Mariadele Priest and PACC Staff Members

For over 20 years Mariadele has worked tirelessly on behalf of Brooklyn's families and individuals for access to safe, affordable housing; building coalitions; and directing much-needed resources.Mariadele Priest and her husband moved to Fort Greene in 1990. She was looking for a home that they could afford, and was impressed by the quality of the housing stock, the accessibility, the park and the diversity of the neighborhood, both racially and economically.

When they first moved to Fort Greene, there were few amenities like banks and restaurants. Moreover, there was crime and the park wasn't as safe as it is now. Her three children grew up in Fort Greene and she is glad that they stayed because the neighborhood has flourished: "the beautiful aesthetics, the access to cultural institutions (like BAM) and transportation - the quality of life has improved due to the goods and services that are more readily available in the neighborhood..."

When asked about her 15 years of volunteer work, Mariadele said "After being involved in educational advocacy, I decided to become connected with the work of PACC, because professionally my background is affordable housing and I wanted to dedicate "volunteer time" were I felt I had real strength. I sought PACC out and I was quickly impressed with the quality of work and eventually joined the board of directors." She also added, "I support PACC, because this is my neighborhood and my community, I know the quality of the work that PACC does from affordable housing to economic development, these are the values that really speak to me. And I know that when I make a contribution to PACC it translates into tangible benefits in a place that my family and I call home."

We appreciate Mariadele Priest's presence, her energy and donation of her time and resources to communities throughout the Borough of Brooklyn.