Harlem Community Justice Center

Harlem Community Justice Center

The Harlem Community Justice Center is a neighborhood-based community court committed to bridging the gap between the court and community to achieve fairness and systematic equity in housing, community health,  and access to justice.

We believe the community should have a voice in addressing its problems and defining justice, and we seek to empower communities to transform the systems that serve them.

In East, Central and West Harlem, the Harlem Community Justice Center builds strong and healthy communities through locally-offered programs and services focused on stable housing, neighborhood safety, re-entry services, building relationships and addressing trauma, and engaging the next generation through youth programming. Our work includes programs like Housing Help Center, Youth and Community Programming, Men’s Empowerment Program, Girl Talk, Reentry Services, Neighborhood Safety Initiative. 

More About the Program →

Connect with Us

212.360.4100

170 East 121st Street
New York, NY 10035
United States

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Highlights

  • Youth Impact

    Youth can be transformative leaders, addressing inequity in their communities and the factors that lead to youth involvement in the criminal legal system.  

  • Housing Resource Centers

    Through housing, financial, and legal assistance, we help tenants navigate housing court to resolve critical repairs and prevent evictions.

Photo Gallery

HCJC staff screenshot from Housing video
Helping Tenants Help Themselves

This video shines a spotlight on our Housing Help Center, which provides extensive outreach to the community during COVID-19, when many tenants are more vulnerable than ever. Staff empower tenants to advocate for their rights and help residents navigate Housing Court.

Harlem distributes PPE during Covid-19
Serving Our Community

Harlem staff and participants distribute PPE, such as masks and gloves, to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep people healthy and safe. The Men's Empowerment Program alone handed out 50,000 masks in 2020. 

staff learning together
Learning Together

Staff from across the Center came together for a first-of-its-kind immersive experience to explore all facets of our community-based programing. Harlem staff joined to talk about their community and youth programming. (pre-COVID)

HCJC at MCC at Summer Solstice
Keeping Families Safely Housed

Rafael shares information on the Housing Help Center to get tenants access to critical repairs and provide them with the tools and information needed to prevent evictions and homelessness. (pre-COVID)

Publications & Digital Media

  • Video

    Harlem Community Justice Center's Housing Fair

    In August 2022, the Harlem Community Justice Center hosted a Housing Resource Fair that connected local residents with a wide range of agencies and providers to help them access key services, such as rent relief, critical home repairs, and legal services to fight evictions. The fair showcased the tremendous demand for housing stability services in the East Harlem community and Justice Center’s ongoing efforts to help residents access resources and tenant protections close to their homes.

  • Publication

    Fact Sheet: Housing Justice

    Housing is a human right and the foundation for strong communities. Access to a safe and affordable home creates economic and community stability. This fact sheet highlights the challenges and how our staff are working to prevent evictions, help landlords address health hazards, and increase tenant financial and legal empowerment. By addressing issues early, we keep people safely housed and avoid legal system involvement that can affect employment, family security, and future access to stable housing.

    Access to Justice
See All Publications and Digital Media →

News

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Looking to Implement a Program in Your Neighborhood?

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Partners

The Harlem Community Justice Center is the product of a unique public-private partnership that has engaged all levels of government—county, city, state, and federal. Among the funders of the Harlem Community Justice Center are the New York City Council, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, J.C. Flowers, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Hyde and Watson Foundation, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, Robin Hood Foundation, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. A variety of local agencies assist in providing services, including: the Center for Employment Opportunities, Palladia Inc., Workforce 1, Harlem Neighborhood Defender Services, New York Peace Institute, New York City Department of Probation, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, Exodus Transitional Community, New York County District Attorney's Office, the Fortune Society, Harlem East Life Plan (H.E.L.P.), New York City Department of Education, New York Police Department, New York City Housing Authority, and New York State Office of Court Administration.

Related Areas of Focus

We rely on the generosity of supporters to do the work we do.

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