Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan
Miguel Ramirez, Eduardo Barahona & lorena Armas, Co-Founders
The Centro Hispano Cuzcatian (CHC) was founded in 1998 to improve the quality of life of the Central and South American community in Jamaica, Queens. It focuses on organizing and educating neighborhood residents about their rights related to housing, immigration, health, employment and environmental issues. CHC also promotes preserving ethnic community cultural values and stimulating civic participation in the United States and in the countries of origin.
CHC works to improve immigrants’ lives. A major campaign secured temporary protected status (TPS) for immigrants from El Salvador and other Central American countries and obtained TPS approval for Central American victims of war and earthquakes. The organization provides information to assist with obtaining resident status and United States citizenship and encourages those who are citizens to register to vote. Currently, CHC is part of a coalition fighting to provide undocumented students an opportunity to pursue college studies and challenging a Department of Motor Vehicleís request for social security numbers.
CHC also organizes neighborhood residents to address housing and environmental issues. The united Tenants Coalition develops immigrant leaders and associations to address landlord violations. The Rufus King Park Neighbors Association (RKPNA) mobilizes community members to improve the only green space in the area.