Palante Harlem Inc

I first learned about Pa’Lante at their 3 day conference for tenants held in Harlem. I was impressed by how informative and extensive their many workshops were. They covered every kind of housing type I know about. The event was so well organized and with NYC’s current desperate housing crisis, it provided a vital service. I was so impressed by Pa’Lante that I was moved to action. I emailed them a few days later and began volunteering at their Bodega Friday pantry. With prices exceedingly inflated, each week seniors and parents line up for help in feeding their families; you can actually feel their need.

PALANTE is a top notch organization that helps real people with real housing issues. Elsia and her dedicated staff are always there to help those who are.being taken advantage of by greedy landlords. They are the light in the darkness!!!!

Let me start by saying that no other organization in New York champions tenants' rights as passionately as PALANTE Harlem. For years, I have witnessed the unwavering dedication of Elsia and her team, who tirelessly advocate for the community by organizing tenants and challenging the slumlords of NYC, including the City's most notorious slumlord—the City of New York itself. For nearly a decade, Palante Harlem has empowered those in the Tenant Interim Lease (TIL) program, equipping us in our fight for homeownership against the City. Whether in the basement of a building or rallying on the steps of City Hall, Palante has been a steadfast ally. Without their support, our homes would have been stolen long ago. I'm talking about vulnerable tenants from Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and myself from Brooklyn, all of us receiving vital help from Palante Harlem. When you see Elsia outside PALANTE inhaling a cigarette, you know that a fight is about on.

It is difficult to write a review of PA’LANTE Harlem because there are infinite things you could say about the hope and goodness they spread Uptown and beyond. Elsia Vasquez and the PA’LANTE crew are the best side kicks you could ever ask for. They’ve got your back and then some. From top tier tenant advocacy and education, to combatting food insecurity, PA’LANTE Harlem is changing lives on the daily. The impact of their incredible work is palpable and can be seen in dividends in our communities. I am proud to know PA’LANTE Harlem and am grateful for all they have done and will continue to do in the next 100 years. Thank you x a million, PA’LANTE, for firmly standing with the people. We love you.

As a member of Community Board #9 and now Chair of the Board, I've seen countless ways PA'LANTE HARLEM has served the community. Whether it's fighting bad landlords, assisting and organizing fire victims to return to their apartments or operating their community food pantry, PA'LANTE is truly a beacon of hope for our community.

VictorEdwards
Chair
Manhattan Community Board 9

I have been a Housing Specialist here at Palante Harlem for the past year and my experience has been fantastic. I've learned so much about the housing world of New York City since I've been here. We do our best to serve our community in relation to their housing needs. Within the past year of working here I've helped multiple tenants secure rent reductions with DHCR, which pushed their landlords to make repairs in their apartments. I have also helped many of our senior clients freeze their rents so that they can remain affordable by applying and getting approved for SCRIE. Overall, Palante helps the tenants of New York City recognize their rights as tenants and organize to fight for the proper treatment they deserve, which is priceless work.

As the former director of The Lieutenant Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Center in Harlem, Catholic Charities NY, I have had first hand experience with Palante Harlem over more than 15 years. Our organization and Palante share in the mission of providing help for those in need. On numerous occasions we have supported each other’s activities and we have collaborated often by providing space for many of those activities. It is a pleasure working with likeminded individuals and organizations. “We are better together.”

Deacon Rodney A. Beckford

i stared working here as a intern and it has been really fun. I have been making calls and it has been a great experience, and it has really showed me how to be productive and professional in my work environment.

I started working here as an intern and it has been going great. The people here are very respectful and inviting. I love my job. I love making calls and helping to give out food and goods every Friday.

I am an intern at P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem and I have had a great experience here, meeting new people and getting out of my shell and interacting with clients, volunteers and employees. I believe that Palante is one of the greatest places to work with as they really do care about helping others and most importantly they care not for money but for tenants rights being fulfilled so that they and there families can live in a suitable and happy environment.

Hello, My name is Anne and I'm a long-time client of PALANTE's. With the help from the staff, I have a voice. PA’LANTE has educated me, laid out the rules of organizing and has empowered me to fight for what I'm entitled to.

PALANTE has been assisting my family with our housing issue since 2015. It's been an on going fight with the landlord but PALANTE has been their right by our side. They have provided us with legal representation and we have seen major results due to their dedication and hardwork. This organization gives a voice to the voiceless and has been a true blessing to me and my family.

Okay, this non profit is pretty good at healing local people, but in some ways they are overrated. In particular, when tenants are facing eviction in housing court, what they need is legal representation. Specifically, they need a housing attorney to go with them to housing court.

PALANTE does not provide this, and has not done so for at least a year, when their last housing attorney left. They do what they can, but there is simply no replacement for a housing attorney to accompany a tenant to housing court, because the landlord/management company is ALWAYS represented by an attorney, and they always maneuver to their own benefit.

The organization has a lot of webinars and they provide useful information on housing and housing related issues. They also have a very well organized weekly food pantry, which distributes fresh produce, and sometimes meat products, not just cans of food.

I commend Palante on the services they provide to their community. I had an amazing experience with Palente. The customer service was top-notch, and professional. Palante continues to help people in the community reduce poverty and advocate for safe housing. Bodega Fridays is a winner. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality and excellent services.

Great professional company need more like them around !!!

PA'LANTE goes the extra mile where other housing nonprofits don't. On top of getting legal services for tenants (where not a single tenant has been evicted), they help organize the tenants into a tenants association, move elected officials to fight for dignified and affordable housing, do weekly food giveaways, and so much more. In my experience, every person I have referred to PA'LANTE has been nothing short of satisfied with the level of care, service, and support they receive.

PALANTE assisted me in huge and timely way. I on the verge of being on the street because of a landlord that was trying to be unfair and insensitive. I was entitled to succession which management was denying and trying to evict me. PALANTE took my case and put all my documents together, called pinnacle management, conversation with legal aid, got pinnacle management to back down.

I was given the opportunity to work for PA'LANTE over the summer which has been the most
fullfilling work I've done yet, and I believe the most memorable for time to come. I remember
first walking into the building and was in complete disbelief as I saw the size of the team and at
the same time was looking at PA’LANTE’s accomplishments throughout the years. It was only
after I’d started working directly with the team that I understood how much work everyone puts
in, It’s almost unhuman, but the care and compassion that the organization has for everyone they
serve, community, and the focus for the greater mission is certainly human, and much more. I
was able to have the privilege of directly working with clients and hearing their stories, of being
exploited since 10, 20 or even more years ago and having PA’LANTE advocate and fight for
them; not only on their behalf but on behalf of the whole community, on behalf of justice and
what is right. I was able to see that PA’LANTE never saw themselves as having an organization
to tenant relationship, but always a human-to-human one. People might miss what PA’LANTE is
if they read only that: “People Against Landlord Abuse and Tenant Exploitation.” To me, it’s
much more than that. PA’LANTE is a servant of the community that works towards progress, to
continuously move forward. PA’LANTE serves to educate, organize and empower the
community and to give the power to the people, where it should be. Their impact transforms
lives and helps to keep families together. Their work binds communities together so that they
may fight when nobody else is fighting for them. PA’LANTE represents real change, hope and
justice for those who need it the most.

Working at Pa’lante has truly been a fulfilling experience. On my second day here, I was given the
responsibility of leading a team to canvass a building and conduct apartment inspections, and then
submitting maintenance complaints at both the city and state level. At my previous internships, my
responsibilities were limited to copying and filing documents and bringing food and coffee to the office,
so the level of confidence in me that the organization continues to show has been very empowering.
I feel trusted and cared for as a whole person at Pa’lante, not just an employee, which I have never
experienced in my work history.
Working at Pa’lante has also opened my eyes to the need for flexible nonprofits in NYC. While we
specialize in housing, I am very grateful than we can also operate as a food pantry every Friday and
assist neighborhood residents facing food insecurity.

PALANTE Harlem is an exceptional non-profit organization that has dedicated itself to uplifting and empowering the Harlem community. My experience interning at PALANTE was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I stepped through their doors, I was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm, instantly feeling like a valued member of their team. During my internship, I had the privilege of working closely with the passionate and dedicated staff members who are deeply committed to their mission. One of the most memorable aspects of my internship was witnessing the direct impact of PALANTE's efforts on the lives of individuals and families in Harlem. I had the opportunity to participate in various outreach events and workshops. These experiences allowed me to see firsthand how PALANTE's commitment to empowerment and education was positively transforming lives and fostering a sense of unity within the community. In my time interning at PALANTE, I not only gained valuable skills and knowledge but also a deep sense of fulfillment. The organization's genuine dedication to their mission and the people they serve is inspiring and motivating. PALANTE Harlem is a beacon of hope, a place where individuals can come together to effect meaningful change and work towards a brighter future for all.

Palante online seminars have been extremally helpful to me, I have been educated and many problems have been solved with the knowledge gained participating in these seminars. I highly recommend Palante. I keep on moving forward thanks to Pa' lante.

I attended a tenant conference sponsored by PALANTE a few years ago. I was so impressed by the quality of information provided by various experts both in landlord tenant law and by tenant organizers. Among the elected officials in attendance were my State Senator and the then Borough President of Brooklyn, today's Mayor of New York City. What was equally impressive was the dedication of PALANTE staff and volunteers at the conference. Finally, today I called to get some assistance and who answered the phone, but the Executive Director. When I expressed my admiration to her for picking up the phone, Elsia Vazquez said "How else am I to learn what's on clients' minds?" If only more non profits were like this one!

Employees are very amazing they are helping everyone come in palante

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship this summer at Pa’Lante and now have very valuable experience under my belt.. Throughout my internship experience, I was able to develop and foster many skills that I will use during my legal career and my lifetime. From canvassing buildings, helping in Bodega Friday, and working with the legal department my experience has made me feel like part of the Pa’Lante family. Pa’Lante Harlem cares and inspires the community to come together. They advocate for tenants and are passionate to bring real change. Pa’Lante Harlem is not like any other organization they make sure to empower tenants by educating them on their rights and built strong relationships with clients to meet all their needs. I am forever grateful to have meet and worked with such passionate people that mentor me and have truly impacted my life.

