New fund launched for Haitian community in NYC

BROOKLYN New York City is home to one of the largest Haitian populations outside of Port au Prince. Most of the more than 140,000 people live in Brooklyn and Queens.

Officials said the impact of the January 12, 2010 earthquake has extended well beyond Haiti's shores, penetrating some of the city's most vibrant and under-resourced communities.

The NYC Hope & Healing Fund will provide financial support and critical resources to local non-profit organizations that are attuned to the needs of Haitian American New Yorkers affected by the earthquake.

The fund will also focus on strengthening these organizations so they can most effectively serve the increased number of people needing assistance.

Both Brooklyn Community Foundation and the United Way of NYC have contributed $100,000 to help launch the NYC Hope and Healing Fund. It has also received initial funding commitments from the Altman Foundation, Capital One Bank and St. Francis College and will be seeking additional funding from other foundations and corporations as well as donations from the general public.

The immediate and long-term needs of the community will be continually assessed and the Fund hopes to raise enough money to support these efforts over time.

For more information about the NYC Hope & Healing Fund please visit www.HopeandHealingFund.org.

To learn more about United Way for New York City and how to get involved, visit www.unitedwaynyc.org

To learn more about the Brooklyn Community Foundation please visit www.BrooklynCommunityFoundation.org

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