For the health and well-being of Chhaya staff and community members, our locations in Jackson Heights and Richmond Hill are open on an appointment-only basis. Our counselors continue to offer services remotely. Learn More

Housing Justice

Protecting Affordable Housing

We believe that housing is a human right.

Our programs promote and preserve affordable housing through direct service, community organizing, and policy advocacy.

For example, in 2019 we secured $500,000 in down-payment assistance and helped over 50 low-income families and individuals purchase their first home.

Chhaya’s tenant advocacy team has built a strong base of tenant leaders, including the formation of New York City’s first Bangladeshi Tenant Union. In cooperation with our partners and allies, our organizing has contributed to sweeping new tenant protection laws.

Our services aimed at promoting housing stability include:

First-time Homebuyer Program—Purchasing a home is typically the biggest investment a family makes. We provide first time homebuyers with education and confidential counseling to help them make informed decisions and ensure access to available resources, for example, down payment and closing cost assistance.
Foreclosure Prevention Program—Foreclosure rates have been steadily rising in Queens and exceed other New York City boroughs. Believing that knowledge is power, we work to fight this crisis through foreclosure prevention counseling. Clients can access support preventively, and at various stages of the process, to reduce the financial burden of homeownership (e.g., through loan modifications, state and city programs, and foundation grants).
Tenant Advocacy Program—We work to educate immigrants on their rental housing rights and responsibilities and help prevent them from falling victim to illegal eviction tactics and other forms of harassment and discrimination. We promote tenants’ rights through tenant organizing, counseling, and affordable housing assistance, such as our work with the Bangladeshi Tenant Union.

What is the BASE Campaign?

A coalition of community organizations working to ensure
basement apartments are safe, legal, and affordable
for NYC tenants and homeowners.

Learn More