Mission Statement

Our mission is to address the urgent need for safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for the underserved communities of New York City, while breaking the cycle of poverty. With over 1.5 million New Yorkers living below the poverty line and approximately 56,000 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night, the housing crisis in our city is profound. We recognize that inadequate housing perpetuates the poverty trap, trapping individuals and families in a cycle of financial instability and limited opportunities.By providing stable and affordable housing, we aim to disrupt this cycle and create a pathway towards economic independence.

The poverty trap manifests in various ways: financial instability, limited access to quality housing, interconnected challenges, generational impact, and limited social mobility. Many low-income households struggle to afford housing due to stagnant wages, rising living costs, and a lack of affordable housing options. As a result, they often have to allocate a significant portion of their income towards rent or mortgage payments, leaving little room for savings or investment in education and skills development. Individuals living in poverty often face discrimination in the housing market, making it difficult for them to secure safe and adequate housing. They may be subjected to substandard living conditions, overcrowding, and housing insecurity, which can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental well-being.

Some of our most vulnerable citizens live in single parent households. Whether headed by a single mother or father, the children who grow up in single parent (I.e. single earner) households are also more likely to live in poverty and experience some of the hardships enumerated above. Resources to increase financial literacy and promote sound financial planning are scarce and difficult to access. Indeed, many heads of households are so preoccupied with keeping a roof over their heads that they may not realize that such information even exists.

Without stable housing, individuals and families may struggle to address underlying issues, such as inadequate access to healthcare, education, financial planning and employment opportunities. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and creates a generational impact, as children growing up in unstable housing environments are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, academic underachievement, and limited economic prospects. Limited access to affordable housing options in neighborhoods with quality schools, job opportunities, and social support networks further exacerbates the challenge, trapping residents in disadvantaged communities with limited prospects for upward mobility.

Our approach is holistic, addressing both the immediate housing needs and the underlying factors that contribute to poverty. Through innovative job skills programs, holistic day care programs, and collaborative mentoring partnerships, we strive to empower individuals and families by providing them with dignified living spaces that foster stability, opportunity, and well-being. Recognizing the detrimental effects of the poverty trap, we are committed to implementing initiatives that not only offer housing solutions but also provide access to essential support services such as education, day care, and job training. By prioritizing accessibility, resilience, and community engagement, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more equitable city. where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, breaking free from the confines of poverty.

Specifically, residents will experience short and long term benefits through various programs which will be offered within the housing complex. Through mentoring seminars residents could access academic and career training or technical education. Workshops in financial literacy, money management and financial planning will allow individuals to make monetary decisions with confidence. Counseling services which target building and fostering meaningful family relationships will be offered. With teamwork, we can help to foster positive, long term changes.