This report describes the status of New York's Puerto Rican community and calls for greater corporate, philanthropic, government and community support for change. A brief introduction argues that Puerto Ricans represent a vast resource and must be assisted in gaining their rightful access to the mainstream, for the benefit of all society. The need for social welfare programming is critical, but Puerto Ricans are not satisfied with being recipients of government "handouts." A decent salary in compensation for productive work is the goal. The introduction describes the Puerto Rican community as one of the poorest in the United States. Succeeding sections offer recommendations for action in ten different areas of concern: (1) employment; (2) economic development; (3) education; (4) housing; (5) health and mental health; (6) Puerto Rican Women; (7) families and children; (8) the elderly; (9) substance and alcohol abuse; and (10) criminal justice. The report's final section presents an essay, "We the Puerto Rican People," which discusses the role that the community itself must play in decisionmaking on policies and programs. Puerto Rican human services, it is said, have traditionally worked collaboratively with politicians and educators, but now must seek increased linkages with the profit-making sectors in the Hispanic communities. Economic improvement will not only support better human services but also minimize the need for them. (KH)