HCCI Celebrates Community Leadership and Our Shared Impact
Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement
HCCI proudly honors the work of our partner organizations—the New York Urban League and the Urban League of Essex County, NJ—and their outstanding leaders, Arva Rice and Vivian Cox Fraser. Both women have steered their organizations through significant challenges in the economy and service sector, demonstrating resilience, vision, and commitment. Highlighting their accomplishments in these trying times is essential, as they serve as powerful examples of community leadership worth emulating.
For nearly four decades, HCCI has embraced a holistic approach to community development in Harlem. Since its founding in 1986, HCCI has generated more than $500 million in operating revenues and has been instrumental in driving over $750 million in housing investments. Through advocacy and direct implementation, HCCI has expanded affordable housing opportunities for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households in Harlem and beyond.
Although Harlem has always been at the heart of our mission, the last decade has marked a period of significant growth. Under my leadership, HCCI has expanded its impact across all five boroughs of New York City, as well as to regional and international communities. Our core programs now span affordable housing development, small business support, health and wellness initiatives, and a wide range of essential social services.
In Harlem, we continue to collaborate with trusted development partners, such as Exact Capital Group, to bring transformative projects to life. Together, we redeveloped the Victoria Theatre site into the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel and affordable housing complex. HCCI has also preserved more than 1,500 units of deeply affordable housing and is currently constructing 200 cooperative homeownership apartments to strengthen community stability.
Regionally, HCCI has been awarded a site by the City of Newark, NJ, where we are developing more than 50 units of affordable housing for very low-income families. Our reach now extends to Alabama, Nevada, and South Carolina, with additional projects currently in the planning stage.
Globally, HCCI is proud to share its expertise with international partners. Through the Resurgence Conference, we are advising and helping to establish a network of houses of worship across Africa, including in South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria. These institutions will be modeled on the HCCI framework, reinforcing the role of faith-based leadership in building stronger communities.
Our progress would not be possible without the steadfast support of our Board of Directors, dedicated staff, members, and partners. Together, we have helped revitalize Harlem while creating a model that inspires and informs communities far beyond New York City.
As we build on the foundation laid by our founders, we remain committed to seeking new opportunities to serve. HCCI’s legacy is one of impact, resilience, and growth, and we look forward to writing the next chapter with the same spirit of collaboration and dedication.
We can always do more to make a difference.
