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We’re thrilled to introduce our new Project Manager! Mahnoor Fatima is a Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement expert, both nationally and internationally. With over five years of experience in research and community engagement strategies, she aims to foster connections and community-inclusive programming that builds solidarity and representation in New York and beyond. As a Project Manager she will work to develop and distribute resources to empower faith-based organizations in NYC to optimize their properties, provide them with knowledge and advocacy for informed decisions, and implement an outreach plan to engage new members.
Thank you to Trinity Church Wall Street for their continued partnership and support as Bricks and Mortals grows.
Save the date! Our next Networking Event will be on November 7th. Stay tuned for more information to come.
Historic Acknowledgement
In Kingston, New York, the Common Council has granted historic designation to the Wilbur section of the city, a former hub for Bluestone production that played a key role in the city's development. The designation also includes individual buildings, such as the synagogue Congregation Emmanuel of the Hudson Valley.
New York City recently took steps to honor its abolitionist history by establishing the New York City Freedom Trail and the Lower Manhattan Freedom Trail. These trails will highlight key sites tied to the Underground Railroad and the broader abolitionist movement, such as Downing’s Oyster House and the Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The initiative, supported by the New York City Council, aims to educate the public and recognize the city’s role in the fight for freedom and justice.
In York, England, a blue plaque was unveiled to mark the site of a medieval synagogue, built after the massacre of York’s Jewish community in 1190. This synagogue, which stood from 1205 to 1290, was important to Jewish medieval life.
Hate Crimes and Security
Recent incidents across the United States highlight the growing concern over hate crimes targeting religious communities and the need for enhanced security measures in places of worship.
In North Braddock, Pastor Glenn Germany experienced a terrifying moment when a gunman interrupted his sermon, prompting a wider conversation about church security. Religious leaders from the area, including Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life synagogue, emphasized the need for proactive security measures in light of increasing violence targeting faith communities.
A man pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon as a crime of terrorism after planning a violent, antisemitic attack on a synagogue in 2022. Authorities intervened before he could carry out the attack.
A Hindu temple in California was vandalized with anti-India graffiti. The Hindu community has responded by increasing security at temples and advocating for legislative action to combat hate crimes and discrimination. A Hindu temple in Long Island was the target of hate vandalism, where anti-Hindu messages were spray-painted.
Affordable Housing Policy
Governor Hochul announced $36 million in funding for five projects across New York State to create 249 units of permanent supportive housing in various counties, including Monroe, Steuben, Erie, Jefferson, and Kings. The projects, part of a $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan, plan on providing housing and on-site support services for vulnerable populations such as formerly homeless veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and individuals with mental illnesses or substance use disorders.
On September 18th, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Homes Act, a federal proposal aimed at expanding the government's role in developing affordable housing. The Act would establish a new development authority under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, tasked with acquiring properties and ensuring they remain permanently affordable. It would create 1.25 million homes, primarily for low-income households, with rents based on income levels.
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