This is the building in HotWinds, USA in the Chinatown area. I snapped this photo and later wondered what the heck it was. As it turns out, the H.S.N.Y. Benevolent Association and others like it do some good, and have done, for more than a hundred years. Although I don't know if this particular office has been here for more than a hundred years.
In general, there are more than one Chinese Benevolent Association, generally in cities that have enough ethnic Chinese to form a Chinatown area. Many of these societies banded together into a Consolidated Benevolent organization, tying efforts in New York to those in San Francisco, for example.
Historically they have helped Chinese immigrants get on their feet, and also lobbied for guidelines for immigration. They represent a self-help approach to acclimation to American culture, and also a network within American culture.
They are also the kind of group that in Singapore's public assistance model would be funded for social good instead of the Welfare system we have now.
Interesting, no? And all I did was just walk by.
Hoy Sung Ning Yung B.A. in Atlantic City Web site.
New York City's Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Web site, which I found interesting.
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