Mangano leaves his current position as president of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, a coalition of 75 agencies that operate more than 200 programs for the homeless in the Commonwealth. Under his leadership, Mangano helped transform Massachusetts' system of care for the homeless into a national model recognized by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

The Mannie L. Wilson Towers, a Section 202 development with 102 independent living units for seniors, is one example of how HUD, New York State, local government and private groups are giving the community a better way of life. With the addition of a new Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center, this Harlem Empowerment Zone development also offers a brighter future for the residents.

The Section 202 sponsor is a local community leader, West Harlem Group Assistance (WHGA) Inc. WHGA developed a comprehensive strategy to address a serious drug-crime problem in the neighborhood, and with HUD assistance and support from the city, the West Harlem neighborhood is waging a successful fight against drugs. It also is addressing the needs of senior citizens in the area through a service coordinator program, the construction of a new health care facility, and the computer learning center - all located in this elderly housing development.

The Neighborhood Network center was created through a partnership between WHGA, Verizon Communications, Washington Mutual Foundation, the Wolfensohen Family Foundation and HUD. The new center has 5 PCs, high speed broadband Internet access and high resolution Internet streaming video. Verizon Corporation is providing ongoing training for the seniors through its Education and Technology Division. An important objective of the program is to help elderly men and women use computer technology to address issues unique to the aging population - including enjoyable and productive use of leisure time with low- or no-cost obligations, and better information about important health services.

Mary Ann Wilson, then serving as HUD's New York Acting Secretary's Representative, (far right) commended WHGA and its partners and issued Certificates of Achievement to the staff. From left: William Miecuna: HUD New York Neighborhood Networks Coordinator; India Britton, Andrea Britton, Donald C. Notice & Alfred Worley, West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc.; and Ms. Wilson.

Mannie L. Wilson Towers HDFC is collaborating with HUD, the Columbia University School of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Phipps Housing Services, Inc. and the College of Physicians & Surgeons Department of Medicine at Harlem Hospital Center on the construction of an on-site primary health care facility. The facility will provide comprehensive dental, medical and social services geared to the elderly and their families. In addition to diagnosis and treatment, the staff will provide promotion/disease prevention and substance abuse programs along with health education.

By taking advantage of the close proximity between the on-site medical facility and the Neighborhood Networks Computer Learning Center (they are adjacent to each other), a model project has been created that is structured around reducing health care barriers to seniors living in West and Central Harlem. The Medical Services Division of Columbia University will provide a Health Community Liaison to make medical information available on senior health issues including diabetes, meditation, yoga, aerobics and Alzheimer's disease that can be distributed over Wide Area Networks.