ABOUT US

EBC History

East Brooklyn Congregations (EBC) was founded in 1980 in East New York and Brownsville. Over the past several decades, our accomplishments include the construction of over 5,000 affordable Nehemiah homes and apartments, opening two public high schools, $5 million in park renovations, and countless other neighborhood improvements.


All of these victories were fought for and won by local leaders. Thousands of pastors, homeowners, principals, teachers, congregants, and others took the time to develop relationships, make a plan and take action together. This is what makes EBC unique and powerful.

We are part of the Industrial Areas Foundation, the nation’s first and largest network of multi-faith community organizations. We have seven decades of experience winning tough battles across the nation. Our sister organizations passed the first living wage law in the country in Baltimore. They mobilized a grassroots uprising for the creation of universal health care in Massachusetts—both of which have become national models for just social policy.

Learn About Metro IAF

Since our founding in 1980, East Brooklyn Congregations worked to improve housing, schools, safety, streets and neighborhoods in East Brooklyn.

We are a not-for profit organizations composed of religious congregations, schools, and homeowner and voluntary associations. Together, our member organizations represent more than 15,000 active families in East New York, Brownsville, Ocean Hill and Bushwick. We are interfaith, multi-racial and strictly non-partisan. EBC is supported by member organizations, foundations, corporations and individuals who believe in making Brooklyn a better place to live, work and raise a family. 

The secret to EBC’s success lies in our commitment to identify and develop leaders in every neighborhood where EBC works. We meet people face-to-face and build relationships. We tackle big problems by breaking them into issues that can be addressed


EBC has won victories on many issues of great importance to our member institutions and the neighborhoods we live in.

EBC Victories

Affordable Housing

Construction of 3,298 Nehemiah Homes, and 898 rental units in partnership with Community Preservation Corporation and Common Ground.

Public Safety

Holding the NYPD accountable to improve safety around schools, churches and residences, and to close down known drug and criminal sites.

Street Safety & Improvements

Forcing the Department of Transportation to improve.

Consumer Organizing

Forcing grocery stores to improve the quality & cleanliness of their stores.

Tenant Organizing

Forcing repairs in private and public housing.

Education Reform

Establishment of 2 new small quality high schools.

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