To protect the health and well-being of community members and Chhaya staff, our physical offices are closed due to COVID-19. Our staff continue to work remotely offering services, counseling, and support. Learn More

Economic Justice

Ensuring Economically Thriving Communities

We provide the tools and opportunities that support community members to make informed choices and take actions to improve their financial well-being.

For example, in 2019 alone we assisted clients in filing over 900 tax returns, putting an aggregate of $441,600 of earned income tax credit (EITC) back in the pockets of low-income community members. We have completed over 750 tax returns in 2020, approaching $400,000 in financial reprieve.

Chhaya also advocates for a more equitable and inclusive economic environment where individuals, families, and small businesses can thrive.

Our services aimed at promoting economic well-being include:

Financial Counseling—Individual financial counseling services are available at both our Jackson Heights and Richmond Hill locations. As a South Asian and Indo-Caribbean centered organization, our financial counselors work with clients in culturally competent ways to make smart choices that improve their financial health.
Lending Circles—Chhaya’s Lending Circles leverage client cultural traditions and experiences to improve financial health. In South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, the pooling of savings within a small group (called a chit or a susu) is common practice. With the assistance of Mission Asset Fund, our Lending Circles leverage this practice, offering zero-interest loans to build credit and savings habits.
Financial Education Workshops—We offer workshops to build personal financial knowledge on topics ranging from credit to budgeting to financial products.
Small Business Program—We work to promote and preserve the immigrant-owned and immigrant-serving South Asian and Indo-Caribbean businesses.
Free Tax Preparation—New Yorkers who earn less than $66,000 qualify to receive free tax preparation services with a certified tax professional. At Chhaya, these services can be provided in South Asian languages.

Small Business Support

For questions regarding Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, landlord, rent, or lease issues, reach out to Shrima Pandey.

Contact

Main Office:
37-43 77th St, 2nd Floor, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Contact: 718.478.3848; info@chhayacdc.org

Richmond Hill Center:
121-18 Liberty Avenue, 2nd Floor, Richmond Hill, NY 11419
Contact: 718.374.3371; info@chhayacdc.org