On January 25, 2012, the Committee on Immigration of the New York City Council held a hearing on Resolution 1096 calling upon the Department of Homeland Security to create a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program. The Resolution, introduced by Haitian-American Councilor Mathieu Eugene, would benefit Haitians recovering from the January 12, 2010 earthquake by allowing Haitians with approved family-sponsored immigrant visa petitions to come to the United States.

Following is the statement that was delivered at the hearing on behalf of the Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP)

My name is Jocelyn McCalla and I am pleased to testify today before this Committee on Resolution No. 1096, on behalf of the Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP).

HAUP was founded 37 years ago by Haitian-American community leaders and advocates to help resettle and integrate Haitian asylum-seekers and immigrants in New York City. These leaders included the Most Rev. Guy Sansaricq, auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn and Ms. Carolle Berotte Joseph who is currently serving as President of Bronx Community College.

HAUP is located in Cambria Heights which is home to the largest Haitian-American enclave outside of Brooklyn. While HAUP began as a volunteer-based organization focused initially on responding to the needs of Haitian immigrants and refugees, it has since expanded and offers its multitude of services to newcomers and citizens alike. Under the leadership of Executive Director Elsie Saint-Louis, HAUP has risen to serve annually some 15,000 people who come to us from Cambria Heights proper as well as from Queens Village, Jamaica, Springfield Gardens and Laurelton. We provide services to clients in Brooklyn through our ambulatory programs. Residents of Elmont and Hempstead on Long Island also seek our services and support, since we are located so close to the border with Nassau County.

Regarding Resolution 1096

The Obama Administration responded remarkably fast and aggressively to the major catastrophe that hit Haiti some two years ago on January 12, 2010. The United States deployed thousands of troops to support the actions of a government that had literally collapsed, and to facilitate the relief and recovery response that poured from all over the world into Haiti. Stateside, it promptly granted Temporary Protected Status to Haitian non-immigrants who were in the United States at the time. Last year, the Administration extended TPS for this class and broadened it to include Haitians who had hurriedly joined their relatives after the earthquake because their livelihood had been destroyed. Most recently, the Administration has decided to allow Haitians to take part in the guest worker programs that U.S. growers and farmers use to ensure that they have sufficient legal labor to bring in the harvest.

Yet there’s one more step that the Administration could have taken and which – as Res. 1096 notes – it has not taken: it has not speeded up the family reunification process for Haitian immigrants who are already in the pipeline. These Haitians could be paroled and safely reunited with their relative sponsors in the United States while awaiting their final immigrant visa interviews. Such a program already exists for Cuban nationals. Failure to establish it for Haitians raises issues of double-standards.

HAUP supports the Resolution and urges the Committee on Immigration and the entire NY City Council to approve it. Such an action would send a very strong signal to the Obama Administration that this great city – which has one of the most diverse and productive immigrant populations in the United States – supports a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program

Haitian Reality Today

Haiti’s recovery barely got off the ground in 2010, in spite of the close to $10 billion pledged at the March 2010 International Donors Conference, and the commitment to hasten efforts to build Haiti back better. As time went by, frustrations with political management of Haitian affairs and of the recovery efforts led both Haitians and their international allies to turn to electoral politics. These turned out to be highly controversial; a disaster was only averted by heavy-handed management of the process by the US and its key allies. Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, remains home to more than half a million internally displaced earthquake refugees. Many have returned to homes that are unsafe.

While the United States and its allies have done much in the past year to support Haiti’s recovery and reconstruction, economic growth and political stability remain a dream deferred. We hope that Haiti’s new President and legislature will provide the leadership necessary to allow for growth and prosperity. Most observers however agree that real economic progress is years away. Meanwhile, Haiti remains vulnerable to the vagaries of nature (floods, tropical storms, hurricanes) and societal misfortunes (health emergencies such as cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, increased commodities and food costs due to world price fluctuations).

Conclusion

Haitian-Americans United for Progress resolutely supports the adoption of Res. 1096. We are prepared to offer support to the beneficiaries of a Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program once it is promulgated. We can help ease resettlement woes for the newcomers, and assist their relatives who are either resident or citizens with the inevitable questions that arise in such situations. In short, we believe that this is the right thing to do and we urge the Committee and the Council to adopt the resolution unanimously.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined by members of the Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP) and Kompa Guide at an event commemorating the 208^th Anniversary of Haiti’s Independence. The ceremony also honored the lives of tens of thousands of Haitians that died during an earthquake on January 12, 2010.