Palante has been effective in helping the community. They empower people to fight for their rights and offer many free services.¡ Vamos Palante!

PALANTE is the truth in non profits..providing free legal help to New York city residents who are fighting slumlords and corrupt management companies, is a life saver to so many people. During a never before seen housing crisis palante has been front and center fighting day and night. I am a super proud board member of Palante Harlem . Looking forward to the next 13 years !! 1st class all the way

I am a proud board member of Pa’lante. I am a staunch supporter and witnessed the great work this nonprofit offers the community. From being on the frontline with landlords , holding community meetings & providing
sound legal advice just to name a few. What I find rewarding is the feeling Pa’lante gives its residents they help restore dignity & gives a voice to the voiceless.

P’alante es un apoyo para la comunidad en lo relacionado a vivienda, en lo personal e mirado que tienen un día a la semana en la que se le da despensa a un número de personas en la mayoría personas de la tercera edad, en lo personal me an apoyado mucho, P’alante se siente cómo una familia.

This organization has been able to provide a wealth of knowledge for tenants in a state of limbo with poor third-party management. They are also a great contributors to the local community with the bodega Friday's, which provides food to the local community.

My name is Charlie hilario and I can’t say enough how Elsia Vasquez has helped my building at 900 riverside drive at upper Manhattan Washington heights when the landlord was trying to price us out with mci and palante came to our rescue and supplied us with good lawyers to help us fight back and be able to fight off the mci and help still have our apartments I will always be grateful to Elsia and her palante team for being there for us when we was at our most frightening time she and her team was very empathetic and professional to our situation that I would give a million stars

I was first introduce to Palante Harlem in 2017, when I was faced with confusing issues related to my rental unit which at the time was in the TIL program and transferred to a third party. Palante Harlem was very informative and helped the building navigate thru the issues at hand . Since then they have helped us achieve home ownership . We are now an HDFC with more that twenty years of waiting for this to come to fruition. Ms. Elsia Vasquez has been instrumental in this endeavor.
Palante Harlem is needed in our communities to insure that the constituents have well-informed information in dealing with the legal ramifications of not having nor understanding our rights as tenants.

I now am a volunteer at Palante Harlem paying back to those who have given to the community and empowering those in need. I have learned to navigate thru many aspects of housing and tenant rights.

Without Palante Harlem many individuals in need of assistance would not be able to remain in their prospective apartments . Even though we aren't a food pantry, we here at Palante know the the struggle is real and provide a food basket to our constituents at our Bodega Fridays.
I am forever grateful to Palante Harlem and the Entire Staff.

I was introduced to PA'LANTE Harlem in 2021 when I volunteered to assist people file with the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). I was a novice at best, but PA'LANTE Harlem staff trained me to use the the online tools and documents to help people complete the ERAP application forms.

I continued to assist with ERAP clients, and my volunteer experience at PA'LANTE Harlem expanded. I volunteered at Bodega Fridays, which offer bags of fresh groceries to families experiencing food insecurity. I helped with the holiday toy drive and distribution. I help with promotion of the 2022 Gala. I help with answering phone calls and referring clients to the proper channels or staff. I help record and save information on the database.

The rewards of my volunteer work are great. I have learned a great deal about housing laws and regulations, eviction procedures and how to prevent them. I know more about what city and state agencies are required to do - and what steps to take if the requirements are not met. And more than that, I have become part of the PA'LANTE Harlem family. I am grateful to Elsia Vasquez and the amazing staff at PA'LANTE Harlem for their invitation to join.

Palante harlem es un organicacion que verdaderamente lucha por la gente normal. Ellos me han ayudado mucho.

I’ve been working at PA’LANTE for 3 years. And it has been an amazing experience. I'm truly grateful for the amount of knowledge and training I’ve received. The executive director Elsia Vasquez has been an amazing mentor to me and truly wants the best for her staff and community. All praises to PA'LANTE.

Pa'lante has helped me tremendously with my housing situation. I'm forever grateful for the work that they do. My apartment was infested with rats and mold. No other organization helped. Due to Pa'lantes hard work and dedication they helped me transfer to a newly renovated apartment. Pa'lante cares about tenants and they have my love and support.

P’ALANTE Have always been there to Help me and my fellow Tenants. P’ALANTE Provides Real Solutions to Real Problems!!

I am a native New Yorker and Relatively recently I returned “home” after many years in Washington,DC.

PALANTE is an excellent resource for tenants and enlightened landlords.

So proud of Elsia and her Team!

Thank you!

Palante Harlem Inc
Have very informative Zoom/webinar
I recommend and forward the Zoom link to family and friends

I became familiar with Palante when I spotted their storefront office just before the pandemic in 2020. When they closed the office but went online I was able to get more familiar with them. They offered virtual tenant oriented sessions in rules and regulations on rent control, rent stabilization, and many more. They provided a wealth of information with tenant attorneys and City agencies alongside very knowledgeable Palante staff. Discussions weren’t over until every participant question was answered. Participants were often referred directly to staff for further assistance.

For me the evening after work, virtual sessions, were accessible and an invaluable source of information.

Palante is extremely needed in West Harlem; a neighborhood in constant threat of having residents pushed out by unscrupulous developers and landlords. It continues to do its part in providing assistance and direction to the community.

I’d like to see it expanded to more communities.

My name is Christopher Ortiz. I was a summer law intern (one of the two first ever) for PA'LANTE's upcoming legal department. I had the true BLESSING of working with people as good-hearted, strong, and wise as Elsia Vasquez, PA'LANTE's founder, and Joshua Kiel, Legal Director, among others. They provided me with the structure, guidance, and strength to truly make a difference in people's lives. Every research assignment meant truly making a difference in a tenant's life. I had the chance to visit a tenant's apartment and record the deplorable conditions in which they were living. I had to the chance to assist countless individuals who felt they were being exploited, abused, or neglected just because English was not their first language. I got to hear the joy in their voices as we updated them about their cases or next plans of action. I also got to do over a dozen ERAP ("Emergency Rental Assistance Program") applications. This involved sitting with tenants, face-to-face, and helping them upload their documents to the State's website. These were extremely memorable moments for me because in the process of doing these applications, I got to hear people's stories and misforutnes and I could tell them, "it will be okay; we are doing everything we can to help you" and feeling the hope arise in them again. That is what PA'LANTE is all about: Allowing the oppressed to feel like they can truly hope again. Tenants often feel like they are lost and that they have no voice, or if they have a voice, that it is powerless against the oppressive landlords. Where many feel powerless, PA'LANTE serves as the giant loudspeaker in every corrupt slumlord's ear, shouting, "No. You cannot bend the law as you see fit. You cannot intimidate tenants or attempt to break their spirits by having them live in disgusting conditions." PA'LANTE is one of precious few organizations that demonstrably proves they CARE about tenants, and I am immeasurably happy to have spent my summer with such honorable people doing such noble work.

I had an amazing time volunteering with Palante Harlem helping tenants apply for rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Palante does great work in meeting the needs of the Harlem community in whatever ways they can!

Pa'Lante is the equalizer of housing inequality in the community. Many of the tenants who come to Pa'Lante have been stripped of their humanity and conditioned to live in precarious conditions. Pa'Lante empowers tenants to advocate for humane living conditions. I am a client, donor, and tenant organizer. There is nothing more satisfying than helping community members empower themselves and see them enjoy better living conditions. This organization and the entire team we call them Family. They are a strong voice for those who have no voice in our community. Every community in the United States needs a Pa'Lante.

Pa'Lante es el igualador de la desigualdad habitacional en la comunidad. Muchos de los inquilinos que llegan a Pa'Lante han sido despojados de su humanidad y están en condicionado de vivir en condiciones precarias. Pa'Lante empodera a los inquilinos para abogar por condiciones de vida humanas. Soy un organizador de clientes, donantes e inquilinos. No hay nada más satisfactorio que ayudar a los miembros de mi comunidad a empoderarse y verlos disfrutar de sus mejores condiciones de vida. Esta organización y todo el equipo al que llamamos Familia son una voz fuerte para los que no tienen voz en nuestra comunidad. Toda comunidad en Estados Unidos necesita un Pa'Lante.

-Edwin Torres

One day, more than a decade ago, I returned to my office after lunch, to find someone in the conference room, waiting for me. Elsia Vasques was that person. She was surrounded by folders full of repairs needed in 3 buildings on West 146 Street. Elsia wanted to know how she can help these tenants. At the time, I was working for H.P.D. I always said whenever somebody walks into a government office for help, my responsibility to the public is always to provide it. If the answers were not readily available, I would do my best to find them. The seed was planted with those 3 buildings. It grew to a "Grassroots " movement, encompassing more buildings.
Palante Harlem faced adversity from other community groups who portend to help tenants, government officials and community leaders. Elsia was not deterred. The challenges were welcomed with help from tenants, volunteers and youth groups, including my grandaughter.
Repairs, rent overcharge and disparity, harassment, discrimination, threats by owners are what tenants are facing and what Palante Harlem is addressing. Elsia's tenacity is what has been moving Palante Harlem forward to face these issues.
The pandemic is no exception to Palante Harlem's work. Elsia has organized food donations and deliveries, and voter registration. She has been working arduously from home to help tenants facing eviction. I am proud to pull up my sleeves to work alongside Elsia.

PALANTE !!!!!!!!!!
Nellie Nieves

I was referred to Elsia Vasquez and PA'LANTE Harlem through a friend who had nothing but great things to say. After contacting several agencies about an urgent problem with my lease, PALANTE Harlem came to the rescue answering my questions and helping me with options. Elsia went above and beyond in helping me straightening out the situation and talking the time to talk and explain and educate. A great asset to the community and the most proactive and helpful organisation to work with!

