Impact stories

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2178 Atlantic Ave

“Every time we thought we won a battle, [there was] something else,” said Ms. King.

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2178 Atlantic Ave

2178 Atlantic Ave

2178 Atlantic Avenue HDFC, a modest apartment building with geometric brickwork over the windows and on the frieze was built in 1910 and is home to 16 families. “Four sets of generations,” said Earline King, President of the 2178 Atlantic Ave Board for nearly 40 years.

The building is in a Central Brooklyn community that was disinvested and a victim to racist housing laws, including redlining and racial discrimination.

With help from the City and Federal government, the rental building became an affordable co-op in 1980 as a Homesteader building, meaning that the perspective owners had to renovate the building themselves. “In the beginning, we all had participated in building our own apartment,” said Ms. King. “We did the floor then we helped with the walls, we helped create our apartments.”

The City of New York granted the building a 20-year tax abatement at the completion of the renovation and co-op conversion, helping to keep the building affordable for the families inside. The co-op was financially stable during those years, providing the Black and brown families who called the building home with a stable way to build equity and to remain in their communities. However, after the abatement expired, things began to spiral out of control. The federal government sold the building’s debt to a private debt holder and the building, which as an HDFC is entitled to long-term property tax benefits, was incorrectly taxed as market-rate. The residents struggled to keep up with the ballooning tax bills. The situation became untenable and the building was destabilized.

They fought for more than a decade to get the tax relief that the City legally owed to the building through its status as an HDFC. But even after they secured it, the company who held the loan more than doubled their mortgage and the building was underwater. The City was unable to release the back taxes they owed the building, until the foreclosure action was resolved.

Habitat NYC and Westchester’s Housing Preservation Program worked with the building for more than a year, trying to figure out a solution to this problem. We worked hand in hand with two different City Councilmembers and with pro bono legal services from Brooklyn Law School, and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP. This partnership enabled the building to secure the tax exemption and a rebate, but the residents still needed to pay off part of their loan to avoid foreclosure. “Every time we thought we won a battle, [there was] something else,” said Ms. King.

Through a six-month Bridge Loan from the Habitat NYC Community Fund, the residents were able to pay off the building’s outstanding debts and access approximately $500,000 in tax refunds to pay down the new financing quickly. Our Housing Preservation Program provided technical assistance for the co-op so the HDFC could access the necessary financing and return the building to its resident owners.

Clermont Area HDFC

Clermont Area HDFC found themselves in need of critical capital improvements and additional energy-efficiency measures that would cost almost $5 million.  

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Clermont Area HDFC

Clermont Area HDFC

Clermont Area HDFC is a 41-unit limited-equity cooperative formed in 1968. They found themselves in need of critical capital improvements and additional energy-efficiency measures that would cost almost $5 million.  

The HDFC entered into a New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) loan program to finance the extensive rehabilitation work but encountered a new insurmountable obstacle. The HPD loan would not cover the soft costs associated with the application loan process, such as legal fees and filing. The HDFC could not afford to cover these softs costs—they were unable to enter the loan program.  

The Community Fund provided a $360,000 loan that transformed the building’s future. The loan covered the soft costs and helped to pay for outstanding operating expenses that the HDFC was struggling to pay, including $150,000 worth of water and sewer charges. Our loan enabled the HDFC to qualify for three additional mortgages, essentially “unlocking” a total of $4,887,771 of financing. 

Vernon C., General Manager at Prestige Management, which provides service to the building, says Habitat’s loan means an immense impact for residents and shareholders. “Now we’re able to seal up the envelope of the building…The replacement of the boiler helps to ensure the heating system’s going to work properly all season long, which is paramount. When the elevators are replaced or substantially upgraded, this will be significant especially for the seniors and elderly. Those things are very important.” He says that the Community Fund team’s patience and grace actively protected the funds earmarked for the Clermont Area HDFC from being re-allocated elsewhere when the HDFC encountered repeated obstacles and delays. “It’s definitely a story worth telling and we’re very appreciative of the assistance we received from Habitat.” 

Brena B.

"If you have ever supported Habitat, you helped me achieve my homeownership dream.

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Brena B.

Brena B.

In 2010, Brena Bracy-Seals received a distressing call—her landlord informed her that the house she was renting was being sold. She had just 30 days to vacate. “I was looking for a lifeline because I didn’t know where else to go,” she recalls. The high rents in her community left Brena with limited options. Then, Brena remembered hearing about Habitat for Humanity… 

Brena ultimately secured a home through Habitat NYC and Westchester’s First Time Homebuyer Program in Brooklyn, avoiding housing insecurity and the grief of being compelled to leave her community. The process was not without its challenges—submitting considerable documentation and completing sweat equity hours in the depths of winter, all while watching her 30 days tick away. 

Brena persevered, and finally, her moment of joy arrived. “I opened the door; it was a joyful moment. I walked in with my mother and I saw a microwave in the corner and the microwave had a sign saying, Welcome Home, Brena.”  