“When Haiti declared its freedom, Haitians made history, setting a precedent as the second country to declare independence in Latin America and creating the first post-colonial black-led nation in the world.  Today, we continue to see the courage of that struggle reflected in Haiti’s response to the devastating earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2010,” said County Executive Mangano.  “Despite all Haiti has endured throughout their history, Haitians have shown an unwavering strength, will, and passion to forge ahead and build a more prosperous nation.  I salute the many contributions that Haitian-Americans have made to the culture and prosperity here in Nassau County and I wish all Haitians a happy Independence Day and hope that 2012 is a year filled with peace and progress.”

The event was moderated by Haitian-American poet/performer Michèle Voltaire Marcelin whose writings and performances in English, French, and Creole are praised and sought after.  Haitian music, dance performances and gourmet meals illustrative of Haitian cuisine were also offered to guests.

“Haiti Day on January 11^th shed light on the growing contributions of Haitians to Nassau County’s diversity and economic development.  We are delighted to partner with Mr. Mangano in celebrating Haiti’s Independence and we look forward to a successful partnership,” said Elsie Saint Louis Accilien, Executive Director, The Haitian Americans United for Progress, Inc. (HAUP).

Gina Faustin, Executive Producer of Kompa Guide, added, “Many Haitian families including the Faustins settled in Nassau County in the early 1950′s and have been in integral part of its evolution, and richness. Haiti’s Independence Celebration will raise awareness to this remarkable population.”

Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP) is one of the largest not-for-profit community-based organizations in the greater Cambria Heights area and Nassau County, serving approximately 15,000 people a year through a variety of programs and services that range from after-school and youth programs to remedial care for the elderly and the mentally-disabled.  HAUP has risen from its inception 35 years ago as a small volunteer-based Haitian refugee and immigrant mutual assistance association into a service agency that reaches out to the broader community of immigrants and native-born Americans.  HAUP is dedicated to providing a supportive environment through education, training, culture, networking opportunities, and other support services, that allow members of the community to successfully adapt and thrive.

The City of New York is just about ready to request the release of monies promised for the renovation of our new headquarters.  This means the long-awaited, long hoped-for construction we have worked so hard to bring to life is very near.  So near we can almost hear work crews pouring concrete for the foundations of our new, modern, two-story offices with a bright basement.

But there’s a catch.

New York Cityneeds to ensure HAUP has cash to cover expenses during construction in the event its money is not turned over to us in due time.  Consequently NYC has requested we have on hand about $600,000 for a 12-month period, the anticipated building time. This money will not be spent, rather held as a guarantee that once construction start, it will remain on schedule without delays.

HAUP does not have that amount of money in reserve.  That is why we are turning to you and to many others, asking that you entrust HAUP with $1,000 or more for a year.  This money will be held in trust and reported on quarterly; and your contribution will be returned to you in full.  It will simply provide a necessary “bridge” to float the project until receipt of promised/guaranteed NYC reimbursement.

We know times are tough, but bad times will be followed by better times.  Our new building is a down payment on just such a future, helping HAUP provide improved and diversified services, build community and empowerment, in a modern, comfortable setting.

Walking away from a $2 million gift is simply a no-no.  Let’s stand shoulder-to-shoulder.  Please say “Yes, we
can–and we will!”

WITH THE HELP OF OUR FRIENDS

HAUP is most grateful for the support of the following for helping make HAUP’s new
headquarters a reality:

New York City Councilman Leroy Comrie, $1.3 million;

PresidentPro-TemporeNew York State Senator Malcolm Smith, $250,000;

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, $200,000;

New York State Assemblywoman Barbara Clark $150,000;

New York State Assemblyman William Scarborough, $50,000;

And many community supporters like you, $70,000 to date.

This past May, President Barack Obama yielded to our pleas on behalf of our Haitian brothers and sisters victimized by last year’s earthquake: he extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to a broader group of Haitians and renewed its benefits to those already qualified for another 18 months. His decision to extend the eligibility cut-off date by a year from January 12, 2010 to January 12, 2011 brings joy and comfort to the thousands of Haitians who sought refugee with family and friends immediately after the quake because their homes and their livelihood had been destroyed.

TPS benefits both Haiti and the United States. It reduces the burden on Haiti of feeding and caring for the Haitians who would otherwise be subject to deportation from the US. TPS does not add to the US deficit, yet extends the President’s commitment to a vibrant and productive Haiti through bilateral and multilateral assistance.

