Senate Resolution No. 669

BY: Senator DILAN

COMMEMORATING the 45th Anniversary of the
Southside United H.D.F.C., Los Sures

WHEREAS, Organizations which serve the interests of the people of
this Empire State merit the commendation of this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, Southside United H.D.F.C., Los Sures has served the
interests of the people of the Empire State by nurturing and sustaining
a vibrant neighborhood which supports the diverse family life of
Williamsburg by advocating for and developing affordable housing, family
health and well-being, and equal opportunity for all; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1972, Los Sures started rebuilding the community
of the South Side of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, after an epidemic of
landlord abandonment, withdrawal of city services, and illegal evictions
by landlords; Los Sures started promoting community-based control of
housing, through management and ownership; and

WHEREAS, By 1975, Los Sures had become the first community-based
organization to enter into agreements to manage City-owned properties;
today, they are regarded as a pioneer in both the management and
development of affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Los Sures has been involved in the
rehabilitation and construction of over 5,000 units in over 340
buildings and co-ops, including seven small vacant buildings that were
purchased and rehabilitated and later sold to local residents; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community, Los Sures founded the Los Sures
Food Pantry, that attracts over 800 low-income individuals monthly; they
also operate the Los Sures "David Santiago" Senior Center where about 80
seniors per day enjoy lunch and social recreation; and

WHEREAS, Los Sures assists local residents of the South Side of
Williamsburg, including formerly homeless tenants for whom they provide
case management, crisis intervention, information and referral,
supportive counseling and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, As the changes due to gentrification affect Williamsburg,
Los Sures provides affordable housing, community organizing, and social
services, including a food pantry, to address this challenge for all
residents within their community; and

WHEREAS, For 45 years, Los Sures has been instrumental in building
the community where diversity is valued and embraced and where
neighborhood residents share the core values of respect, commitment, and
integrity; and

WHEREAS, As Los Sures celebrates their 45th Anniversary, they pledge
to continue the struggle and advocate for affordable housing, access to
health care, and nutrition services and educational opportunity, and
employment services, working in collaboration with the larger community;
and


WHEREAS, This occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative
Body to recognize and pay tribute to Southside United H.D.F.C., Los
Sures; and

WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, Southside
United H.D.F.C., Los Sures has demonstrated the value of advocating for
and developing affordable housing, family health, and well-being and
equal opportunity for all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 45th Anniversary of the Southside United H.D.F.C., Los
Sures; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Southside United H.D.F.C., Los Sures.