Empty On Funding, ACORN Shutters Around the Country

ACORN, one of the largest social advocacy groups in the country, has been forced to suspend most operations as of today.

ACORN has for months been reeling from cash shortfalls as government funding was cut off and foundation grants were halted in the wake of legal problems related to charges of financial misdeeds at offices around the country. Unable to support their continued operations, offices have been closed and several key employees have departed. ACORN phone systems nationwide were shut down because of an inability to pay the bills. So too the main phone line for ACORN’s New Orleans office, which now responds with a standard phone company “the number you have reached is not in service.”

ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis’ cell phone has been disconnected and she now says she had left Acorn officially last summer.

Some NY ACORN employees' are now identified as being with New York Communities for Change:

New York Communities for Change (NYCC) is a new, locally incorporated organization that was formed by prominent community activists and leaders in the progressive community who are committed to promoting social and economic justice and the welfare of the State of New York and its people. NYCC is applying for status as a corporation exempt from taxation under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(4). NYCC is not affiliated with any national organization.

NYCC's initial focus will be working to put an end to the foreclosure crisis facing so many New Yorkers, enforcing New York's wage and hour laws, preserving tenant rights and preventing devastating state and local budget cuts that would harm services for low-income families.

NYCC BOARD LIST BELOW

Anthony Cottman--Vice President Parkside Tenant Association, Flatbush, Brooklyn

Linnette Ebanks--Childcare provider. Business owner for 12 years

Iona Emsley--Community activist from Uniondale, Long Island

Audrey Jackman--Longtime community activist in Flatbush Brooklyn

Wilfredo Larancuent--Vice President UNITE HERE

Precilla Lockett--Law Offices of Frederick K. Brewington, Hempstead, Long Island

Ed Ott--Adjunct Professor, City University of NY

Marie Pierre--Former chairperson of Brownsville ACORN

Maria Polanco--Chairperson Dominican Council

Jean Sassine--Foreclosure Fighter and Homedefender, Queens

Neva Shillingford--Vice President 1199

The new NY Acorn phone message had been replaced with:

“ACORN is not providing services in New York, but if you would like to receive information from local organizations with similar purposes, please leave your name, number and mailing address after the beep,” says the woman on the new recording, in both English and Spanish.

Michael H. Drucker
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