While the United States and its allies have done much in the past year to support Haiti’s recovery and reconstruction, economic growth and political stability remain a dream deferred. We hope that Haiti’s new President and legislature will provide the leadership necessary to allow for growth and prosperity. Most observers however agree that real economic progress is years away. Meanwhile, Haiti remains vulnerable to the vagaries of nature (floods, tropical storms, hurricanes) and societal misfortunes (health emergencies such as cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, increased commodities and food costs due to world price fluctuations).

This is why we have deepened our commitments to our community and the people of Haiti by exploring more organic ways for increasing our impact there while getting ready for the inevitable emergencies caused by hurricanes and tropical storms.

Meanwhile, we once again celebrated a Haiti baseball day with the NY Mets this year. We did all of this while continuing to provide the services that individual, corporate, state and city of New York grants have consistently supported. We are thankful for a staff and donors who go beyond the call of duty to ensure service delivery that consistently earns praise and recognition across the city.

Because we did not stand still, because you hit the ground running with us, we performed miracles big and small this year. Together we can achieve even more miracles for our community in the future.

We hope that you will make our 36^th Anniversary Gala an extra special one this year by partnering with us and the circle of leaders who have already helped us realize much of our dream. We are once again offering attractive platinum, gold, silver and bronze sponsorship packages that will reflect well on you and your constituents. Naturally, your sponsorship will automatically entitle you to membership in our leadership circle which, in addition to intimate private gatherings twice a year, provides you with special news briefs and opportunities for enhanced exposure.

Our gala event will be held at Antun’s, in Queens Village on October 8, 2011. In addition to celebrating our 36^th year of service to an ever-growing community, we hope that we will be able to announce that, thanks to your generosity, support and partnership, we are well on our way to building HAUP to strengthen hope!

Gratefully yours,

Elsie Saint-Louis Accilien
Executive Director

P.S.: I truly believe that together we can achieve miracles for our community. We have made much progress since we set out to build community through dedicated and appropriate service. Your support will bring us yet closer to our goals. I am counting on your partnership. Please act now!

According to the announcement released by the City University of New York, “Dr. Berotte Joseph, whose career in higher education spans more than 35 years, has been president of Massachusetts Bay Community College, located in Wellesley Hills, Mass., since 2005. Her appointment as the President of Bronx Community College marks her return to CUNY, where she served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Hostos Community College in the Bronx after having been a faculty member at City College for over 20 years. Prior to becoming president of MassBay, she was Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Academic Affairs at Dutchess Community College of The State University of New York. A prominent authority in the field of sociolinguistics, she is the co-editor, with professor Arthur Spears of City College, of the groundbreaking book, “The Haitian Creole Language: History, Structure, Use and Education,” which was published last year.”

The event also paid tribute to the work of the Haitian Bilingual Education and Technical Assistance Center (HABETAC) which, along with all the other New York State Funded BETAC, will close its doors on June 30 because of the budget axe.

HABETAC was created in 1993 through an endeavor of the City College of New York (CUNY) under the leadership of Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph, Carmen Perez Hogan at the New York State Education Department, and Haitian community members and educators. Its purpose was to address the unmet educational needs and concerns of Haitian students and their families.

Three retiring Haitian-American educators and school professionals, amongst them Yolène Ambroise, were recognized.

HAUP is delighted to have co-sponsored the event which was held in a festive atmosphere punctuated by performances from Buyu Ambroise and his band,  laughter and dancing to konpa.

• Celebrating Haitian Heritage Night on the 2nd game of the baseball season at Citi Field. This year, the NY Mets are scheduled to play their second game against the Florida Marlins.

• Providing HAUP with 100 percent of the sale of tickets entrusted to HAUP. The charitable gifts will support local and on the ground relief efforts.

• HAUP, Verizon, NYC District 27 Councilman Leroy Comrie, and NYS District 10 Senator Shirley L. Huntley – will be on the field for a pre-game presentation of the Mets Spirit Award.

• The Experience at Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church – a musical group co-founded by Elsie Accilien, and composer/songwriter Michael Capobianco — will perform the American National Anthem.

• Grammy Nominee and Heavytone Entertainment Group Recording Artist, Katia Cadet – will throw the opening pitch of the game.

• Citi Field will provide several HAUP information tables throughout the field, where HAUP representatives will provide resources about their organization and how spectators can help raise funds for Haiti relief.

Tickets are available. Call 718 527 3776 x 17 or 347 327 8500 to order through  HAUP.

This agreement calls for HAUP to be awarded a percentage of the sales of tickets sold at HAUP in support of relief efforts in the US and Haiti. The monies awarded will support HAUP’s own efforts to provide assistance to Haitians in the US affected by the quake, as well as two charities operating in Haiti: la Maison des Enfants Handicappes/Handicapped Children and “Ecole Communautaire de Sion” in Haiti.

