There are few challenges greater than providing individuals and families with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and to contribute to the well-being of their communities. CAMBA provides diverse clients in Brooklyn and across New York City with programs that add value to their lives. All of our stakeholders – our clients, our Board, our staff, and our volunteers – have benefited greatly from CAMBA’s good works.
CAMBA continues to place low-income adults in unsubsidized employment through economic development programs; to improve literacy through adult education programs; to help overage/under-credited students move toward graduation through youth development programs; to provide assistance to HIV-positive clients and their families through HIV/AIDS services; to protect families from eviction through legal and non-legal advocacy programs; to assist clients with immigration counseling through legal services programs; and to offer a wide range of other programs that provide clients with opportunities to enhance their quality of life.
CAMBA Housing Ventures is one of our flagship efforts to help multiply challenged individuals improve their lives and to build stronger neighborhoods. Launched in 2005, CAMBA Housing Ventures achieved four significant milestones in the past year. The Anna Gonzalez Apartments, a 99-unit supportive apartment building in Bushwick, was fully leased up in late 2007. The building was dedicated to Anna Gonzalez, a supporter of the project and the former Chair of Brooklyn Community Board 4. Morris Manor, a 46 unit supportive housing project located in the heart of the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, is also leased up. It is named in honor of Beverly and Charlie Morris, longtime supporters and leaders of CAMBA. In addition, CAMBA purchased a vacant lot located at 97 Crooke Avenue and began initial site investigations and design in preparation for the development of 53 units of supportive and affordable housing. Lastly, CAMBA Housing Ventures began negotiations with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation and Kings County Hospital to develop 202 units of affordable and supportive housing on the Kings County Hospital Campus in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn. Together, these four developments reflect an investment of $115 million in revitalizing Brooklyn communities. They represent a significant step for CAMBA Housing Ventures towards achieving an ambitious goal of 1,000 units of affordable housing either completed or in development by the year 2015.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to enriching lives.
Joanne M. Oplustil Executive Director