Fifth Avenue Committee, Inc. (FAC) is a community organization in South Brooklyn that advances economic and social justice by building vibrant, diverse communities where residents have genuine opportunities to achieve their goals, as well as the power to shape the community’s future.
FAC is a nationally-recognized nonprofit community development corporation formed in 1978 that works to transform the lives of over 5,000 low- and moderate-income New Yorkers annually so that they can all live and work with dignity and respect while making the community more equitable, sustainable, inclusive, and just.
To achieve the mission, FAC develops and manages affordable housing and community facilities, creates economic opportunities and ensures access to economic stability, organizes residents and workers, offers student-centered adult education, and combats displacement caused by gentrification.
The mission of Fifth Avenue Committee is to advance economic and social justice in South Brooklyn principally by developing and managing affordable housing and community facilities, creating economic opportunities, organizing residents and workers, providing student-centered adult education, and combating displacement caused by gentrification.
FAC's Principles in Action
Combining Organizing and Development
FAC combines grassroots organizing with community development so people can live with dignity and respect. Through organizing, FAC brings people together to fight for justice. Through development, FAC takes collective responsibility for the welfare of the community.
Building Community Beyond Geographic Boundaries
The community extends beyond geographic boundaries through the citywide impact of the programs, the state and national alliances they build, and the transnational experiences of the people involved in the work.
Promoting Community Control and Accountability
FAC creates opportunities for the community to actively participate in decision-making in the work as well as in their lives. FAC believes that people should have a say in shaping their physical environment, and that community ownership and leadership provides accountability fundamental to sustaining the efforts over the long term.
Striving for Innovative Solutions
FAC acknowledges that today’s conditions may not remain the same tomorrow. FAC seeks innovative, dynamic and entrepreneurial ways to achieve the goals.
Modeling Sustainability
FAC pursues development that equitably meets the needs of present and future generations. Sustainable design, construction and maintenance practices improve the quality of life for the residents and community. FAC seeks to make hidden health, social, economic and environmental impacts visible through organizing and education, so individuals and collectives can take action.
Including the Entire Community
FAC strives to include members of the community in the work regardless of race, class, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, physical and mental ability, immigration status or criminal history.
Collaborating Effectively
FAC recognizes that working for broader change requires working collectively with outside partners. FAC seeks collaborations with organizations and stakeholders in the community and beyond that share the values and goals
