DR. MALCOLM PUNTER
Meeting the Needs of Community
DR. MALCOLM PUNTER is the President and CEO of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI). The organization was formed in 1986 when Harlem was in dire need of revitalization due to systematic depopulation, disinvestment, crime, and abandoned buildings. A group of ministers came together to form HCCI in an effort to make a change in the Harlem community. Today, Dr. Punter provides day-to-day oversight for all aspects of HCCI and manages the financial and operational budget of over $ 550 million in real estate assets.
“Housing is a fundamental need for human existence,” stated Dr. Punter. “When the coronavirus started in February, we already had an overall plan in place for such an emergency. For our HCCI buildings, we have a reserve fund set aside for residents who are not able to pay rent due to job loss and other factors. During this ongoing pandemic, there are a multitude of problems that are arising for our residents that will necessitate social services … We are an outgrowth of the civil rights movement. By the nature of our proximity we service more people of color and we are committed to their housing and social service needs.”
