Views from the Northwest Bronx

The COVID 19 pandemic has shown that community health is national health is global health. Community-based healthcare networks, like Bronx Community Health Network, Union Community Health Center, and Morris Heights Health Center, offer both medical care and services that Bronx families need to stay well and treat chronic illnesses, like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and HIV.

Despite the need to close our NYC Free Tax Prep Program on March 14th due to the rising health concerns from COVID 19, UNHP was able to assist 920 low-to moderate income Bronx residents file their taxes for free and access on-site financial and affordable housing services.

We always understood that some people had a hard time with the Community Reinvestment Act, which passed in 1977.

On Friday, December 13th, Fordham University celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Paul D. Coverdell US Peace Corps Fellowship Program at the University. UNHP as a community partner and internship site was invited and acknowledged at the luncheon.

The NWBCCC Reinvestment Project and UNHP are featured in this essay by Gregory Jost, a former UNHP staff member, and valued colleague. The essay was originally published by Urban Ominibus and developed out of Greg's research for a book on redlining in the Bronx. It demonstrates how data was an important organizing tool in the early days of the Community Reinvestment Act and remains important today as displacement and speculation threaten the Bronx and other low-income neighborhoods in NYC.

29 Fordham University and Manhattan College student volunteers + 10 community partners + 2 housing workshops + 151 Bronxites + UNHP = 1 productive day for all at UNHP's 3rd annual Bronxtober Resource Fest!

The Norwood Community Resource Fair co-sponsored by UNHP and Legal Aid Society provided a variety of free housing, immigration, legal and health services to the Norwood community. Norwood is a vibrant Bronx community located at the end of the D train line.

A big thank you to our generous sponsors, raffle donors, and attendees for making our 2019 Fundraiser at the Bronx Beer Hall a success!

UNHP is still buzzed from our Reclaiming Our Community Thru Affordable Housing, Art and Services Day on June 19th. The trifecta of events included a luncheon and information session for building operators, a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the mural created by The Royal KingBee and a well-attended Community Resource Fair.

Noted NYC street artist The Royal Kingbee created colorful bee-themed murals to beautify two of UNHP’s affordable housing buildings.