For this event to be the success that we believe it can be, we will need everyone’s participation in getting the word out to promote the event and generate ticket sales. HAUP’s tickets are as follows and can be reserved immediately by calling 718-527-3776 x 17 or 347 327 8500.

1) Big Apple Reserved Section to be sold at $21 each

2) Promenade Reserved Section to be sold at $11 each

We were able to reach this agreement with the NY Mets thanks to two professionals who are lending their services to us:

• Fuljens Henry, a PR and Media Consultant, and

• Warren Gardiner, NYS Senator Shirley Huntley’s Government and Community Relations officer. Her office has graciously lent him to us.

Given their close involvement with this initiative, they will be managing the event so that we can achieve the hoped-for success.

We look forward to your participation at this wonderful event.

In the last three weeks, while attending to the concerns of our constituents, providing accurate information and reassurances when possible, we have taken pain to inform public opinion and welcome the many gestures of care and solidarity of friends and neighbors.

On January 18, The local Asian American leadership, joined by local black, white and Hispanic leaders, welcomed Elsie Accilien, executive director of Haitian Americans United for Progress, a Cambria Heights nonprofit aimed at helping New York City’s Haitian-American and other immigrant communities, to the event by donating more than $3,000 to charities working to help the people of Haiti. You can read the rest of the story here.

http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2010/01/21/queens/queenspiirwks01202010.txt

On January 27 and 28, Ms. Accilien provided answers to questions posed by the readers of the New York Times. The questions and answers can can be found here through this link: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/answers-about-new-yorks-response-to-haitis-earthquake/

NY1 broadcast a story on a Haitian orphanage supported by HAUP.  You can read the story here http://www.ny1.com/8-queens-news-content/top_stories/112356/orphanage-director-plans-return-to-haiti

Accilien was quoted in “Three Steps to Making Smart Haiti Donations,” an article published by the NYT about the right way to help Haiti. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/nyregion/24critic.html 

We would appreciate your feedback on the actions we have taken and the guidance we have  provided so far. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

HAUP will hold a Haiti Relief Service Fair at Sacred Heart School in Cambria Heights, NY.  The 6 hour fair which starts at 10 AM and ends at 4 PM will address the concerns of community residents.

There will be free counseling to Haitians on applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a benefit which the Obama administration triggered in response to the quake, as well as other immigration counseling. Questions regarding adoptions, entitlements, and available community resources will be handled by trained and qualified personnel at the fair. For children, there will be a fun zone where they can play.

Sacred Heart School is located at 115-50 221st street in Cambria Heights. Please call 718.527.3776 ext 17 to speak to Warren or Sophia for additional information.

Statement of Haitian-Americans United for Progress

New York, January 14, 2009 – Haiti suffered a major blow when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, the capital city and several other cities to south and west late Tuesday afternoon. The death toll is not yet known but the images coming out of Haiti foretell of the need for reconstruction efforts that will test the will and generosity of people the world over.

HAUP has taken several steps to respond to the immediate emergency. The non-profit organization has joined forces with New York City and New York State elected officials to build support for the relief efforts. We are urging all people of good will to provide monetary support to charities that have proven themselves in Haiti emergency responses in the past as well as in other similar emergencies. These charities include the International Red Cross and World Relief. We do not and will not collect food, clothing and other similar donations. Monetary donations are the only donations that we will allow at this point in time.

Moreover, we are very much aware that beyond the immediate emergency the rebuilding efforts will take time and will require of Haitian-Americans and of friends of Haiti a sustained commitment. Such commitments can and should take the form of volunteering time and expertise as well as providing monetary support. HAUP will plan for such efforts and urges all people of good will, and in particular Haitian-Americans to commit to such efforts.

Through years of facing natural and man-made calamity, Haitians have shown a remarkable resilience. We expect that this time will not be different. Though the loss of lives may be much greater and the emotional and physical aftershocks live with them for quite a long time, we believe that a renewed and stronger Haiti can and will emerge in the not-too-distant future. Key to Haiti’s revival however will be the support of individuals and groups to these efforts.

HAUP will take steps to take part in the rebuilding effort, including managing, training and deploying volunteers, offering tangible assistance and working with lawmakers and policymakers stateside to ensure that these efforts are a success. We look forward to working with the leaders of the NY City Council and the NY State Legislature, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and with the Obama Administration to make the dream of building Haiti back better a reality.