Mercy Corps’ World Hunger Action Center Receives $1 Million From Lower Manhattan Development Corporation

Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian agency, has been selected to receive a $1 million grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) to help support construction of a new facility in Battery Park City focused on the global struggle against hunger and poverty.

According to Michael Cooper, Mercy Corps director-at-large, the center will educate visitors about the root causes of global hunger and poverty and provide them with opportunities to take action. The center was chosen as one of 33 grantees from more than 205 New York-based groups that applied for assistance for community enhancement efforts.

The world hunger action center, slated to open in the fall of 2008, will be a compelling interactive environment in which New York City students, residents and tourists can learn about the challenges that humanity faces in addressing critical global issues. Visitors will be encouraged to explore how hunger is connected to extreme poverty, human rights abuses, trade policies, conflicts, and climate change. Mercy Corps, hopes that the center will change the way people understand and respond to global poverty, and will empower visitors to take specific actions to address these problems.

“We are pleased that the LDMC has joined us in support of Mercy Corps’ world hunger action center. We are confident that partnering with Mercy Corps and the Irish Hunger Memorial will enrich the lives of Battery Park City residents and visitors, and engage them directly in supporting the delivery of assistance to those in need around the world,” said Jim Gill, Chairman of the Battery Park City Authority. The Battery Park City Authority selected Mercy Corps to create the world hunger action center, donated the public amenity lease for 60 years, and pledged $1.25 million in support.

Located across from the Irish Hunger Memorial, along with institutions such as the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Mercy Corps’ center will add a unique international perspective to the universal narrative of human resilience that has become synonymous with the downtown cultural landscape. Mercy Corps is collaborating with other downtown social service institutions to further strengthen this neighborhood.

The LMDC grant is the most recent show of local support for the center. Mercy Corps has also received $250,000.00 from the New York City Council, and $500,000.00 from the Mayor’s Office. For more information about the center, please visit www.mercycorps.org.