Families United for Racial and Economic Equality (FUREE) is a Brooklyn-based multi-racial organization that empowers low-income and working families to promote equality and improve economic conditions so that all people are valued and can exit and remain out of poverty. Primarily led by women of color with an emphasis on community and family, FUREE facilitates leadership development through political education and community organizing to empower low income communities in Brooklyn and NYC.

Description and/or History:
FUREE is an award-winning organization that was founded in 2001 as a welfare rights organization by 15 women living on public assistance and, in the past few years, we have connected welfare rights to a broader struggle to create economic opportunity and eliminate poverty. Today, we have grown into an organization with over 500 families that have engaged in campaigns that won changes benefiting low income and working families as well as small businesses in Brooklyn and throughout NYC.

Low-income and working families engage in leadership development activities that combine political education, policy analysis, community outreach and organizational relationship-building locally, regionally and nationally.

This year, our hands-on leadership development work will focus on the following issue areas:

• affordable housing
• affordable, healthy food
• small businesses
• engagement of infrequent voters
• youth issues (education, safety, employment)
• recreational space for youth and families
• other areas as determined by our members throughout the year.
  
  




Contact people:


Valery Jean, Development Director, (718) 852-2960, (email) Ana Melendez, Administrative Director, (718) 852-2960, (email)


Office fax number: (718) 852-2960

Address:


81 Willoughby Street, #701 Brooklyn, NY 11201 (See a map)


Web Site: http://www.furee.org

Directions:

The office is located between Bridge and Willoughby Streets in Downtown Brooklyn.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 2/3 to Hoyt Street; A/C/F to Jay Street; M/R to Lawrence Streets,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2-5 minutes   Nearest Bus Stop: 38, 52, 25 to Hoyt Street, 2-5 minutes minute walk