ACORN branches change names, try to rebrand in bid to shed tainted group’s identity

ACORN branches rename, rebrand after video scandal

CHICAGO — Some ACORN affiliates are ditching the tarnished name of their parent organization and hoping to regain funding that ran dry after a video scandal.

The videos showed ACORN workers giving tax tips to conservative activists posing as a pimp and prostitute.

ACORN, or the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, already had faced accusations of mismanagement and voter registration fraud.

One of the latest groups to adopt a new name is Chicago-based ACORN Housing. It’s now the Affordable Housing Centers of America. California ACORN is now Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, and New York ACORN has become New York Communities for Change.

Critics contend the groups really haven’t started anew because most are keeping the same offices and staff.