In one of Brooklyn’s most historic neighborhoods stands a house that has quietly witnessed nearly a century of Black women’s leadership and resilience. Since 1945, the United Order of Tents has called its building at 87 MacDonough St. home, a place as deeply rooted in the community as the women who built its legacy.

Founded as the oldest Black women’s aid society in Brooklyn, the United Order of Tents once operated as a secret sisterhood. Yet, behind closed doors, their mission was anything but hidden.

“Even though they were a secret society at the time, the community work that they did was very public,” said Erica Buddington, co-operation president of the United Order of Tents Eastern District #3.

The Tents organized banquets to combat food insecurity, clothing and toy drives for families in need, and provided a shelter long before social safety nets existed. Today, their modern-day members continue that legacy, proving that their mission remains timeless.

“We’re doing toy drives, food insecurity initiatives like community fridges, as well as working with food pantries and shelters that need our support,” Buddington explained.

Now, as restoration efforts breathe new life into the organization’s historic home, Buddington says she draws strength from the women who came before her. “I never feel lost because we have a blueprint,” she said. “We have these archives, and as long as I’m able to tap into those and see what our ancestors were doing, I’m always able to move us forward.”

Those archives, filled with photos and handwritten records, hold both memories and momentum.

“There’s an image of little girls in fairy costumes and flower crowns,” Buddington said. “I get emotional thinking about how we can steward this space so people can have those gatherings again.”

By next summer, visitors will be able to walk the fully restored grounds of the Tents’ home, with an exterior lovingly restored and reopened to the public. A symbol of endurance, revival, and community care.

Neighbor, Tanya Jenkins, says the restoration means more than preserving a building. It’s about restoring pride and connection.

“I’m very excited,” Jenkins said. “I don’t know how many resources are going to be available for us, so knowing that this one is especially for the community makes me feel really good.”

Buddington tells News 12 that the United Order of Tents is still working with the community and hopes to have the headquarters fully restored in the years to come.