Pa’Lante Harlem Inc. has assisted the tenant association in the building I reside fight housing violations for over a decade. They have been & continue to be a fierce advocate for tenants & their housing rights. I would highly recommend this organization if you’re a tenant having issues with your landlord & wondering about your rights.

I would like to thank Palante Harlem Inc for attending our Riverton Tenants Association meetings, and providing us with much needed assistance with the elevator MCI's. Their office has also been very helpful in assisting individual Riverton tenants with various housing issues. The community needs more tenant advocates like Palante Harlem Inc who continues to educate tenants on their housing rights. Elsia Vasquez and her staff have always been available when we need them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I became acquainted with PALANTE when our Tenants Association faced a problem related to a tenancy succession at a time when TIL tenants were denied that right. I was impressed by their swift response and professionalism. Since then, I volunteered to help in the office. As time passed, I became more aware of the crucial role the organization has in the community and their compassionate approach to help clients who come looking for protection and help against predatory landlords. I became more involved and now I am part of the Executive Board. I wanted to be part of PALANTE because I recognized that it is an organization where honesty, transparency, interest and commitment to help the community are real. It is a small organization, whose Executive Director is the founder. It is an organization that was born out of necessity to defend tenants, and it has maintained that focus.

Soy Agustín Martínez y doy gracias a Dios y a la organización caritativa PALANTE HARLEM en las manos divinas de Doña Elsia Vásquez por ayudarme en todo lo que he necesitado, hoy mi familia duerme tranquila gracias a esta organización sin fines de lucro que vela por los mejores intereses de nosotros los mas necesitados. Mi apoyo incondicional para Doña Elsia y su organización y que Dios la bendiga siempre.

I was in dire need of rent assistance and Palente was able to help me with my rent in arrears . I don’t know how I could have done it without their help. They also were kind enough to put me on a list to receive much needed groceries for my family. I am so grateful for the financial assistance of Palente.

My name is Antonia Campos Pa'lante Harlem is an organization that helps and defends tenants in situations as difficult as repairs in the apartments that the owner refuses to do also empowers tenants to defend against the harassment of the owner Pa'lante Harlem has people wonderful that they treat people with respect and affection and in these difficult times of Covid-19 they have assisted us a lot. Many thanks to the Pa'lante Harlem team

I WOULD LIKE TO HELP PAY THE RENTS OF THE CIVILIANS IN NEW YORK.

MY FAMILY IS FRENCH...MAIDEN NAMES.

FRENCH WEALTH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE BETTERMENT OF ALL MANKIND

JOAN OF ARC

My name is Dennis Rodriguez, senior citizen, resident of NYC, with an underlying health condition. Since September of 2019, I’ve been impacted with the threat of eviction from my residence of 13 years, not rental related but a non-primary tenant of record issue, and although I am family related and shared the apt with the primary tenant of record, the Mgmt office was consistent and persistent in having me vacate within 30 days, a very stressful situation.
After seeking legal counsel, it was still a uphill struggle, the legal bureaucracy is much to detail oriented, having to substantiate my relationship with the primary tenant of record and provide many other documents that situated me in that residence in order to get the approval and support of a judge. The process was tedious and things look so bleak, until a neighbor referred me to PALANTE Harlem.
It was an amazing experience to have met the founder of this vital organization, Ms. Elsia Vazquez, after she heard me out, it was obvious to me of her vast knowledge with landlord/tenant relations. Her no nonsense demeanor and desire to seek justice for those tenants that really cannot fend for themselves. She promptly contacted the Mgmt office to my building, a Goliath of property owners.
Ms. Vázquez was so effective in reaching out to Mgmt, that she managed to get a commitment for a conference call with the top personnel at that office, to discuss my case, which was very helpful, considering that Mgmt had legal counsel as did myself, the meeting was held with that in mind, so that the pending procedure would not be violated. The outcome was favorable in obtaining a rent stabilized lease with a reasonable rent, something that seemed far fetched just months prior to that meeting.
I have no words that can fully express my gratitude, to be relieved of the pressure of vacating my residence via eviction.
Aside from obtaining my apt lease, I can truly say that I got a new lease on life, to visualize a future in decent living conditions without the hassle of uprooting from a place I consider home for the past 13 years, especially in the midst of a historic pandemic.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all who read this testimony, to generously support Ms. Elsia Vasquez and PALANTE Harlem, so that this entity can continue to defend those folks that lack financial means to defend themselves from the abuses of unfair landlord practices. PALANTE Harlem, is a life line for those that for some reason or the other, fall through the cracks in this complex legal landlord/ tenant struggle for justice.

Due to Covid Pandemic, Webinars is something PALANTE started doing immediately. I am a client that started volunteering. Each webinar has ONLY had experts on the panels that have share the most informative and DETAILED information. So impressive! The information is so extensive that it's like going to college to help yourself. This organization has one goal in mind; to empower you! They not only want to give you the tool to empower yourself, they help you to help you community and neighbors. They help you with paperwork needed to protect your rights and guide you through a process of not being afraid of your landlord. Now through the pandemic and all of our needs have increased, Palante is empowering everyone with ADDITIONAL information to get through this pandemic life and the burdens that we are all facing. Try to sign up for any webinars and gain a wealth of knowledge. This is an excellent organization!

Esta organizacion es excelente ayudando a las familias en necesidad especialmente en tiempos de crisis (Covi-19) son muy profesionales, honestos, responsables e informativos. gracias por la ayuda proporcionada a mi familia.

I would like to tell a great story, about a great non-profit organization; PA'LANTE, Harlem Inc. It has been and continue to be a great beacon of hope and inspiration to the Harlem Community, this organization helps to ; Educate, Train and Put Boots on The Ground, to inform the Harlem Community about their rights, when it comes to the Housing Crisis, that is tearing our community apart.
I'm so glad and proud of being a monthly donor to this courageous organization for the great, vital and nessary work centered around this housing nightmare, we are facing in the Harlem Community.
I want to take this opportunity to give a tremendous SHOUT-OUT-, the courageous and steadfast leadership to; Elsia Vasquez, Founder, Executive Director of PA'LANTE Harlem, Inc.
1411 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027, Tel: (212) 491-2541, Fax: (212) 491-2542

It brings me great joy to know that there are still people out there that value our senior citizens. Elisa welcomed my father into her office and sat with us for hours, helping us defend ourselves from our abusive landlord. Her dedication and passion are invigorating and she has the patience of an angel. She worked diligently for hours with my little ones there and exceeded our expectations. We left feeling educated and empowered. Thank you for all you and Palante do. Raquel Cruz

This is an organization that truly invests in its community and takes the time to care for each individual. We were negotiating an issue with our landlord and after working with PALANTE the issue was resolved within a day. We take comfort in knowing that PALANTE. is willing and prepared to fight for the rights of this community. Thank you Elicia and thank you PALANTE!

Through this present I Taylon Pérez, I am an intern in the office of Pa'lante Harlem in New York City. I started working in Palante this summer thanks to the Catholic Charities organization. My first day at this job was a little nervous because it was something new since I had no thought that I would work in an organization whose motive is to help people have better housing conditions.
My experience was very good because I really liked the positive energy they transmitted to me, the treatment they gave me, made me feel happy and sure of myself. However, what I liked most was that as the housing conference was approaching, we were assigned different buildings to distribute flyers door to door so that the tenants attended and could learn more about their rights and the new rent laws. I liked this a lot because while I was doing it I was getting to know our community more and every day on the streets I heard people talking good about our organization. Also, In the housing conference we learned a lot of housing and all the rights we have as tenants. Palante is more than an organization it is a family. This organization different from other really care about you as a human being not just as a client. I have been witness of all the people they helped. Now I still work at Pa'lante Harlem and I feel so happy to be able to help our community. This organization really inspires teenagers like us to keep our dreams up and if we really want something we could always do it. If you need help, the best place to go is Pa'lante Harlem.

My name is Karen and I am an intern in P.A.’L.A.N.T.E Harlem. This was my summer job that I got through the SYEP Program directed by Catholic Charities.When I first heard about it, it seem very interesting because they help people with housing issues. I have always liked to help people in my community so I was really excited about it. At the beginning, I was really nervous because it was my first job. But the staff would always be helping you and supporting you. I worked all summer at P.A.’L.A.N.T.E Harlem. In the summer we did canvassing. This organization does a housing conference each year. This is very important for the tenants because you get a lot of information referring to housing like the New rent laws that protect more tenants, what to do in case your landlord is harassing you or if you need any repair to be done in your apartment. I think I had one of my best experiences at the housing conference because everybody knew about us and were grateful of how P.A.’L.A.N.T.E Harlem changed their life.This is a really good organization that helps tenants against landlord abuse and harassment. Also, they care a lot about the people and try to do day by day a better community. This organization changed my life. After the summer I stayed working at P.A.’L.A.N.T.E Harlem. I am so grateful for the opportunity that they gave me. Now, I’m learning more about housing and doing my best to help my community. P.A.’L.A.N.T.E Harlem

I've attended two of Pa'lante's annual housing (2018 and 2019). I went to learn more about housing/tenant issues, see panels, and meet with City agencies. However, the biggest reason was because they have very knowledgeable and skilled housing court attorneys who offer free advice for tenants facing issues with their landlords.

As I've navigated the housing court process on my own, it's been challenging. The resources available to tenants is often quite mediocre - especially the "advice" you get at the courthouse from the Help Center. When you don't have deep pockets to pay for a lawyer, tenants are left in a very difficult position.

But of all the places that I've turned for advice, the lawyers who come to help people at the Pa'lante conference are thoughtful, well-informed, patient, and (most importantly) steer you in a helpful direction.

Without this conference, I would be in a significantly worse position with my case in housing court. It was also helpful that representatives were at the conference from places like HPD so I could ask relevant questions and get important phone numbers to better assert my rights.

I've also found Pa'lante's staff to have great attitudes and genuinely care about helping people. And my hat goes off to the people who posted signs all over Harlem in the summer heat. I had forgotten about the annual conference and the lawyer volunteers until I saw the sign posted. The timing was perfect since I'm due back in court next week.

