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HARRIET COHEN



In this interview, Harriet reflects on her personal journey, beginning with her upbringing in various New York City neighborhoods, from the Bronx to Brooklyn and eventually Queens. Her formative years fostered a deep interest in local governance and urban planning, leading her to pursue political science at Queens College, laying the groundwork for her future career.


After completing her undergraduate studies, Harriet pursued a two-year city planning program at Yale University, where her initial focus on transportation grew through organizing efforts in New Haven and Philadelphia. However, her strong ties to New York City eventually brought her back, where her attention turned to the pressing issue of housing.


Determined to challenge the conventional approach to housing, Harriet became involved with several housing organizations. Dissatisfied with the status quo, she sought a more progressive group on the Lower East Side, which shaped her trajectory. Her work with Adopt-a-Building and the founding of the Neighborhood Anti-Arson Center marked significant contributions to housing advocacy.


Harriet’s commitment to addressing homelessness led her to roles at the Community Service Society and in collaboration with Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messenger. Her work with homeless families deepened her resolve, and she later contributed to Pathway to Housing and the Lantern Group, where she developed innovative programs for homeless young adults and individuals living with HIV, paving the way for today's supportive housing models.


The interview also highlights her work in the Lower East Side, where she collaborated with diverse organizations to increase affordable housing on vacant land. Their advocacy ensured that affordable units were prioritized for displaced long-time neighborhood residents. Harriet discusses how her expertise led her to join the board of directors of the Cooper Square Community Land Trust, and about the dynamics within the board and the Cooper Square MHA II, navigating challenges while celebrating significant victories. Harriet underscores the profound impact of Cooper Square CLT’s expansion in strengthening community connections.


Harriet reflects on her journey with a deep sense of pride in the organizations she has worked with, including Cooper Square CLT. These initiatives embody resilience and a commitment to affordable housing, reminiscent of historic struggles against figures like Robert Moses.

Harriet’s story is a testament to the transformative power of collective action and the belief in housing as a fundamental right, inspiring others to join the fight for lasting change at the grassroots level.



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