That was 15 years ago. And now, Brena beams, “That immense blessing has actually led to me now being in the process of purchasing a second home. My father is disabled and needs to live on a ground floor apartment. I’m so pleased that after I close on my new home, I will be able to move my father into my Habitat home, where he can live comfortably, be mobile, independent, and age in place.” 

When reflecting on the concept of legacy, Brena shares, “When we think about ‘legacy’, we often think about providing for future generations. But being able to provide this home for my father—stability and comfort—the peace of mind knowing that he is safe, secure, and taken care of—that is my legacy. And it’s a dream come true. It’s a dream that wouldn’t have been possible without faith, determination, and Habitat NYC and Westchester.” 

Brena’s partnership with Habitat not only provided her with a safe and secure home but enabled her to build a better future for her family. “If you have ever supported Habitat, you helped me achieve my homeownership dream. You helped me build the life and equity necessary to purchase my second home. You helped me secure my father’s safe future. And you will help countless others like me, and their fathers, and their families. Thank you.”

Jason G.

Jason G. wants to show his son that he can achieve his goals through hard work.

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Jason G.

Jason G.

Jason G. wants to show his son that he can achieve his goals through hard work.

Jason is a “cool, quiet person” and young father, works for the Postal Service as a maintenance worker. His quiet confidence works to his advantage, because soon, Jason will achieve what many find impossible – to own a home in New York City before the age of 30.

Currently, Jason and his son live with Jason’s cousin. The building is well-maintained, but Jason shares a room with his son, who has mild autism, and the situation is over-crowded.

Jason’s older sister sent him an email with the Habitat NYC Home Purchase Program application. Jason was confident that he would qualify, because “I have the credit score needed and I have the income for this home. I also have the money to put down on the home.”

So what does owning a home mean to someone so young? “It makes me feel great knowing my son will have his own room and more space to see him smile. It’s priceless.” The stability of an affordable home will not only give Jason’s son a great example, but will give Jason a springboard from which he can follow his own dream – to become a New York City Firefighter.

Chloe W.

"This moment was not just about securing a residence; it was about securing a future filled with possibilities, a future where my son and I could thrive and build our lives.”

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Chloe W.

Chloe W.

Chloe W. is a devoted single mother to a remarkable teenage son, and juggles three jobs in education and elderly care, all while pursuing a degree in sociology at Hunter College. A proud New Yorker through and through, Chloe was raised in a rich cultural tapestry woven from threads of Puerto Rican and African American traditions. Salsa and bachata would be played intertwined with jazz and blues; sizzling plantains would be served alongside Southern comfort food. New York City isn’t just where Chloe lives, but a vital part of who she is—a city that shaped her identity and provided the stage for her most treasured moments. And she longed to own a home here. 

For years, Chloe endured a recurring cycle of applying for apartments and being met with disappointment—sometimes earning too little income, sometimes earning marginally too much. It was immensely frustrating. But despite the setbacks, her hope did not waver, and her dedication to the pursuit of homeownership remained steadfast.  

Then, in June 2023, Chloe connected with Habitat NYC and Westchester. “This chance felt like the culmination of all those years of perseverance—it was an opportunity I was determined not to let slip through my fingers.” And so began months of arduous and intricate paperwork to apply for, and secure, her Habitat home. 

Chloe was finally on the precipice of achieving her lifelong dream of homeownership. 

And she did it! 

Chloe recalls the astounding moment she received the keys to her new home, “It was a moment filled with elation and gratitude…This moment was not just about securing a residence; it was about securing a future filled with possibilities, a future where my son and I could thrive and build our lives.”  

Having a place to call her own provides Chloe with a previously unknown sense of stability. “It’s a foundation upon which I can build my life, a sanctuary where I can find solace and comfort.” She sees her Habitat home as so much more than just an apartment—it’s the promise of a better life brimming with potential, and the sense of belonging Chloe and her son longed for. 

In fact, becoming a homeowner reframed Chloe’s entire approach to long-term planning. “Owning a home encourages me to think about my future, plan for retirement, and create a lasting legacy for my family.” Chloe says the financial prospects of homeownership pave the path to a new world of possibilities for her family. From building equity to property appreciation, and savings goals well beyond paying off her mortgage—financial freedom is no longer a fantasy but a feasible goal. “I’m ready to embrace this new chapter with open arms and an open heart. Here’s to new beginnings and the fulfilling adventure of homeownership!” 

Billy & Anna T.

“All the volunteers who have worked with me on my future home are here not for their families, not for a paycheck, not for any personal gain. Together we are building a better home for my family, and they are helping dreams come true.”

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Billy & Anna T.

Billy & Anna T.

In February of this 2016, Billy T. and his wife Anna lived in a cramped one bedroom apartment in Midtown Manhattan with their two children, daughter Maya and son Layne. Billy and Maya slept on a pull out couch in the living room so that Anna and Layne could sleep in the bedroom.