I also really enjoyed the panel discussion -- especially the one on foreclosures and how people of color are being scammed out of their homes. The data presented was informative.

I highly recommend this organization's services!!!! It serves a very critical function in the community.

Thank you Pa'lante for all of your help and for organizing yet another wonderful conference!

Palante is a valuable source of the community and brave advocate for many. Short time a go I was fearing the worst for a medical diagnosis what can have been that I have two months to go. I called Palante asking then if they know of a lawyer who does wills, I wanted to made sure my home is transferred to my love ones. In a few days I got a call from Palante, giving me an appointment, a lawyer was going to go to Palante to do wills. I couldn't believe it , they have found a lawyer for me. I went to the office at the time, and a very friendly lawyer was finishing serving another person and in short time he took care of me. I explain my situation, he typed the info and in literally ten minutes I have my will printed. Palante was able to offer free of charge a service so much need it.
good. PALANTE RESPOND they are fast, efficient and deliver; on top, it didn’t feel like a service it feels like a friend helping.

This was the first time they help me out personally. I have known Palante for almost three years now, and I have seen the level of passion when trying to made right what is wrong. I personally have accompanied the people at Palante to a meeting. In that case I was helping another person in an HDFC who have just lost her building, the title was transfer from day and night and I came with the story to Palante. They include the case of this building into the list of the other Third Party Transfer buildings that they are researching and advocating for. It is not treated likely any case at Palante, they look into it in deepness, they contrast info, they ask other for help, they research and write to try to help.
Thanks Palante!
Jana

Palante es una fuerza valiosa de la comunidad y un valiente defensor de los derechos de los residentes en la ciudad de Nueva York. Hace poco, temía lo peor para un diagnóstico médico, y de haber sido así me quedaban dos meses. Llamé a Palante y les pregunté si sabían de un abogado que hiciera testamentos, quise asegurarme de que mi casa era transferida a mis seres queridos. En unos pocos días recibí una llamada de Palante, me dieron una cita, un abogado iba a ir a Palante para hacer testamentos. No lo podía creer, me han encontrado un abogado. Fui a la oficina, y un abogado muy amable estaba terminando de servir a otra persona y en poco tiempo me atendió. Le expliqué mi situación, escribió la información y en diez minutos, literalmente, tenía impreso mi testamento. Palante fue capaz de ofrecer gratuitamente un servicio que tanto lo necesita. Ni siquiera ellos tenían este servicio, se hicieron cargo de mis circunstancias y lo buscaron para mí. PALANTE RESPONDE, son rápidos, eficientes y se entregan, y no se sintió como un servicio se siente como un amigo que ayuda.


Esta era la primera vez que me ayudaban a mí personalmente, pero conozco a Palante desde hace casi tres años, y he visto el nivel de pasión con el que se entregan en intentar corregir lo que está mal. He acompañado a las personas de Palante a una reunión. En ese caso, estaba ayudando a otra persona en un HDFC que acababa de perder su edificio, el título fue transferido de la noche al día y fui con la historia a Palante. Ellos, incluyeron el caso de este edificio en la lista de los otros edificios de Transferencia de Terceros que están defendiendo. No de una manera ligera, no, indagan, cogen datos, corroboran, argumentan, defienden.
Gracias Palante!
Jana

My mother suffers from dementia and was in jeopardy of losing her rent stabilized apartment of 41 years, until Pa'lante Harlem helped. This organization operates with professionalism, expertise, passion and unfettered determination to help tenants! After a year of back and forth to court, with no resolution or assistance from Adult Protective Services or the Guardian ad litem. Pa'lante Harlem stepped into action, making sure that my mother's rights where upheld and that she received the necessary assistance to allow her to remain in her apartment. They level of care and service we received by far exceeded our expectations. Thank you to the entire staff at Palante Harlem and the legal minds that volunteer their services!

Palante harlem was very helpful ,we got peace of mind within minutes of contacting them.Extreamly nice people very good service and knowledgeable i suggest you visit palante harlem, for any of your troubles.

This organization has been God sent to my family and I!
I am currently going through a legal action with my landlord, who wants us out to rent for more than double to others.

This organization has helped me with the process and located legal representation to help me stay in my home in upper Manhattan.

I've been an intern here at PALANTE Harlem for a couple of months now and it has turned out to be a life-changing experience. It's where I met my second family whom are people so dedicated and committed in helping so many families from around the city including mine. We take a lot of pride and effort in the work we do and it's one of the best things to be apart of. I was able to experience this through my parents' housing situations which led me to be here. As now being part of the PALANTE family, I've been able to open my eyes more and see miracles happen through the work we do and I learn from everyday. It always a great feeling being continuously told "Thank you for all your help" on a daily basis. \

-Rosely Nunez

I've always wanted to come to New York. Never expected something as great as Pa'lante Harlem. I never intended to work with them. I am learning a lot with Elsia and the other people that work beside her. They are a very serious and determined organization. I love how I can be a part of changing peoples lives with Pa'lante. It is the feeling of helping others that drives me to continue coming to Pa'lante. Its been Two months now and they are just awesome.

PALANTE is a rare gem that showcases the best of our community through the power of integrity and education. I, first, witnessed the results of their work from afar through the conditions that were addressed for my grandmother, who had been fighting alone for those same results for more than a decade. After a tough time adjusting to adulthood, I was given the opportunity to try something new as an intern at PALANTE. It was then that I realized that the real beauty is not just in fighting landlords. It lies in the empowerment that we create through real unity and community. Now, as a member of the PALANTE family, it's one of the most amazing things to be a part of. Watching a person that feels intimidated and defeated, grow in confidence and strength is a miracle that I get to see and be a part of every day.

Palante doesn't just help residents being harassed by slumlords they help bring the community together. For example, last year the organization hosted a candidate debate in Harlem. A housing non-profit has never attempted to do something like that before. CEO and owner, Elsia Vasquez understands how important politicians are in solving the problems with housing in NYC and so she made them accessible. Palante is Harlem

I can earnestly say that Pa'Lante Harlem takes pride in the work that they do. They work with excellence and selflessly. Their workers from the youngest to the eldest provide meticulous work when dealing with a customer. They are loving and caring doing their best to meet the needs of the community. I saw it first hand when my mother became a customer. The dedication and time that each person took to meet her needs, starting from the director Elsia, was priceless. I thank GOD for them and i am happy to have my children serve in this organization.

I have known about Pa’lante since 2013 when I first moved to Harlem into one of the Lionel Hampton buildings. I came across some flyers advising tenants to request a rent history from DHCR to find out if the apartments were deregulated illegally. I did it but didn’t see anything that struck me as odd. Six months into my tenancy dealing with numerous apt issues, I was moved into another building with a two year lease. I requested a rent history and found some discrepancies. I heard Pa’lante was hosting seminars at DHCR in Harlem and I went to a few. They were so informative and with the guidance of an attorney, I filed a rent overcharge claim. I know it can take years to get this resolved and hopefully get the apt back to rent stabilized status but it’s so comforting to know that organizations like this exist to educate people about illegal deregulations. I wish them much success at their new location.

I can't state enough of P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem exceptional work based in Harlem a non-for-profit organization assisting, educating, tenants of their rights and much more. The effort this organization puts forward in resources should be rewarded and made more visible to the community. P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem shows landlords how to be responsible for their property and reminds him/her that tenants DO have rights. I know if this organization was fully funded and was to receive a full-time staff, some landlords would stop their irresponsible behavior all together. Right now P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. is working at full capacity, we need politicians and donors to make this wonderful organization grow to its full potential.

Ms. Vasquez it is an honor and pleasure to continue work together with P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem.

Respectfully,

Gabriel Bencosme
Tenant Association President

P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem is one of the most vital organization to families in our community. It is not an exaggeration to say that THEY SAVE LIVES!

P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem has kept our building from being vacated which would have put over 60 families out on the street. We must continue to support P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem in every way we can.

When we formed our tenants association, we went to P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem because we knew that we were going to get the best logistical, administrative and organizing support. They treated our members with integrity and that empowered us to be successful in our struggle to live with dignity.

http://abc7ny.com/news/exclusive-illegal-gas-lines-found-in-manhattan-and-bronx-apartments/700788/

In May of 2015, ABC Eyewitness News uncovered illegal gas piping in 8 buildings owned by our landlord, ALMA Realty. Stunned that we were living under a ticking time bomb, we reached out to P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem for help. They helped us organize the tenants, and informed us that we are living in a building without a current Certificate of Occupancy.

P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem then guided us in effectively organizing a rent strike that led to a unanimous Supreme Court decision in our favor.

We are forever grateful to P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem for literally saving our lives.

" Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Sincerely,
Raybblin Vargas
President
600 West 161st Street Tenants Association

COURT DECISIONS
http://nycourts.gov/reporter/3dseries/2018/2018_50396.htm

https://www.hmgdjlaw.com/Major-Cases/GVS-Properties-LLC-v-Raybblin-Vargas-et-al.pdf

My name is Nana Kwame Anokye Adigun Bomani. I have been an intern at Pa’lante Harlem since November 2017, Pa’lante Harlem has helped me grow so much as an individual. Through the course of these past months since November Pa’lante has been a place where have developed a family, been introduced to a brand new culture, and a new community. The experience of working at Pa’lante has shown me that I want to continue to help people, and Perdue a career working towards social change and social justice.

There are not enough wonderful words I could say about PA'LANTE. What an amazing, TRUE, non-profit that is actually doing what it sets out to do.

I started working with PA'LANTE when I was fighting a predatory landlord that had purchased my apartment building, as well as 5 others from my previous owner. The immediately started threatening tenants, harassing them, and illegally performing gut renovations of units. I and a group of us had started a tenant organization, learning from what we could from reading online. But then we hit a wall, no traction. When we finally were at our witts end we were introduced to PA'LANTE.

Immediately we got some teeth to our organization. PA'LANTE worked with us, organized us, got us in touch with the right people to really start to fight. They helped us get a press conference organized in front of one of our buildings with all the major networks there. With that press our landlord finally started to listen. From there we were able to also get our landlord on the watch list of the city, effectively putting them to a stop.

