LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Long Island
Housing Services

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 commemorate the 40th
Anniversary of Long Island Housing Services, to be celebrated on Friday,
April 30, 2010, at the Touro Law Center in Central Islip; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this event is to honor Beth M. Wickey, Esq. of
Nassau-Suffolk Law Services, Inc., and retiring Long Island Housing
Services' President; along with Harriet Spiegelman, Long Island Housing
Services' Projects Facilitator; and
WHEREAS, Long Island Housing Services' (LIHS) mission is the elimi-
nation of unlawful housing discrimination and the promotion of decent
and affordable housing through advocacy and education; and
WHEREAS, Within a week after the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr., the Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968 was passed; that following year, what has developed into
Long Island's premier and unique Fair Housing organization was formed
through the then Smithaven Ministries; the idea came together from
volunteers representing civic and religious group leaders concerned
about racially discriminatory practices and segregation on Long Island;
and
WHEREAS, In the early 1970s, the group incorporated and became an
independent, nonprofit, fair housing agency that came to be well known
as Suffolk Housing Services; the group successfully challenged real
estate agencies, management companies, landlords, and owners where
investigation revealed solid evidence for discrimination; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-1980s, the agency became nationally acclaimed for
its investigation and testing abilities with an Eastern District land-
mark jury award of a significant amount in favor of two black air traf-
fic controllers; the organization conducted tests which proved that
black prospective tenants were falsely denied rental housing at the
Watergate Apartments in Patchogue, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, the agency expanded its services to investigate
discrimination in Nassau County and became Long Island Housing Services;
LIHS' work in challenging all kinds of discrimination has received
national attention, especially among topics such as race, handicap, and
familial status; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, LIHS' successful testing program was highlighted on
CBS' "48 Hours" news magazine show; the story featured undercover black
and white testers being given false information about availability of
housing by the broker; and
WHEREAS, LIHS' primary objectives are to promote racial integration
and equal housing opportunity throughout Long Island; reduce and elimi-
nate unlawful housing discrimination; encourage the development of low-
income and affordable housing; and to educate and assist the public
regarding housing rights and opportunities in its region; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, LIHS has provided thorough fair housing
advocacy and enforcement services; it is a true asset to society; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Long Island Housing Services; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Beth M. Wickey, Esq. of Nassau-Suffolk Law Services, Inc.,
and retiring Long Island Housing Services' President; and Harriet Spie-
gelman, Long Island Housing Services' Projects Facilitator.