Breaking Ground on New Facilities is No Longer a Distant Dream!

Senator Malcolm Smith, President Pro-Tempore of NY State’s Senate presented the Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP) a grant of $250,000 to cover some of the soft costs of a new building that the community service organization plans to build in the near future. The grant nearly brings HAUP to the point where it will be able to break ground on the new facilities.  So far through staff efforts, HAUP has raised about $3.5 million in capital funding as follows:

1. $3 million from NY City through the good offices of Councilman Leroy Comrie;
2. $250,000 from the Queensborough President’s Office, Ellen Marshall;
3. $250,000 from NY State through the good offices of Senator Malcolm Smith; and
4. $50,000 from Assemblyman William Scarborough

HAUP hopes that Haitians in New York and elsewhere will pitch generously to raise the remaining $150,000 before the end of the year. To that end it will launch a vibrant campaign to provide them with the opportunity to contribute financially.

The event featured a who’s who of key elected officials in Queens and the Greater Cambria Heights area.  In addition to Senator Malcolm Smith, Queens borough President Ellen Marshall, NYC City Councilman Leroy Comrie, Nassau County Legislator John J. Ciotti, Town of Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino came to show support and appreciation for HAUP which after 34 years of service continues to meet the needs and dreams of thousands. Several founding members came to celebrate this momentous event. Among them Marie Fouche, Monique Blanchard, Laurette Delaleu, Marcus Mordan, Rulx Rosefort, Pudens Devarieux.  Architects Nicole Hollant-Denis and Rodney Leon, and Construction Manager Rudolf J. Gedeon were also recognized for their involvement in designing what is sure to be a landmark building on Linden Boulevard .