Dear %1,
This summer marks the 28th anniversary of University Neighborhood Housing Program. From the start, UNHP saw itself as a player on a team that would work to preserve and create affordable housing in the Bronx. All these years later, we can point to many accomplishments achieved by a team that includes other non-profit community and housing organizations, for-profit organizations, lenders, investors, and government. Our work to redevelop affordable housing and assist Bronx homeowners, highlighted below, are just the most recent examples of that team effort.New York Times reporter Michael Powell's recent article, Government Can't Help? Tell That to the South Bronx, reminds us all of the importance of public and private collaborations. The federal debt, budget and revenue battles cannot be fought without imagining the impact of a possible loss of government financial support on our neighborhoods. We have never counted on government to do it all; we do expect government to play a position on our team.Powell follows up this piece with a blog posting, How the South Bronx's Ruins Became Fertile Ground, focusing on the rebirth of the Bronx. Daniel Massey's article in Crain's, Three Cheers for the Blossoming Bronx, strikes some of the same chords noting that public and private investment in affordable housing has encouraged growth in Bronx population, private businesses and jobs.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), HPD and NYC Department of Finance assisted homeowners directly to resolve city liens. The Parodneck Foundation and West Bronx Housing provided foreclosure prevention counseling and The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition Weatherization project and SustainableSouth Bronx provided weatherization kits and information to homeowners. The Office of the Comptroller offered mediation services to homeowners.
The event was covered by the Daily News: Bronxites scramble to avoid lien list; Home-saving clinic big draw for residents facing forclosure Another recent collaborative success is the start of renovations at a large affordable housing project known as West Farms.West Farms, an eight building, 526 unit, Section 8 affordable housing complex built in 1973, is the type of private/public partnership that was highlighted in both the Crain's andTimes articles. UNHP partnered with Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation to acquire and re West Farms tenants were interviewed and the City's press conference was covered on NY 1: Bloomberg Administration Preserves, Creates 125K Affordable Housing Units ![]() Finally, UNHP welcomes your support, involvement and interest in our work. Please join us at the 2011 UNHP Bronx Ale House Fundraiser on Tuesday, September 13 starting at 4:30 or become an event sponsor by August 15. Tickets are $20 and include food and one free drink. Sponsors can get their names etched on the pint glasses we will be using that evening. The Bronx Ale House is located at 216 West 238th Street in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. Information on sponsorship and tickets is available here (PDF). Sincerely, Jim Buckley
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