It was time for a change.

Through the Carter Work Project, Habitat NYC renovated a three-bedroom home in Rosedale Queens for the family. More than being three-times bigger than their midtown apartment, the house has a backyard, which is great news for their dog Snoopy, who had been living with Anna’s mother.

Billy and Anna are both immigrants – he from Taiwan and she from Russia – and they are finally able to achieve a piece of the American dream: homeownership.

Billy, an audio-visual engineer, used his remaining vacation days to put in the sweat equity required for a Habitat Home.

“I’m doing this build for my family, for our future,” said Billy. “All the volunteers who have worked with me on my future home are here not for their families, not for a paycheck, not for any personal gain. They are from all walks of life giving their own time to help build my family’s home and they’re not only drilling, sawing and hammering with precision, they’re drilling sawing hammering with their HEARTS!! Together we are building a better home for my family, and they are helping dreams come true.”

Frances C.

Frances was the first homeowner to benefit from our Aging in Place program. The repairs helped Frances avoid potential injury or financial adversity that might have resulted from the dilapidated staircase.

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Frances C.

Frances C.

Frances C. lives in a truly special home in White Plains, NY. A home her grandmother purchased in 1935, a home she has lived in since childhood—a home she will one day leave to her nieces and nephew, and their children. Over time, a key part of the house sank into disrepair: the staircase that provided Frances and her family’s principal access to the house.

Eventually, the inconvenience turned hazardous. “The staircase was in very bad condition. If you stepped on it, it would tip over. I have osteoarthritis developed from a broken ankle ten years ago. Most of the time I’m limping and in pain. Going step by step by step and concerned about it tipping over and not falling was quite frightening. One of my sister’s grandchildren almost hurt herself. We couldn’t use the stairway. Not to have those steps available like that was very, very difficult.” 

The staircase needed crucial repair construction to restore safety to the house. Repairs that Frances received when she connected with Habitat NYC and Westchester. 

In fact, Frances was the first homeowner to benefit from our Aging in Place program in Westchester County. She describes how the construction repairs helped Frances and her family avoid potential injury or financial adversity that might have resulted from the dilapidated staircase. “They took care of everything. They decided to demolish the whole thing and redo the entire stairway, which was a lot of work. The steps were even stronger than they were before, they did a beautiful job. Habitat is just so awesome helping us seniors be comfortable in our space, it’s beyond words. Having these steps done has supported my knee issue, I appreciate those steps so much.” 

This home has been a multi-generational hub and haven for Frances and her family for an astounding 90 years—housing the ebb and flow of childhoods into adulthoods, the passing of loved ones, as well as countless homecooked feasts around the dinner table. And now, Frances no longer worries about the viability of stewarding the home for future generations. “We’re so grateful that they left this legacy for us, and I would love to continue to keep this as the hub for the family.” 

Maria F.

“I don’t know how I would have done it without this opportunity. It made a difference for my son and me. And I know it’s going to make a difference in my son’s future.” 

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Maria F.

Maria F.

Maria’s journey to homeownership was long, exhausting, and for the most part, felt incredibly unlikely to succeed. Time and again she applied for housing, dismayed to see her application was always one of thousands. But she never gave up applying. 

Finally, in 2021, Maria was accepted into our Home Purchase Program. It was astonishing news to receive while living in a window-less basement apartment with her son throughout the pandemic. “We had a lot of issues with flooding and no windows. Since there’s no light, it kind of plays tricks on your mood because you’re secluded in there most of the time you’re home.” Thankfully, this was no trick, and Maria closed on her new home in Brooklyn in mid-2022. 

“In the beginning you still feel a little shocked or detached from it because you’re doing this process of making it your nest. Now it feels like home. We love it here. It’s fantastic.” She contemplates how partnering with Habitat changed the trajectory of her family, “I don’t know how I would have done it without this opportunity. It made a difference for my son and me. And I know it’s going to make a difference in my son’s future.” 

In fact, Maria has already witnessed the impact of stable housing on her son’s mental and emotional 

health. “We moved so many times – every couple of years since he was four. It never felt like a safe place until now. It was a struggle for him for many years because of his separation anxiety. Before we moved (here) he was struggling. But when we moved here, we started calming down and finding our place in the world.” Maria says the knowledge that “this is ours, this is our home, and this is where we belong,” has dissipated any anxiety about future displacement. 

“I have enjoyed the peace of mind that this belongs to my son and me. Knowing that if something happens to me, this is my son’s. He will never have to worry about that. You can’t put a price on that. I see the changes of having that peace of mind for him as well, it’s huge. That is the most enjoyable thing.” 

For years, Maria worried about how to adequately provide for her son in a city that’s so expensive. That worry has finally been alleviated, having “(made) sure that he has that one advantage – possibility. Having the chance to give him that is huge. I get so emotional looking out the window, seeing the trees and the sun…When you’re finally out of survival mode, you get to start enjoying the little things and those moments.” 

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