Home
/
Organization

About The Organization’s History & Mission

Modern multi-story apartment building with large windows, trees lining the sidewalk.

Our Mission

To nurture and sustain a vibrant neighborhood that supports the diverse family life of Williamsburg by advocating for and developing affordable housing, family health and well-being, and equal opportunity for all.

The History of Southside United

Founded in 1972. Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Birth

June 1972, With minimal staff and a handful of volunteers, Los Sures began the daunting task of rebuilding its community, the Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The Cause

The community residents who started the organization were responding to an epidemic of: Landlord Abandonment, Withdrawal of City Services, and Illegal Evictions by Landlords.

The Battle

Illegal evictions included some property owners who were trying to vacate their buildings in order to change the ethnic composition of the neighborhood.

Through both management and ownership,

Los Sures Fought Back by Promoting Community-Based Control of Housing.

In 1975

Los Sures became the first community-based organization to enter into agreements to manage City-owned properties. A few years later, it was one of the first groups to undertake large-scale rehabilitation.

Today

Los Sures is regarded as a pioneer in both the management and development of affordable housing.

Leadership Team

Our leadership team works to ensure Los Sures continues to uplift and improve the living quality of our community at Williamsburg.

Juan Ramos

Executive Director

Lenette Berrios

Deputy Executive Director

Guadalupe Rivera

Director of Human Resources

Sara Fernandez

Director of Finance

Barbara Schliff

Director of Housing Resources

Robin Sirota-Bassin

Director of Social Services

Patricia Cordoso

Director of Development

Janae Connerly

Brooklyn Boro Director-Neighborhood Safety Coalition

Anthony Newerls

Queens Boro Director-Neighborhood Safety Coalition

Esteban Duran

Director of Technical Assistance-Youth Services Coordination Project

Rafael Perez

Program Manager-Neighborhood Safety Coalition

Rudolph Suggs

Program Coordinator- Mayor’s Action Plan for Public Safety

Board of Directors

Maisha Morales

Board Chairwoman

Joe Pacheco

Board 1st Vice Chairperson

Martin Needleman

Board 2nd Vice Chairperson

Israel Rosario

Board Treasurer

David E. Lopez

Secretary of the Board

Ray Narvaez

Board Member

Gladys Ogando

Board Member

Rosaura Mendez

Board Member

Teresa Cruz

Board Member

Ricardo Molina

Board Member

Damaris Reyes

Board Member

Annette Rosado

Board Member

Jim O’Shea

Board Member

Yowalka Rosario

Board Member

Eugenio Maldonado

Board Member

Special thanks to our sponsors for kindly supporting our work, and improving North Brooklyn’s quality of life.

BRONZE SPONSOR

  • Two Trees
  • The Federal Law Enforcement Foundation
  • Hirschen Singer Epstein

SMALL BUSINESS

  • Lamb Financial Group
  • Mountco Construction & Development Corp.
  • JP Morgan Chase
  • Rockabill Advisors
  • Valley National Bank
  • Broadway Stages
  • Federal Home Loan Bank Reserve
  • LP Fuel
  • The Community Preservation Corporation
  • Cushman & Wakefield

INDIVIDUAL

  • LISC
  • D.P. Group General Contractors
  • James Eden
  • RKTB Architects, P.C
  • First Sterling Financial
  • CREA
  • Victor Morales
  • Sisley Paris
  • Bright Power
  • Jason Otaño
  • Premium Laser Ophthalmology LLC
  • Dr. Sixto Caro
  • The M&T Charitable Foundation
  • Con Edison
  • New York Water Bills
  • Felice Kirbey
  • Rozario and Associates
  • 124 South 3rd St HDFC
DIME logo featuring the word 'DIME' with a stylized blue triangle above it.

LEGACY SPONSOR

FG-PH Corporation logo with stylized blue skyscraper icon

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Logo of Richman Housing Resources LLC in blue text

SILVER SPONSOR