Chhaya CDC :: what we do

Chhaya Community Development Corporation is a community-based non-profit organization focused on improving access to housing opportunities, resources, and information for South Asian Americans throughout New York City and the metropolitan area. We advocate for community and economic development and justice within South Asian and other immigrant communities.

South Asian Americans, a group that includes immigrants from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Caribbean nations such as Guyana and Trinidad, are New York City’s second-largest Asian community. These newest New Yorkers have a wide range of service needs. All of our services are offered in Bangla/Bengali, English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Chhaya works in the following key housing and immigration-related areas:

Homeownership Education and Counseling: Chhaya offers free homeownership workshops and individual counseling to help clients through the confusing maze of purchasing a home. Before visiting a mortgage broker, financial or real estate institution, Chhaya provides clients with key information on how to understand and improve personal credit, how to choose the right mortgage product, where to go for assistance, and what to look for while applying for a mortgage.
Financial Fitness: Chhaya works with individuals on improving credit scores and budget counseling aimed and encouraging wealth development and good budgeting habits.
Tenant Rights Organizing, Education, and Counseling: When landlords are unresponsive to repair requests or attempt to evict tenants unlawfully, Chhaya provides mediation assistance file complaints, support organizing efforts among tenants, and suggest other resources available to tenants.
Information on Illegal Conversions: Chhaya works with homeowners and tenants to inform them on New York City regulations governing illegally converted apartments and other types of informal housing. We are also actively engaged in systemic policy advocacy to streamline the ‘legalization’ process for both landlords
and tenants.
Voter Engagement Chhaya conducts voter registration and encourages South Asian Americans to be active participate in their local communities as well as voice their opinions on public policies.
Assistance with Discrimination or Harassment Chhaya assists buyers and tenants who have been discriminated against or harassed or attacked in your home or neighborhood in filing a complaints and referrals to legal assistance.
Research, Policy and Advocacy: Chhaya partners with organizations around the city to document the needs and contributions of South Asian and other immigrants; aimed at ensuring adequate resources are invested in supporting our communities fair and humane policies and practices are implemented.