Views from the Northwest Bronx

Long-time UNHP Board members, John M. Reilly and Joseph P. Muriana share their conversation focused on Bronx community development and their work as valued community partners and members of the UNHP Board.

UNHP staff and Bronx residents who are frustrated with NYC affordable housing lottery have come together through a newly formed group called Bronx AHORA to fight for more deeply affordable units, a transparent process, and more free assistance to help housing seekers through the complicated and frustrating process.

The UNHP Northwest Bronx Resource Center (NWBRC) is committed to bringing needed resources to our Bronx community. That commitment is renewed as we face this ongoing COVID-19 crisis. We know people need information about health, food, financial, and housing resources at this time.

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the third and largest COVID-19 relief package since the pandemic, known as American Rescue Plan into effect. While further guidance is needed - there are immediate benefits for many Bronx residents and families!

In the midst of tough times due to the health and economic impacts of Covid-19, there is still much to be grateful for in the Bronx and at University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP). Almost a year into our transition to remote work and UNHP has managed to find a way to make significant strides towards our mission.

You may have heard about an Eviction Moratorium during Covid-19, that prevents tenants from being evicted during the Covid-19 crisis. It is true that there are many protections for tenants in place, but tenants must act to be protected. A moratorium places eviction on pause but does not cancel owed rent- so eviction proceedings can begin on renters who owe back rent when the moratorium is lifted.

Job losses and reduced incomes amid the Covid-19 crisis have placed many US families at risk of eviction when safe housing is more important than ever. In this blog post, UNHP looks at the various national and state eviction protections as well as data from the Office of Court Administration better understand what is going on with Housing Court and evictions in the Bronx and NYC.

On July 28th, UNHP held its annual Building Indicator Project meeting. Jacob Udell, Data and Research Coordinator, presented for UNHP about trends in the housing market. Elizabeth Oakley and Kim Darga from HPD discussed the importance of preservation and different tools HPD has to bolster affordable housing in NYC. Click to read a summary of UNHP’s presentation.

Among the many health and economic concerns facing New York City during the Covid-19 Pandemic is the ability of affordable housing projects to continue to provide the safe and quality housing that residents deserve. With massive unemployment requests and businesses closing indefinitely, rent collections are projected to drop significantly.

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!