Inspired by all the work I now volunteer there every week, and really feel a part of the "family" of this amazing organization. Every single one of the members of our family knows that we are all in this together, and we will always stand side by side no matter what! What a great organization that I am proud to be a part of!

I have been working as an intern at this organization for a couple of months. I can honestly say that this has been one of the most inspiring and moving experiences that I have had. This organization is deeply committed to enriching the lives of the people within the community through their work. It am left breathless with the amount of support and care that this organization shows it community members. This organization has taught me how to authentically advocate and empower others. As a client, I would feel lucky to have this organization by my side. 5 star organization!

I recently had been locked out of my apartment by the marshall and was completly lost and distraught. I was put in contact with Palante harlem and all i can say is thank god this organization exist. They immediately came in offered legal assistance and saved me from eviction. Elsia Vasquez is true blessing and a true advocate for tenant rights.

This summer I was looking for a job and instead I found a second family. In the little time I have been here, I learned how dedicated Elsia and her organization is to helping those in need. I have seen first-hand what it is like to give your all to the people in our community and it is truly inspiring. I decided to continue working here because I knew that there are changes in our city that needed to be done and I want to help Elsia and Pa'lante reach their daily goal. It is important that everyone knows and hears about this wonderful organization. If you are in need of help, in any way I guarantee that you will not be let down. If you want to help Pa'lante , any small donation would be appreciated. Thanks :)

We are the 615 West 150th Street Tenants' Association. We were not making any progress toward home ownership until we were introduced to PA'LANTE Harlem. PA'LANTE gave us the tools and the motivation we needed to accomplish our dream. Because of PA'LANTE we feel closer to our achievement. Through PA'LANTE we have gotten the support of elected officials and other organizations . PA'LANTE is a great help to the community. We are very grateful to be part of the PA'LANTE Family.

I've known Elsia since I was very young I was her first assistant this really helped me knowing that people are going through such a big struggle on a daily basis, Because of her our apartment got fixed and even after that we still keep in contact with her she's become a close family friend and now I work in the office with her. Pa'lante is a home away from home. It feels good to know that I'm going to be making sure my community stays here. Gentrification is a huge issue and I'm glad I'm doing my part to eventually stop it.

En la organizacion, P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Es una excelente organizacion le brinda una gran seguridad a los inquilinos y siempre disponible para resolver tu caso, aparte de que cuenta con un gran personal para atender tu caso. Mi experiensa como voluntario es esta organizacion fue la mejor aprendi muchas cosas y aquiri grandes habilidades. Los invitos a unirse a esta gran familia.

Hi, my name is Paris. This summer I was interned at Palante Harlem as a data enterer and a video and photo editor. My experience at Palante Harlem was like no other I have had before. Palante Harlem is like a second family, you can seek guidance from Elsia and any of the other employees there. You almost feel at home. Even though the work can be kind of tedious you know that it is all for an extremely important cause. The organization Palante Harlem helps thousands of people within the New York City area they save people from homelessness and unhealthy and unsanitary conditions in their apartments, They also help people whose landlords abuse them; For that, I commend them and hope that they continue to grow as an organization and that they continue to help thousands of more people in the future. I really enjoyed myself at Palante Harlem and I would not hesitate to donate to this organizations' cause in the future when I am rich.

I voluntered at Planate for a short time but from that small experince I was able to catch the strength of this organization, Elsia Vasquez is a hard working and well informed leader who dedicates her time to working with and helping members of the local community. While being only a young non-profit organization that is challenging the law of New York city for the rights of those that have been neglected and left to fend for themselvs. Elsia has given these very people a tool to fight back againt the neglect and abuse of there landloards. The tenants that Palante represents are majority older citizens of the community and are seen as unable to defend themselvs against a larger entity yet Palante has given these citizens a voice to fight with and that is invaluable. Not only does Palante help older citizens of the community but as well as engaging the youth of the community by employing nearly all of her staff with young adults no older than 21 years of age. This shows that Palante is dedicated to giving back to not only the elders but also the youth covering all memebers of the community and giving invaluable information and oppertunity to all, this is one of the very few still true to the citizens of the community non-profit organizations.

Palante Harlem helped us get organized and form a strong tenants association to fight our predatory landlord.

My friend, Lisa, had a concern. She thought she was being ripped off by her landlord who was trying to redo her lease and raise her rent. Lisa was confused and wondered where and how she could learn the "rules" by which the apartment was governed and what were her rights as a tenant. The lawyer she reached out to would not answer any questions unless she paid him upfront. So I told her about Palante. They took her call right away and began telling her about websites she could visit and about government sites that outline regulations. She was able to do the research herself and felt empowered. Palante did not ask for anything in return. They truly are about empowering the community and teaching people their rights as tenets.

One day i went to buy a graduation dress for my daughter , who was graduating from kindergarten. When I came home, the apartment had been locked by the Marshal's office. I had previously gone to court for a non -payment. I had the money for the rent , but the Judge told me to hold on to it; since the apartment was in my brother's name. I have lived with my brother for many years. The owners had sent a certified letter to my brother. No notice was given to me. Here, i was now locked out of my apartment. I called the Marshal's office and told to go to court.
I was to was referred by my neighbor to Harlem Pa'Lante. I came here, they got me an attorney , i didn't have to give him anything except my smile. I had the money for the rent , but not for the legal & marshal's fees. I was able to get a " one shot deal" from the city. Now, I am back in my apartment with my 3 children. My apartment is finally being repaired! You see that was why the owner sued me in court; when i started asking for repairs.
when the marshal changed the locks, the broke a very secure lock i had. they changed it with a used lock. Harlem Pa'Lante has even helped me with that. A new lock with two keys! I ham VERY GRATEFUL to Halrem Pa'lante!!!

I've been with Pa'lante Harlem for quite sometime, and I got to say hands down the best experience I've had. Pa'lante will open the eyes of those who don't see the wrongdoings in our community. Pa'lante will motivate the people in the community to become knowledgeable tenants and know the power of their tenancy rights. Not only would you be doing a good service to society but also to yourself, knowing that you are giving a voice to the voiceless makes you feel almost as you are the protector of NYC's tenants who are continuously harassed by awful landlords that are unfortunately trying to push people out of their residents or shoot up the rent. Overall, Pa'lante Harlem is a wonderful nonprofit organization that continues to provide outstanding service to anyone who is seeking help and continues to spread awareness of the corruption that is plaguing housing and the city's residents.

Palante is one of the best non-profit business I've ever known . Palante Help people regardless their background and it helps people in a way that makes their life easier. This was an great experience for me and learned a lot from it. We should have more non-profit business like palante.

Palante Harlem is wonderful Organization with a great cause. Palante is the best Non-profit Organization I've ever worked. Palante helps people everyday with their housing problems no matter the situation, Palante will help them. Palante Always gives to the community and never asks for anything in return . Palante was an excellent work experience for me, it helped me grow as a person. Palante is a need for every community, Palante makes sure that no one is abused by their landlord or being exploited by their Landlord. We need an Organization like people to continue what they do because they are necessary for our Community

Palante Harlem is a Wonderful organization. It helps a great place for people with questions or worries about their apartments. Palante is one of the best non-profit organization I've seen. The time I spent here made me see the problems people face everyday. Palante has been a wonderful experience that helped me grow as a person. Palante is a place where you can never give but instead make it work. The organization truly helps the tenants fight for their rights.

I am enormously grateful to Palante Harlem. As a result of their dedication and expertise our tenants’ association was able to make contact with especially helpful referrals which ultimately resulted in our landlord’s application for an unjustified Modification of Services (MOS) getting denied. The MOS would have have resulted in a significant reduction in services and an increase in costs for all rent-stabilized tenants in our building. The city is a safer place because of what Palante Harlem does every day to help protect tenants from landlord abuse.

I have been helping at P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Harlem for the last 5 weeks. Elsie and her team are doing a outstanding job in helping Tenants to fight against Landlord injustice (Slum Lords). Their dedication is remarkable! I have witnessed situations which I would have believed exited if not having seen them myself:
1. Senior Citizens being taking out of there Rent Stabilized apartments and being put in smaller apartments with their belongings put in black garbage bags.
2. Senior Citizen laving with no water, no bathroom, and Kitchen for 3 weeks. Being forced to stay in a small bedroom while the Landlord did improvements to the apartment, with the intention of making this person move into another smaller apartment . This elderly women is 91 years old !!
3. I have seen building with major violations;
A. Rusted Staircases painted over.
B. Major water leaks in apartments and in the hallways.
C. Building Roofs ready to sink in , due to no up keep.
D. Bullying Seniors and others into leaving there apartments .
P.A.L.A.N.T.E. stands up to these Landlords and is fighting a tuff battle for Tenants Rights and quality life .

exelente Organización que trabaja para acer baler los derechos de los inquilinos. Con dignidad y justicia.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem is a non-profit organization that helps tenants to get their rights for their apartments that landlords or supervisors won't fix. I come from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and I came to volunteer with this organization for a life changing experience. I highly recommend Palante for those who are looking for an unforgettable and humble service, their movement is a great message to all tenants who wants to live in a better building and a stable life.

Palante Harlem is a wonderful nonprofit organization. It has helped many people throughout the years that it has been working. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a great organization. Such an organization like this should be recognized for the great and wonderful work that it does and the many people that greatly benefit from it.

I lead a group of students from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke for an alternative spring break trip. Working with PALANTE Harlem has been life changing. The work they do and the passion they exude is contagious. To see the impact PALANTE is having on the Harlem community is inspiring and I am thankful that our group could be a part of the movement they have start to help tenants against landlord abuse!

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E Harlem is a great organization in which helps tenants again landlord abuse and against tenant exploitation. I am glad to work for P.A.'L.A.N.T.E Harlem because it's a new experience for me and I get to learn a lot of new things.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem is a great organization because it's for the people! It has help fight and educate the people in the community on their rights. The tenants in my building and I have learned so much from our involvement and are encouraged and motivated to spread the good that P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. has done and continue to do for the community. We are very thankful and grateful for the founder, Elsia Vasquez and all the dedicated and hard work she has done and continue to do!!!!

