“Chhaya CDC helps new immigrants navigate through the process of finding a good place to rent and to own and maintain their own home.”

- Sujatha Raman, Chhaya CDC

Thousands of New York City homes are left in default or delinquency on their mortgage each year. In Queens, the housing situation has been grave for over a decade. Currently, about 1 in 7 housing units is delinquent in its mortgage.

According to Sujatha Raman of Chhaya CDC, the situation for an immigrant in Queens can be a troubling one. “We notice a real growth in the South Asian community in the last few years; meanwhile there is an increasing economic crisis and housing shortage. This has resulted in South Asian communities being overcrowded and facing displacement.” 

The families who migrate to Queens from foreign nations are facing financial instability—many people are day laborers, cab drivers, working in hospitality. It’s tough for them to get by; they have to borrow money just to pay the rent.  Raman says, “We need to help them to get more affordable housing and working conditions.”

These immigrants don’t come equipped with knowledge of housing availability and renters’ rights. Chhaya CDC works to set up South Asian immigrants with affordable housing, manage relationships with troublesome landlords, reach out to council members when they’re needed, and guide clients through the foreclosure process.

Your donation will guide immigrant residents through the process of finding a safe, stable home and teach them how to maintain it. Monthly meetings, large housing fairs, visits by politicians, and direction by legal counselors make the difference between a hard-working immigrant losing his/her home and creating a stable setting for their family. 

The old adage definitely applies: it's not just a house; it's a home. 

- Neiki Ullah