For more than five decades, Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley (HCLV) has been a trusted community resource for individuals and families throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Founded in 1968, HCLV was created with a commitment to improving the quality of life for families while promoting greater understanding and connection among the diverse communities that make up the Lehigh Valley. Today, that commitment continues through programs and services designed to help individuals overcome barriers, build stability, and work toward greater self-sufficiency.
Our work extends beyond providing services—we strive to create a welcoming place where people feel seen, respected, and supported. Through our Food Pantry, Basilio Huertas Senior Center, and Social Services Program, we serve Hispanic and Latino families as well as individuals and families of all backgrounds who are experiencing financial hardship or other challenges.
In Fiscal Year 2025–2026, our Food Pantry served 856 households, providing more than 313,000 pounds of nutritious food to 3,450 individuals. Our Social Services Program assisted 544 households, impacting 1,432 individuals through connections to housing resources, public benefits, healthcare, employment assistance, and other essential services. At the Basilio Huertas Senior Center, 57 active seniors found opportunities for connection, friendship, support, and engagement.
While these numbers demonstrate the reach of our programs, our impact is ultimately about people.
It is the family that has food on the table. The parent who receives guidance during a difficult time. The individual who finds the resources needed to move forward. The senior who finds friendship and a place to belong.
We believe that cultural diversity strengthens our community and that everyone should have the opportunity to build a more stable and independent future. Through compassionate, culturally responsive services and strong community partnerships, HCLV continues to empower people while helping create a stronger, more connected Lehigh Valley.
For more than 50 years, we have been here for our community—and we remain committed to helping individuals and families build brighter futures for generations to come.
our mission
Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley’s (HCLV) mission is to “improve the quality of lives of families (Hispanic and non-Hispanic) by empowering them to become more self-sufficient, while promoting an intercultural understanding in the Lehigh Valley.” HCLV believes in a community that embraces economic opportunity for all and views cultural diversity as a foundation for building a stronger society and a more vibrant economy. We also believe that at the heart of change is the individual’s desire and willingness to pursue a path toward their own independence and self-sufficiency.
As the primary organization in the Lehigh Valley dedicated to serving the Hispanic/Latino community, HCLV excels at offering quality, community-based programming through the Food Pantry, Basilio Huertas Senior Center, and Social Services Program. HCLV’s programs and services directly supports the Lehigh Valley’s Hispanic/Latino community as well as low-income community members overcome the obstacles that accompany poverty.