Tengo el honor de hablar sobre la importancia de estar unidos como familia en una organizacion por que antes de estar en una organizacion de inquilinos por anos, NADIE nunca ni landlord, ni manager menos el super nos dieron atencion, y pasamos todas clases de vicisitudes. Muchas veces reclamabamos pero benian, miraban, se hiban y asi quedaba todo. Sin embargo, despues de ser miembro activo de la organizacion P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem nuestra vida como inquilinos a cambiado un 80% .

En la organizacion, P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem, me siento muy bien protegida. Pues e recivido muy buena atencion de parte de esta organizacion sin fines de lucros. Los trabajadores siempre tienen una cara sonriente y siempre estan al tanto para ayudar a resolver cualquier problema Los invito a unirse a la familia.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem has been a driving force for tenants rights and equality. My experience with them has been a very positive and an enlightening. In this current environment in which we live , with economic inequality, P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem serves as a tremendous organization to help all communities that would other wise be left out on the perch. I am very appreciative and grateful for all they do us! This organization is and has been a Blessing.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem is an organization that doesn't only help the community with their main purpose (goal) but it also tries to go beyond. I've been part of the family for a while now and i'm very great full for having the opportunity to learn a lot through the workshops we have and the meetings that occur. I'll like to thank the founder; Elsia Vasquez for guiding me through the right way in every step i'm taking. There's so more to this organization than just it's duty, because P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem isn't simply an organization we are a family.

P.A.'L.A.T.E. Harlem has been and would always be one of the best experiences I've had in my life. In this incredible organization you learn that the saying " I Quit" is not an option; you have to "Make it work." P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem as well as its president and founder Ms. Elsia Vasquez deserve every single award and blessing that there is. The work that she does is absolutely incredible and has no comparison.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. is a great place to learn new things and meet new people. Since I entered it has been nothing but a fun ride. I truly feel like I have grown mentally thanks to this organization and don't know what I would be doing would out it. I can't wait to see what's down the road and what the future holds for both the organization and me.

Pa'lante harlem is a wonderful non for profit organization. I can say personally say that this is a team that doesn't know the word quit. They stand by there word 100%, and treats the community, worker, and volunteers like family. i couldn't think of a better organization to volunteer for i gained so much knowledge and experience and also met so much great people.

I was very pleased to do my week of community service with Elsia Vasquez and her fabulous non profit organization PA'LANTE Harlem!!!! It is truly rewarding to work with vigilant people; In five days we made remarkable strides... Support Pa'lante and help keep NYC neighborhoods afloat.

This is truly an organization for the unrepresented low and moderate income tenants of New York. With passion, organization and strategies, PALANTE Harlem brings the conditions of the people that are being priced out, scaled out, built out and cheated out of the neighborhoods that they have lived in and supported for generations. I don’t know of any other organizations or agency that works for the rights of the residents without a hidden agenda. I have only been aware of PALANTE Harlem since May 2014. And in this short time I have witness the action of this organization to bring tenants together, educate them of their rights, cause them to realize their common conditions, find the solution and mobilize them to resolve it. Thank you for helping us to move forward and simply having a voice for better living conditions.

PALANTE Harlem is the best news for every rent-regulated tenant and building in NYC! PALANTE and its founder, Elsia Vasquez, are passionate advocates for tenants’ rights. She knows city regulations inside and out. She has invaluable professional relationships with city agencies. And most importantly, she and her organization know how to work the system like nothing I’ve ever seen before! I can’t say enough about the good PALANTE can do for tenants.

Our Upper Manhattan walk-up building had over 200 HPD violations with many immediately hazardous violations. PALANTE did us great good. I’ll point to just one crucial way. For months, our entire building, including elderly, kids and handicapped individuals, had no gas because “someone” cut the main gas pipe in the basement without the landlord notifying Con Ed or the Department of Buildings (DOB)! Local public officials’ staffs and some housing groups offered encouragement but apparently couldn’t do much to restore our gas—even though our building got on the 100 Worst Landlords Watchlist. With no cooking gas, some neighbors said they just couldn’t afford to eat out and pay their rent. Another family with kids was eating pizza almost every night. We were desperate. By chance, a manager in HPD suggested we contact PALANTE and Elsia Vasquez. I thank God for this!

Although Ms. Vasquez was incredibly busy working with other buildings, she readily agreed to meet and hear our problems. She explained PALANTE’S strategy in dealing with such landlords and outlined an incredible campaign plan for us. And she didn’t stop there. She reached out to contacts she had with city officials and put the spotlight on our building to expedite the restoration of our building gas. She never let up. When the gas was finally turned on, my neighbors were ecstatic! And then HPD put our building in the city’s Alternative Enforcement Building (AEP), which got the landlord to make a lot of other repairs!

Without PALANTE and Elsia Vasquez, we could have gone—like so many other buildings—months longer with no gas.

Yes, I feel intensely that PALANTE is a great nonprofit. And with Elsia Vasquez and PALANTE’s effectiveness protecting the families in our building and so many others, they well deserve your Top-Rated Award!

Elsia Vasquez and PALANTE have rocked our world, in a good way. Every tenant should have such inspirational advocates, helping show us what our rights CAN be and helping us gather them around us. Elsia seems to run on sheer enthusiasm and knowledge of how to work the system to tenants' advantage and she is beyond generous with her time.

I am the Vice-president of a TIL/ANCP Building Tenant Association. Elsia Vasquez, founder and Executive Director of PA'LANTE Harlem has been a tireless advocate for TIL tenants. She has been instrumental in organizing meetings with elected officials, HPD and the community, which resulted in the tenancy succession rights being extended to TIL/ANCP tenants. On behalf of our Tenant Association I would like to thank PA'LANTE for all the hard work they do with limited resources to defend our community.
Carmen Pena

I was recommended to this nonprofit by someone and at first they were helping my mom and I but apparently the founder of this organization got into a confrontation with someone that had nothing to do with my mom nor myself and they completely decided to stop working with us. This was totally unprofessional on their part and it was bad enough that my mom had enough issues going on. Not to mention the Elsia had a major attitude problem as well. Thankfully, we found better people to help us and have been nothing but amazing to my mom and I.

Currently working with this organization to get a rent overcharge and landlord issues resolved. They have all the tools and knowledge to help get paperwork filed and advocate on your behalf. Thank you!!!

Elsia, the founder of Palante, is a classic example of a great leader, who leads by example, always quick to give credit where credit is due. She takes no credit for the victories on behalf of renters she organizes, applauding and publicly praising the efforts of those who charge home the wins from the front lines. I wish there were a Palante in every borough of NYC; it would seal fair housing for many more if an organization like or extension of Palante were a voice of housing rights throughout the city. It would also be great to be closer to Elsia & Palante, so that other organizations could learn from their example of how a non profit should be run. Not least of all, Elsia has always been there as a 'long distance' contact for feedback and advice, no matter how busy she is. Because of her, there's no doubt other great leaders are growing within Palante as well.

PA'LANTE is simply an awesome place! I have to admit that had PA'LANTE not helped me find a job when I relocated from Pittsburgh, I'd be homeless! This alone is huge for me, being a single mom with 3 kids, one with complex medical needs. This organization has my eternal gratitude for this action and the constant advise on a few other issues as well.

As the Councilmember for the area, I was proud to work with Palante Harlem to protect tenants from being evicted and being taken advantage of by landlords. I allocated City funds to help them carry out their goal of education and advocacy within Northern Manhattan. Elsia Vasquez, the leader of Palante; no one works harder then Elsia. Palante Harlem is truly a grassroots community based organization that is there to help tenants. By helping Palante with a donation of cash or other things they may need (paper, computers, etc), you are helping to keep Northern Manhattan affordable for the people that live here now. Palante!
Robert Jackson, Former Councilmember, District 7, Chair of Education Committee &
Co-Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.

I am impressed by the commitment and dedication that Ms. Vasquez has for her community. When a person is able to do what they love and do it with passion the outcomes are amazing ! She and her staff have, in her small cozy space are making a true and valuable contributions to the improvement of many peoples lives, and that is priceless!

Founder Elsia Vasquez does such painstaking, tireless work to help the tenants of Harlem with their overwhelming apartment problems, and landlord abuse. She works very hard, as well as gives a lot of her free time. She is a powerhouse in petite frame. I help out whenever I can. But wow to her and the hard work of her dedicated staff......Huascar is great!!!

When I first volunteered to be apart of PA'LANTE Harlem I was not aware of what I was getting myself into. It was a way for me to get off of the streets and focus on something more useful. I went from being in the streets in a negative way to a more positive way. Never in a million years did I imagine myself advocating for people living in terrible conditions. I made a great decision by sticking to PA'LANTE. PA'LANTE isn't just any organization: PA'LANTE Harlem is a family. Elsia Vasquez is one of the most hardworking women that I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with. She gives her volunteers an opportunity to emerge themselves into the organization by assigning roles.The faith she has in her people is incredible and gave me the incentive to not let her, the organization, or myself down. PA'LANTE not only has a great environment, but its purpose is blessing to those who stumble upon it.

The only reason that I am not there now is because I've gone away to college: however, when I get back to the city I will surely be paying PALANTE Harlem a visit!

