Volunteers Pitch in for Yard Cleanup at Bed Stuy's Secret Order of Tents Society

By Jada Camille, Brooklyn Paper

This Giving Tuesday, two local nonprofits teamed up to give back to a historic Brooklyn organization.

On November 28, volunteers with the Federation of Organizations worked alongside Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, a mental health support group in Brooklyn, to beautify the MacDonough Street headquarters of the Bed Stuy branch of the United Order of Tents, a Black women’s service organization formally organized in 1848 that has roots going back to the Underground Railroad. Volunteers bundled up on the chilly autumn morning to do some yard work, landscaping, and general maintenance around the Order.

When looking for a place to serve on Giving Tuesday — an annual day dedicated to giving back after the Thanksgiving holiday — Samantha Matkovsky, director of marketing and communications at the Federation of Organizations, said United Order of Tents stuck out due to their outstanding history of service to Brooklynites.

“We wanted to find an organization that was doing good for other people, as that’s our foundation as well,” Matkovsky told Brooklyn Paper. “They’ve helped women, they’ve helped children, they’ve helped families, they tend to the sick — their goals vastly align with ours. And we wanted to have that sort of impact with the community.”

The Order of Tents is the oldest Black women’s society in the U.S., and strives to “feed the hungry, tend to the sick, bury the dead, help raise children, and care for the elderly,” according to its website. In 1945, the Tents purchased the historic mansion at 87 MacDonough Street to serve as its headquarters — but the building has fallen into disrepair over the years.

Despite the organization supporting the community through various services, they have struggled to maintain their space. In 2022, the group was forced to launch a GoFundMe in an effort to raise $200,000 to make needed repairs and renovations.

Matkovsky and her team stepped up to give them the same love and care they have given to the community. She said she hopes the collaboration will create change within the actual community and environment as tons of people pass by this location daily.

“It’s just a matter of supporting those who support others. We wanted to really increase the amount of support that we could give,” she said.

Barbara Faron, CEO of the Federation of Organizations, said the day was an “extraordinary experience” in collaboration, community building, and supporting others.

“[The Order’s] historic impact is nothing short of profound and their significance continues to grow,” Faron said. “Beyond the act of giving, we share a common mission — to serve our community, advocate for justice, and collectively contribute to creating a better world. Seen on Giving Tuesday and beyond, there is a sense of togetherness that’s irreplaceable when we’re working together as a community.”

Essie Gregory, executive board president of the United Order of Tents Eastern District #3, shared her appreciation for the volunteers’ help in sprucing up the property.

“It is exceptional and a beautiful sight to behold. Our property is the most decorated and stand-out house on the block,” Gregory said. “We’re grateful to have others support us on our journey.”

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.

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