklyn, NY 11206.
Fax: 718-302-2054. E-mail : HN6298@earthlink.net. EOE.
Leading child care policy and resource organization is seeking a full-time RJND
DEVELOPER to work directly with the Executive Director on all aspects of fund
development including foundation proposals, public contracts and individual giv-
ing campaign. Applicants must have excellent communication skills, commit-
ment to early care and education and knowledge of program development.
Experience in fundraising preferred. Excellent opportunity for growth in dynamic
organization. Position available immediately. Send resume to Child Care, Inc.,
275 7th Ave., 15th floor, NY, NY 10001. Fax: 212-929-5785, attention ED.
Citizens Advice Bureau's welfare to work initiative has an ADULT EDUCATION
COORDINATOR position. Develop curriculum for personal growth and job
readiness workshops; coordinate guest speakers, internships and education
for program participants; supervise food service training; develop plan for
skills training; supervise 2-3 staff. BA required, MA preferred. BILINGUAL
SPANISH/ENGLISH required. Fax cover letter/resume 718-993-8089.
Advocates for Children, an educational advocacy organization working to
secure quality and equal public education services, seeks a part-time ANAN-
CIAL DIRECTOR to work 2-3 days per week. Reports to Executive Director,
coordinates all grants management and accounting activities, generates
financial reports, and assists with benefits programs. Rnancial management
experience & knowledge of accounting software required. Competitive salary
& excellent benefits. EOE. Send resume & cover letter to: The Search Co. at
AFC, 90 Washington Street, 27th floor, NY, NY 10006.
Women's Cancer Organization seeks an experienced ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT to work with Director of Programs, manage database, statistics
and calendar development. Proficiency in Word, Excel, graphics and Printshop
a must. Candidate should have good telephone, written and oral communica-
tion skills. Bi-lingual a definite plus. Some college preferred. Salary in the low
20s. EOE. Salary history and resume to R. Hurdle, SHARE, 1501 Broadway,
Suite 1720, New York, NY 10036.
BI-UNGUAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. South Bronx community organization
seeks bi-lingual English/ Spanish community organizer with minimum 2 years
experience to develop leadership and mobilize communities. Call: 718-292-
0070, ext 214.
The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is conducting a search for a
NATIONAL PROGRAM OFACER to work to integrate and sustain employment
opportunities in supportive housing in all CSH sites and across the country.
This will involve: working with federal , state and local government agencies to
develop long-term funding streams for vocational services in supportive hous-
ing; developing materials and systems to enhance the transfer of skills, best
practices and innovations from provider to provider; representing CSH and
place-based employment initiatives at workshops and conferences and devel-
oping new national employment initiatives in conjunction with local staff.
Requires excellent communication skills and a willingness to travel. CSH
encourages applicants representative of the culturally and ethnically diverse
communities CSH serves. Mail resume and cover letter to John Weiler, 50
Broadway, 17th Roor, NYC 10004. Fax: 212-986-6552.
Hunter College seeks ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. MulMasked individual
who can provide admininstrative back-up for programs. BA plus experience,
excellent writing and computer skills. Reply by August 12, 1999 to Elaine Walsh,
Hunter College Department of Urban Affirs, 695 Park Ave., NY, NY 10021
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIAUST. Mount Hope Housing Company, a
CDC managing 1,000 low/ mod units and administering a comprehensive com-
munity development program, seeks an individual to adminster diverse housing
programs, assist in developing $10 M Community Center, and devise innovative
programs. Must have B.A. minimum, strong communication/ computer skills.
Prior rehabilitation experience preferable. Salary to mid $30s, benefits. Send
letter with relevant experience and resume to: Mr. Bray, MHHC, 2003-D5 Walton
Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453. Fax (718) 299-5623. Apply by September 1.
Experienced organizer, researcher, and writer SEEKING ENVIRONMENTAL/
SOCIAL JUSTICE POSmON. Good media, public speaking, and grantwriting
skills. Extensive experience leading trainings, planning conferences, developing
campaign strategies, writing reports, and producing newsletters. MA in Urban &
Environmental Policy. Call Eric: 617-876-3384.
Small arts organization needs office space. Can share. Approximately 200 sq.
ft. Prefer downtown Manhattan. 212-995-5108 or email mneighbors@unhny.org.
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