April 15, 2014 will be a day my family and I will never forget. That horrific night where I woke up to huge flames and dark black smoke thinking that my family and I were not going to survive still brings chills and terrible flashbacks. Thankfully I was rescued and brought out by the firefighters and rushed to the emergency room for smoke inhalation not to mention the fact that I have bad asthma. It turned out we experienced an electrical fire in our apartment in which the entire apartment was burned down along with all of our clothes, furniture, documents, priceless pictures, yearbooks and the list goes on in which we did not even have renters insurance. My family and I were left homeless and with nothing at all. We contacted 311, The Red Cross, and other agencies but they were just not very helpful and did not seem to really care. The landlord of our building was even worse, he not only did not provide for shelter but also threatened to throw us out out of the apartment because he wanted to maximize rent profits from a new tenant because my mother has lived there for over 30 years and the rent was low. This was when I was referred to P.A.L.A.N.T.E HARLEM and it was like a gift from God. From the very first day we went in we felt like someone actually cared and took time to really find out what was happening. P.A.L.A.N.T. E Harlem gave our family hope and strength to keep fighting against our landlord and to get our apartment back. On August 1, 2014 my family and I went to court in which the judge ruled the case in our favor stating that there is no reason for us to be evacuated from our apartment and that the landlord has 30 days to fully renovate the apartment. Today we our back in our apartment and we are starting a new life and we owe it all to the constant help from P.A.L.A.N.T.E Harlem. We do not know how to thank this non-profit organization enough and the least we can do is to spread the word that there is actually help out there for us and thank God we found P.A.L.A.N.T.E Harlem when we needed it most! Thank You P.A.L.A.N.T.E Harlem!

I am impressed by the tireless work of Palante Harlem. A few months ago I needed advice to deal with a Landlord. I reached out to Palante and was listened to promptly, given great advice and set up with an appointment with Housing in the Bronx. I got the answers to all my questions. I would highly recommend using Palante Harlem for any housing inquiries or problems. Many Thanks to Elsia Vasquez and her well trained staff.


Sincerely,

Raymond Cordero

Sometimes I wasn't really greatful of what I had until I started to volunteer at this non-profit organization. Coming from the south, there's nothing but wide open spaces, big houses, and apartments here and there.There was nothing wrong with that but, when I came to New York and started to volunteer at Palante last summer my attitude towards my living conditions have changed. I started to appreciate my home more because there are people living in apartments far more worst than mine with higher prices. If it wasn't for this organization I would probably be an ungreatful person by now. I love what I do here because it feels good to know that what I am doing is helping make a big impact on the Harlem community. I am going to keep on volunteering here until this organization is apart of history and makes a big impact world wide.

This non-profit organization inspired me to become a better man, witnessing the impact this organization has on the upper Manhattan society i feel like there should be an expansion of palante through all 5 boroughs being that many new york city citizens go through similar issues.

Elsia Vasquez never falters in her work. She makes it her job to make sure a whole building is in top notch condition, and the tenants are truly satisfied . I know that she is also an amazing mentor for her interns.

Palante Harlem is a great nonprofit organization.This organization help people with their housing problems; they fight against to abusive landlords.

Pa'lante Harlem is a non-profit company that helps tenants fight against abusive landlord. A non-profit company that changed the life of hundreds and hundreds of tenants. Elsia the founder of the company is tough on the skin, intelligent, fearless, and straight forward. She had helped so many people, without her and Pa'lante Harlem, Harlem wouldn't be the same.

Palante is here to help every tenant by making them feel more comfortable with their apartment. With the help of elsia and the palante organization tenants dont have to worry about there landlords kicking them out.

PA'LANTE Harlem, is a great nonprofit organization founded by Elsia Vasquez, that strives to change for the better. Not only helping the community in NYC but, gathering a community together and fighting the corruption in housing and slum lords in housing today. Without good people like Elsia Vasquez, corruption in our country will continue on with no say. PA'LANTE helps those who seek for help.

What this organization does is something amazing. Not only do they help their community but others as well. Elsia's fight against abusive landlords is effective and is very inspiring. I've learned a lot from them and I hope this organization stays around for a long time because our people need it. She's really making a difference.

The founder of Palante Harlem, Elsia Vasquez, is extremely helpful and warmhearted when it comes to truly giving back to the community. Everyday she assists dozens of tenants across Harlem with problems ranging from infestations to bad landlords.

PALANTE really follows through with its mission.The work this organization does is extraordinary and vital for the Harlem community. Day after day tenants walk through the door of PALANTE with a problem and leave with their problems resolved thanks to Elsia. The Harlem community is benefiting tremendously from PALANTE.

Elsia's organization is a great help to the Harlem Community. Their fight against some of the worst Landlords makes a noteable change in the community and the tenants residing in the neighborhood.
This organization is very thorough and productive. The way Elsia goes against these exploitive landlords is very effective by getting all the right organizations to help the tenants in these unfortunate situations.

Palante Harlem is the ultimate when it comes to tenant advocacy. Elsia Vasquez, its founder and president is passionate about helping people address issues with their abusive landlords. She works diligently and tirelessly, many times late into the night to get things done. She truly cares.

Palante Harlem is a progressive tenant organizing nonprofit organization working tirelessly on the behalf of Harlem and Washington Heights most vulnerable populations. With assistance from a cadre of legal and organizing volunteers, Palante Harlem has saved many families in Public Housing and privately owned buildings from eviction and homelessness. The organization has also been instrumental in forcing landlords to make repairs or face fines and the possible assignment of 7A Administrators. Recently Palante Harlem has begun to address the issues faced by tenants in NYC's Tenant Interim Leasing Program. They address all issues with knowledge, expertise and a dedication to achieve positive outcomes.

When H CAD was in a bind with their attorney Palente's Harlem step up to the plat and help those tenants being downsized by HPD and worked with HCAD to fight and resolve the issue!

Elsia is the best! Thanks E!

Palante has responded quickly and worked diligently to serve the individuals and families I sent to them. Everyone with whom I spoke spoke glowingly about how they were treated and the value of the advice given. Palante is an invaluable resource in a community whose residents are feeling increased pressure from landlords.

PALANTE HARLEM INC. has become such and important advocate of the Harlem and Washington Heights communities. I have had the fortune of working with them and have their knowledge assist me in helping clients with their landlord/tenant and housing issues. Their advice has been priceless. The work and dedication that PALANTE puts into helping those who cannot defend themselves against unfairness is priceless!

I am the president of a small Co op, I came to PALANTE to ask for help for the tenants in our building that are in trouble due to arrears an inability to pay. Not only did PALANTE agree to help the people,
Ms. Vasquez gave me the hope and inspiration needed to help me save our building that was on the
brink of loss. When ever I'm overwhelmed, I come to PALANTE and she refers me to the resource
that changes any problem. PALANTE has been a Godsend in our lives.

PALANTE Harlem strives to help tenants against landlord abuse and neglect in a painstaking, selfless way. Being a volunteer for PALANTE Harlem is a rewarding experience. The founder, Elsia, is very passionate about helping people in the community. PALANTE Harlem goes above and beyond; so I enjoy helping here, and learning to go step farther in that good, noble fight.

palante harlem is a good organization and when the landlord is not being fare we turn to palante harlem and they help us solve the problem we were one of the first tenents to form this organization and the result that we have all were positive because they are an organization very sirius and they know what they are doing and all that they do they do it correct and professional

Palante Harlem has been a God send for me and my family. Several years ago we were faced with an eviction from the landlord and at the time, I was doing volunteer work for Elisa. When I mention the problem, she right away started a game plan. At first when the problem presented itself, I was overwhelmed with the thought of trying to defend my family and myself in court alone but she took her time to educate me on my rights and explain the process for going to court. Elisa was very passionate and dedicated to see this issue through. After almost a year in court, my family won the case! I wanted to give thanks to Elisa and Palante for being a fighter for tenant’s rights!!!

Provide tenant assistance housing issues, such as, illegal eviction, overcharges and harassment complaints.

PALANTE HARLEM INC is providing an invaluable service to the community, not only to the Harlem community but also to the Heights. My experience with them is based on the terrific help they are giving our Tenants Association. Our building had been in the HPD TIL Program for over 15 years. In 2008 HPD said they had the budget to remodel the building, convert it to a Cooperative and give tenants the opportunity to buy the shares allocated to the apartments they lived in. Relocation of tenants started. Then it suddenly stopped because there were no funds. Had not they say they had the budget? Fifteen families have been relocated for over 5 years now, some leaving in apartments that are not appropriate (4 and 5 floors walk ups for elderly tenants.) Because of HPD's inaction, we requested PALANTE HARLEM'S help. I find that the organization and its leadership handle matters in a very professional manner, are very open, approachable, and genuinely interested in building community, in helping distressed tenants, in getting the collaboration between elected officials, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the community at large. Elsia Vasquez, the founder of PALANTE HARLEM INC is a very energetic, tireless defender of tenants' rights, and has the charisma of moving people to get things done. PALANTE HARLEM INC is not only a defender, an advocate; it is also a friend to the community, doing a work that is soooooo needed!!!!

P.A.L.A.N.T.E. HARLEM founded by Elsia Vasquez has helped many underprivileged middle-income residents learn their legal tenant rights, laws and protections against landlord abuse. With their dedicated and knowledgeable staff, have assisted many in OUR neighborhoods to remain in a safe and habitual apartment. DON'T be intimidated by an abusive landlord making threats against you, disrupting essential services or using different tactics to evict you. If you need help, go to P.A.L.A.N.T.E. and you will definitely be helped and no one is turned away.

Being part of a community on the brink of extinction, I often come across people facing crisis with regard to their homes. I have referred many scared, distressed tennants to PALANTE. Not only do people find expert assistance with their issues, they find a community of volunteers and staff that are passionate about helping tenants. It makes me so proud and hopeful for the future of our neighborhoods to see neighbors helping each other and to see tenants winning battles against bad landlords.

I have been a Candidate for the City Council of New York, and in learning about the work of Palante Harlem, I saw the heart of the people exhibited in the work of professionals. All while maintaining significance in the balance of power to the people. Palante Harlem is a friend, a comfort to the burdened, an allie to the purpose of justice in housing. I respect the work, the people, its founder, who is a friend to Harlem and The Heights. The support of Palante Harlem is a valued friend.

Hi my name is Maritza I am vey lucky to find the organization PALANTE HARLEM with her founder Elsia. She her me so much with my building. She encourages me to continue with my mission and gives me advices and how to handle different problems. Thanks to Elsia I continue helping my neighbor in my building. She is a great leader, person very smart and honest. She is very dedicate, powerful and knowledgeable person in what she does. She made a huge difference in my life now.

