HCC | August 2026: Community Updates

August 2026: Community Updates

Dear Friends,

As August comes to a close, HCC sends heartfelt greetings to our community members, partners, and supporters across Brooklyn and beyond. This month has invited us to remember, reflect, and prepare for what comes next. Even as we face difficult realities, we move forward together—with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our community.

Standing Together in the Face of TPS Termination

This August, the Haitian-American community faced a profound setback with the announced end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians. The decision has reverberated throughout our agency and community, affecting staff members, clients, neighbors, and loved ones. For many, TPS has meant safety, stability, and the chance to build a secure future. Its termination now brings renewed uncertainty and difficult choices.

At HCC, we see the human impact behind the headlines. Families, students, and workers are confronting urgent questions about their safety, livelihoods, and dreams. Many members of our staff, themselves part of the Haitian diaspora, are supporting others while carrying concerns for their own relatives and neighbors. Our message is clear: no one should face this uncertainty alone. HCC remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for our constituents, connect families with emotional and legal support, and serve as a trusted source of strength and hope. We invite our partners and supporters to stand with affected community members, share reliable resources, and help ensure that every family feels seen, supported, and heard.

Youth Spotlight: Celebrating Our SYEP Interns

August also brought the close of an inspiring summer chapter as we said farewell to four remarkable young people who joined HCC through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Throughout the season, they brought energy, creativity, and fresh ideas to projects in health education, community outreach, and administrative support. Their contributions strengthened our work and brightened our workplace.

We celebrate these talented teens for their dedication, curiosity, and hard work. They reminded us of the extraordinary promise of Brooklyn’s youth and the importance of creating opportunities where young people can learn, lead, and thrive. We are proud to have supported their professional growth and wish them every success as they return to school and pursue new opportunities.

Community Events

HCC’s Executive Director, Andre Peck, attended Mayor Mamdani’s Haitian Community Leaders Roundtable on July 30, 2026. The gathering fostered meaningful dialogue, partnership-building, and collaboration in response to recent federal immigration changes.

HCC Executive Director Andre Peck and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

HCC Program Manager Pierre Balthazar represented HCC at Pilgrim Wesleyan Church’s Annual Community BBQ & Resource Fair on August 1, sharing information about the organization’s programs and services.

Moving Forward—Together

From standing beside families in moments of uncertainty to investing in the next generation, HCC’s work is powered by community. Thank you for your trust, partnership, and continued support. Together, we will keep building a stronger, more connected Brooklyn.

With gratitude and solidarity, The HCC Team

Our Programs and Services

FITBK – Our fitness program offers free classes at Flatlands Reformed Church (3931 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY 11234) on Thursdays from 7pm to 8pm. Food distribution is conducted on the first Saturday of every month at Flatlands Reformed Church from 7am to 9:30am. This effort is possible with the involvement of FRC Flatlands Reformed Church, GrowNYC and The Campaign Against Hunger. The Haitian Response Initiative - A Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs contracted grant, with which HCC helps Haitian refugees with linkage to social and immigration related services and provides ESL classes The Brooklyn Empowerment Wellness (BeWell) Center provides culturally competent mental health services to our multicultural members. HCC Wellness Center – offers a safe and affirming space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel empowered and improve their health and well-being. HIV/AIDS Prevention & Education Services are provided at our office locations and mobile unit. Our Health Educators offer free and confidential HIV and Hepatitis C (HEP C) testing, counseling, case management, education on STI prevention, and linkages to pertinent services.

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