LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Harlem Congregations for Community
Improvement, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its National Week of
Prayer for the Healing of HIV-AIDS Events

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Harlem
Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. upon the occasion of host-
ing its National Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV-AIDS Events, to
be celebrated on Friday, March 11, 2011, at Salvation and Deliverance
Church in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI)
is committed to the holistic revitalization of Harlem; it provides
economic development and empowerment opportunities to help Harlem resi-
dents rebuild and sustain their community; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1986, HCCI is a coalition of more than 90 inter-
faith congregations that has implemented a comprehensive portfolio of
programs to provide affordable housing and safe streets; it offers
opportunities for individuals and groups to become and remain econom-
ically independent as well as increase the understanding of and access
to health care; and
WHEREAS, HCCI also provides substantive educational programs for
adults and young people; through alliances along with other community
organizations, and local residents, HCCI has also helped reduce crime in
the community, increase public sanitation, and has preserved and trans-
formed accessible space; and
WHEREAS, Leveraging a significant amount in support from federal,
state, and city agencies, HCCI's real estate office has developed more
than 2,000 units of low, moderate and middle-income housing and nearly
40 commercial spaces including a 45,000 square foot Pathmark supermar-
ket; its health office provides scattered-site housing for 60 families
and individuals living with HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, HCCI's adult education programs include soft employment
skills, literacy training (in conjunction with Literacy Partners), and
computer software training, all linked with job placement; and
WHEREAS, HCCI's goals and objectives are to: provide affordable rental
housing and ownership opportunities for various income levels, including
the homeless, low to moderate income families, disabled persons and
individuals who have relocated; promote economic development through
homeownership job training, employment opportunities, referral services,
and local commercial revitalization; teach area residents life skills
that bolster self-esteem, enhance self respect and promote self-suffici-
ency; and coordinate community youth programming to provide educational,
cultural, athletic and employment opportunities where youth can grow and
become productive members of society; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, HCCI's distinguished record merits
the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. upon the
occasion of hosting its National Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV-
AIDS Events; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Charles A. Curtis, Ed.D., Chairman of the Board, and
Lucille L. McEwen, Esq., and President.