"This space would allow House HAND programs to share resources and communicate ideas effectively and efficiently," the statement read. "The identity of the HAND program is fundamentally House-based...volunteers will continue to make this association regardless of the location of the central HAND office."
The organization eventually moved closer to reaching a resolution with the Administration over HAND's need for a centralized location.
PBHA student leaders say they are now confident that HAND will move into PBH once the Religion Department vacates the third floor of the building.
A Promising Future?
Nevertheless, PBHA managed to rise above the conflict that plagued its year. By lifting a four-month moratorium put into effect by last year's officers prohibiting new groups from applying for admittance to PBHA, it allowed itself the potential to grow.
"The increased space or money demands of a single additional program aren't great," said Rebecca E. Stich '98, PBHA programming co-chair when the moratorium was lifted.
Since the moratorium was originally established to allow officers the time to create a formal policy and universal criteria for admitting the groups, its lifting suggests that PBHA is willing to work with the administration to meet the needs of new programs looking for office space and financial support.
"In the past we have worked well enough with the administration to accommodate our needs as they grew," said Stich.
With new groups possibly on the way, PBHA may also be able to strengthen at least one of its present programs through an alliance with Nike. The company has asked Cambridge Youth Association, a PBHA program, to help recruit volunteer coaches for youth sports. In exchange, students participating in the program will receive a stipend from Nike.
Despite these advances and the most recent gains in University relations, PBHA members say they are worried about what effect the year's tumult will have on the organization's ability to launch a major fundraising drive for its 100th anniversary in the year 2000 as it attempts to make itself financially independent.
In addition, the future of the ongoing conflict and resolution between Harvard and PBHA is still uncertain. Nevertheless, administrators say they are willing to continue negotiations until a satisfactory compromise is found.
"The nature of PBHA's place at Harvard is one that's under discussion," Lewis said. "The only thing I can promise is that we'll make our decision based on what's best for the community, on whether we empower the community members and our-selves by working with them."