Met Council's network of services grew steadily including its bold initiatives in housing. It's nationally acclaimed work with the Enterprise Foundation and capacity-building programs with the Corporation for the Supported Housing have directly resulted in unique and creative housing projects. The lives of some 1000 elderly poor were dramatically improved as a result of support by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

 
In addition to housing, Met Council has made a difference in many other Areas. Each day, outstanding homecare programs help nearly 3000 frail senior citizens continue to live in their own homes and communities. Through our training and job placement program, thousands of people, including newly arrived immigrants from the former Soviet Union, are placed in meaningful jobs. And the homes of more than 10,000 poor people a year are furnished, thanks to Project Machson's distribution of furniture, as well as clothing and food. Providing basic necessities has restored a sense of dignity to our constituents.

The challenges at this important moment in our history are enormous. Challenge, however, is opportunity! With the continued support of the friends of Met Council, we are reassured that we will continue to succeed in alleviating the suffering and pain of the poor, needy, infirm, and the helpless.

One more thing, we know that our programs and services are effective! Our programs are consistently rated among New York's most efficient. In fact, a recent study by the Better Business Bureau's Education and Research Foundation determined that less than 2% of our operating budget was spent on administration and fund raising. The remaining 98% of our budget goes directly into programs and services.