PA'LANTE Harlem, Inc., founded and run by Elsia Vazquez is a powerful grassroots organization that sprang up during a housing crisis while a negligent landlord ran a hell hole, refusing to make proper repairs and maintaining his warranty of habitability. As someone who has worked in the Housing Industry for 35 years, I've worked with and seen many landlords, managers, administrators and community agencies struggle with the housing issues that take place in our city nowadays and seldom you hear of an organization who takes a punch for the vulnerable victims, unknowledgeable tenants, and strikes back using using the appropriate tools available to low income families, the rules, regulations, charters, guidelines and codes developed by city government to uphold all landlords to main safe, decent and sanitary housing for all of their tenants. PA'LANTE Harlem has helped organize Tenant Organizations to enter the TIL other programs in order to keep Harlem and their homes as stable as possible. My hat goes off to Elsia Vazquez and PA'LANTE Harlem as being an invaluable workforce in the Harlem Community.

The P.A.'L.A.N.T.E Harlem group's work has made an incredible difference in the lives of all the tenants of the building I reside in. Our building was about to be taken out of a program that regulates our rent and gives us the great opportunity to one day own our apartments. On the eve of our termination from that program, Elsia and her P.A.'L.A.N.T.E group stepped in and have been the driving force in stopping the city from shifting our building from the program we have been in for 10+ years, to a corporation that would have eventually sold it to a private owner who would have obviously raised our rents to an unreasonably amount, essentially forcing us out of the apartments we have called home for the greater parts of our lives.

In a day and age where affordable housing is harder to find, P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. has given our tenant association their unrelenting support to help us keep our building in a program that will one day give us the great opportunity to own the apartments we currently rent and live in.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem Group has kept our dream of owning our apartments alive. I feel the tenants of my building, my family and I will be forever indebted to the P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem group founder Elsia Vasquez, and the P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. staff for their invaluable help and support. In return, we will forever support them for being the great non-profit organization that they are.

I have had one experience with this organization, but It made quite the impression on me. The forum that I was very well planned with a thorough agenda as well as very welcoming venue set up. It was a huge turnout and overall I enjoyed my experience very much. I also very much enjoyed the OJ.

Working to preserve, create and maintain affordable housing is doing the work of building community on many levels. The P.A.L.A.N.T.E. Team has done extraordinary work in a short period of time. They are an inclusive group that is open to learning new appra\oches to all aspects of the problem of a lack of enough affordable housing in New York City.

I was impressed by their reaching out to me and willingness to include our needs in their "big picture."

Elisa and her people are professionals and manage to keep open the lines of communication between themselves, suppliers, electeds, funding organizations and builders -- no small feat. Happy to be able to contribute to their efforts from time to time.

PA'L.A.N..T.E Harlem is providing service that is well needed all around the city in the midst of a shortage of affordable housing PA'L.A.N..T.E is actively fighting landlord that are using unscrupulous tactics to evict families, but it doesn't stop there PA'L.A.N..T.E has helped tenants summit and win rent overcharged cases, reduce rent charges for decrease in service which forces the landlords to make needed repairs in the building and/or apartments, this organization also help our youth develop new set of skills Through the Summer Youth Program. Being a grass root organization PA'L.A.N..T.E Harlem understand what it takes to get results

I called Pa'lente right way Elisa put in touch w/ an attorney who is currently helping on a complicated case. My 1st time their, they offered me help & gr8 advice. Everyone in the office was held until late hours of the nite & they didn't say a word... I never felt rushed... Courteous and professionalism is what I have to say.

THANK GOD and Ms. ELSIA VASQUEZ for helping so many people that's unable to help themselves. PALANTE HARLEM is a GOD SEND. Thank you Ms. Vasquez for all the hard work you and your great staff do:-)

They are clear with there mission--efficient with its
execution and noble in there success. Palante represents the community and is the ombudsman for the neighborhood.

The work at Palanta Harlem is folks that give from the heart. We hear folks talk about should have, could have and would have done this or that. The Director Elisa and her staff get the job done. I have to praise them as they are working within a system that does not normally know how to work with others. However, Palanta is the EXCEPTION to the rule. Thank you for all the good work!

I have referred many tenants with landlord issues and they always come back with some if not all problems resolved. Our community needs more organizations like this that are really trying to preserve our communities.

Palante Harlem is a God Send to all tenants that are suffering intolerable living conditions by greedy and ignorant slum lords. Palante steps in to protect the many who may believe that they are voiceless. Every community should have a Palante type of organization across the Nation. Thanks Elsia for spear heading this important movement.

P.A.LA.N.T.E. HARLEM, INC. is an organization that is endearing to me not only because I have had the privilege of seeing the birth of this organization but playing a small role in nurturing it as well. In its short time as an organization it has managed to touch the lives of so many and not just in Harlem alone. Quite frankly Palante allows me to sleep at night knowing that poor tenants are not being evicted from their homes by unscrupulous landlords.

Carmen Perez, BM

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. is a unique Harlem-based non-for-profit organization assisting and educating tenants of their rights and much more. Many landlords take advantage of people who don't know their rights and have instituted of process of overcharging for rent. Most of these kinds of Landlords also vicariously neglect basic upkeep of their properties, or even just practice the inhumane process of evicting low-paying tenants in order to make room for what is deemed as "income-desirable" residents, who can pay the rent prices that the landlords wants. This has been and is still an ongoing problem within our communities. The effort this organization puts forward in assisting tenants toward understanding their landlord/tenant laws and what their rights are as well as advocating in having safe and affordable housing are paramount in achieving and breaking the cycle of this type of landlord abuse. This organization stands as a continuously proactive reminder to these fraternities of landlords that tenants’ rights cannot be trampled on without facing consequences for those types of actions.

Imagine the possibilities for P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. if this organization was better funded? Perhaps some landlords would think twice regarding their callous behavior to tenants overall.

P.A.'L.A.N.T.E. Harlem is one of the most important non-profit organizations today mostly because they work with the people directly affected by the abuse and exploitations of landlords who prey on the vulnerability of the ill-informed. Many landlords take advantage of people who don't know their rights and are overcharged for rent, neglect basic upkeep of the facilities, or just plainly evict them just to make room for whomever they deem "desirable". This is a growing problem not only in our community but all over the country. I am proud to be a part of an entity such as this one and hope that P.A.L.A.N.T.E.'s success reaches far beyond what they have already achieved for the people they've helped along the way.

PA'LANTE Harlem is an organization like no other. They really care about their clients and the community. How they help the tenants and their families is astounding!!! The workshops that are held are helpful and they educate the tenants of their rights. Each and every person deserves a good quality of life and that includes decent affordable housing. Palante Harlem helps the people in and out of the community to achieve this with their heads held high. Their understanding of the rent laws and regulations with the help of the elected officials is phenomenal. They are dedicated and are with you from beginning to end. WATCH OUT LANDLORDS, PA'LANTE HARLEM IS A POWERHOUSE (for the tenants) TO BE RECKONED WITH!!!

My experience here has been wonderful. Through interning here I was able to meet a lot of different people and gain knowledge through them. I have grown to love the PALANTE family. We are all one and without this organization I can't picture how the lives of people would be. I appreciate the work and commitment that they give. I have never seen such a determined organization whose jobs aren't for working but for the love of the people.

PALANTE HARLEM is one organization that really cares for tenants and their families. Their understanding of tenants needs and their ability to educate them is something that really makes them stand out. Many of us aren't up to date with the landlord/tenant laws and what our rights are and she really makes sure to advocate for us and make sure that we continue to have safe and affordable housing.

Palante Harlem is a great community organization that I fully support and really praise them as that have always been there for us.

This is a great organization just how they help Tenant again Landlord is amazing. I enjoy being here helping people with there problems on their apartment great. I really like being useful and being able to help others with there problem. If you have any problem with your landlord or on your apartment this is the best organization out there.

I've never seen a non-profit organization standing up for tenants rights as PA'LANTE does. It is just wonderful knowing that there's still people out there that care and help others without expecting anything in return. Thanks to PA'LANTE for the great experience and for allowing me to be a part of this unique organization.

My greatest happiness born from my deepest fears was that such an organization as P'alante Harlem would not be around until now since it has been and is doing the job that others have failed to do and which is in not only in educating the tenant population on demanding its rights from the landlords but and which is more important bringing clarity to the fraternity of landlords that it can't just trample on tenants with impunity. Their is a price to be paid for this attitude as Pa'lante Harlem is showing these miserable lot of shylocks. Well Pa'lante Harlem is still around and going even stronger, and thanks to Ms. Elsia Vasquez personally for championing my conflicts with my landlords and which is ongoing as we speak. The difference now than before is that I am made fearless and stronger to deal with this lot by having a champion like Pa'lante Harlem watching my back. If I can have any part in ensuring the survival and thriving of Pa'lante Harlem it will be my pleasure to do so. I could go on eternally. Writing is my world. But do you have the time to read it all? I will spare you. But when saying anything about Pa'lante Harlem it is challenging to be brief.

What a great organization this is! We have witnessed first hand how this great organization helps all kinds of unfortunate people all over. It has been a pleasure dealing with Ms. Elsia Vasquez and her organization. She is so kind and caring to all, always being helpful- offering her helping hand everywhere. There is a lot of credit due to this amazing organization!

I have to say that working at P.A.L.A.N.T.E has been an honor on my behalf. I believe that everything in life is for a reason and working here has taught me a lot. Not only as an intern but also as a member of the youth of NYC. This organization works hard to get tenants their fair rights against those slumlords who try to abuse them. Also, helping other organizations in the community and letting others know exactly what we do feels great because helping others is main goal in life.

Elsia and her team make an enormous impact on West Harlem. Elsia combines passion and professionalism, with a hard-driving work ethic to assist tenants in this community where no other assistance exists.

Palante Harlem is a critical community-based organization and is worthy of support.