Senator Jose Peralta Secures Funding for NHS to Help Queens Residents Buy and Maintain Their Homes

In 2016, the Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens (NHS) saved 49 hardworking families from foreclosure and helped another 29 buy their homes with down payment assistance programs. In an effort to assist more families purchase or maintain their homes, State Senator Jose Peralta announced that he secured $75,000 in state funding for the Woodside-based organization. The announcement took place this morning at the office of NHS.

“Fighting for affordable housing is crucial to maintaining our neighborhoods. I know the work NHS does for my constituents. This is an organization that is vital to helping people buy or maintain their properties,” said Senator Peralta. “NHS changes people’s lives, so I am honored to have secured funding in this year’s budget for an organization that works to preserve our neighborhoods’ affordability.”

“Housing is paramount for healthy and sustainable neighborhoods. We currently face an affordable housing crisis in NYC. And these much-needed housing services are being threatened at a federal level by proposed draconian cuts. In this time, we welcome Senator Peralta’s commitment to continue to fight for affordable housing,” said Yoselin Genao Estrella, Executive Director at NHS. “With essential contributions from Senator Peralta, we will be able to move forward with our financial capacity and tenant assistance programs. We are expanding our services from homeownership promotion and preservation as a response to community needs.”

“On behalf of Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens, staff, board of directors, and clients we would like to thank you (Senator Peralta) for recognizing the work we do and the resources we provide for our community through your generous line item of $75,000. We remain committed to serving low-to-moderate income families continue to live and thrive in Queens; through home ownership promotion and preservation,” said NHS Board President Runie Mensche. “Without the government support and partnership, we receive from your office, we would not be able to provide so many necessary resources and educational opportunities that support the stabilization of our communities.”

NHS, founded in 1994, establishes strong and sustainable neighborhoods and families to maintain the vibrancy and diversity of Queens. Its Housing for All program provides financial literacy to the community through access to housing education and training.

“From two extensive roof repairs to the most recent emergency electrical upgrades in our home, me and my family are very grateful that NHS has always been there for us. The NHS of Queens family is one that we love as our very own. As a Corona resident outdoor space is an extension to our homes. It is important that we also maintain those spaces as we do our very residences. I am grateful to NHSQ yet again for continuing to support the community perseveration and beautification as they have already helped me repair my roof and other things in my home,” said Corona resident Karl Yarbrough.

East Elmhurst resident Wilfredo Bermudez said, “For years, we struggled with our mortgage and high attorney fees. We are thankful to have found NHS of Queens and for the priceless assistance they have offered me and my family. Thanks to them we were able to stay in our home. More people should know about NHS!”

“The experience with NHS and all people involved was greatly appreciated... I am a disabled homeowner NHS has helped me tremendously with repairs to my house and grant assistance to make the repairs possible. The whole team at NHS are very professional and I appreciate their help in getting my repairs done,” said Woodside resident Maryann Maragioglio.