By HWM
This past Saturday, the streets of Harlem were buzzing with activity as over 30 volunteers participated in Assembly Member Al Taylor’s annual “Love Your Community Day.”
The event, focused on the Polo Grounds Towers, Rangel Houses, and Holcombe Rucker Park, brought together residents, local organizations, and participants from The Doe Fund’s Ready, Willing & Able program to remove litter from over 28 acres.
A Collaborative Effort
The community cleanup was a true collaborative effort, with partners like the Polo Grounds Police Athletic League, NYCHA, NYC Sanitation, Madison Boys and Girls Club, and FDA Academy all lending a hand. Assemblymember Taylor emphasized the importance of fostering unity and pride within the community, stating, “Our yearly Love Your Community Day is not just about cleaning up our streets; it’s about coming together as neighbors, partners, and friends to show our collective dedication to the well-being of the Polo Grounds Towers and Rangel Houses.”
Transforming Lives, One Block at a Time
For the Ready, Willing & Able participants, the event was more than just a cleanup – it was an opportunity to give back and feel valued. William Glenn, Program Director of the Harlem Center for Opportunity, expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that “pushing the bucket isn’t really about pushing the bucket.” The program aims to empower individuals experiencing homelessness by providing them with transitional work experience, housing, and supportive services. Andy Cruz, a Ready, Willing & Able participant, shared his experience: “It’s been great giving back to the community and meeting everyone today. I really enjoy cleaning, and I take my job really seriously. It’s really fulfilling. Around eight people came up to me and thanked me. That right there makes me feel good and makes me feel like I’m making a difference.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Since its inception in 1985, The Doe Fund has empowered thousands of individuals to break the cycle of poverty, addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. Through its Ready, Willing & Able program, participants like Andy Cruz have the opportunity to develop essential workplace skills, receive career training in living wage fields, and ultimately secure full-time employment and permanent housing. To date, the program has connected nearly 14,000 people to these life-changing opportunities. As the day drew to a close, the streets of Harlem shone a little brighter, a testament to the power of community collaboration and the transformative impact of organizations like The Doe Fund.
In addition, The Doe Fund is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit providers of permanent affordable and supportive housing in New York City, with over 1,900 units across 14 residences in operation or pre-development. These residences provide state-of-the-art, safe homes with on-site social services to low income individuals and families; veterans; seniors; people with histories of substance abuse, homelessness, and incarceration; and people with serious physical or mental health conditions.
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