In June 1972, with a small team and a dedicated group of volunteers, Southside United HDFC, affectionately known as Los Sures, embarked on the formidable mission of rebuilding the Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Founded by local residents in response to a crisis marked by landlord abandonment, the withdrawal of essential city services, and widespread illegal evictions, some driven by efforts to alter the neighborhood’s ethnic makeup, Los Sures emerged as a beacon of resilience and advocacy. The organization championed community-based control of housing, emphasizing both management and ownership as tools for empowerment.

In 1975, Los Sures made history as the first community-based organization to enter into agreements to manage City-owned properties. Just a few years later, it became one of the pioneers in large-scale rehabilitation efforts. Today, Los Sures is recognized as a trailblazer in the development and management of affordable housing.

Over the past few decades, Williamsburg has undergone a dramatic transformation, from an affordable alternative to Manhattan to a highly sought-after enclave for the artistic and creative community. As gentrification accelerates and rental prices soar, more than doubling in recent years, longtime residents face mounting economic pressures, and many families find themselves struggling to remain in the neighborhood they’ve called home for generations.

In response to these evolving challenges, Los Sures continues to provide a wide array of vital resources, including affordable housing, tenant organizing, community outreach, a senior residential center, a senior recreation center, a hydroponic farm, local food pantry and public safety initiatives. The organization also serves as a crucial liaison between the Southside community and various city agencies, ensuring that the voices of its residents are heard and their needs addressed.

Southside United HDFC - Los Sures 54th Annual Gala (copy)