By Janet Howard

In the vibrant and resilient borough of the Bronx, housing equity is not just a goal—it’s a mission. Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services, CDC, Inc. (Bronx NHS), a nonprofit community development corporation, has been at the forefront of that mission for over 30 years. Under the dedicated leadership of Executive Director Gladstone Johnson, Bronx NHS is transforming lives through affordable housing initiatives, financial literacy programs, and long-term community investment strategies.

Empowering First-Time Homebuyers

With a unique approach, Bronx NHS specializes in assisting low—to moderate-income families in achieving the American dream of homeownership. As Mr. Johnson emphasized, “Our goal is to help first-time home buyers. These are home buyers who are primarily low—and moderate-income to become first-time homeowners.” In an era when housing affordability is a serious challenge across New York City, the organization bridges the gap by leveraging financial support from elected officials and private partners.

“We leverage grants through our elected officials and private corporations that buy down the mortgage,” said Johnson. This approach effectively reduces the barriers to entry for families who would otherwise be unable to afford a home. These grants are not just a financial boost—they are the foundation upon which lasting communities are built.

Preserving Homes Through Resilience and Support

Bronx NHS goes beyond homeownership. Its commitment extends into maintaining housing stability, especially in economically vulnerable populations. “We’re very resilient because we are committed to maintaining homeownership,” Johnson explained. Programs focusing on estate planning and foreclosure prevention help families retain their homes during periods of financial strain, showcasing Bronx NHS’s enduring support.

The organization provides repair grants of up to $20,000 to help homeowners maintain safe and habitable properties. These grants are especially crucial in the aging housing stock common across the Bronx. They play a vital role in preventing disrepair from escalating into displacement.

Fighting Displacement Through Community Engagement

An integral part of Bronx NHS’s work is community advocacy. Johnson detailed how the organization actively involves residents in identifying and addressing pressing issues like tax lien sales, which disproportionately impact seniors and immigrant families. “We have taken approximately 2,000 houses out of that tax lien,” he stated. With an average home value exceeding $600,000, this initiative has preserved over a billion dollars in community assets, demonstrating the power of community engagement in fighting displacement.

Seniors often struggle with digital tools needed for tax relief applications. Bronx NHS directly assists them in maintaining ownership of their homes. “Many of our homeowners are seniors… they cannot go online to pay their bills,” Johnson noted. This hands-on support underscores Bronx NHS’s deep commitment to protecting vulnerable homeowners.

Educating and Empowering Through Orientation and Estate Planning

Education is a cornerstone of the organization’s strategy. “Every quarter, we have a home buyer’s orientation training. It’s a seven-hour course,” Johnson shared. These sessions cover home-buying, ensuring families are well-informed and financially prepared before entering the housing market.

Beyond ownership, Bronx NHS emphasizes estate planning, urging homeowners to establish wills and trusts to transfer generational wealth. “We also want to educate them on the importance of doing their estate planning,” Johnson added, reinforcing the organization’s long-term vision of financial security for Bronx families.

Future-Focused: The Upliftment 1,000 Initiative

As housing needs evolve, Bronx NHS is innovating new solutions. One of its most ambitious initiatives is Upliftment 1,000, a project to transform neglected multi-family buildings into affordable condominium units. “It’s designed to acquire three—and four-family buildings… and retrofit them into condominiums,” Johnson said.

This program increases homeownership opportunities for renters, revitalizes distressed properties, strengthens neighborhoods, and prevents displacement. It exemplifies Bronx NHS’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable community development.

Building Bridges With Elected Officials and Stakeholders

A major strength of Bronx NHS is its ability to foster collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. “We definitely have a robust program for how we relate to our elected officials,” Johnson explained. These partnerships have been instrumental in securing the financial support and legislative backing needed to advance housing equity reforms across the borough.

A Model for Housing Justice in NYC

Bronx NHS’s work reflects a comprehensive housing justice model that includes access, preservation, education, and advocacy. Through initiatives like tax lien removal, repair grants, homebuyer education, and condominium conversions, the organization is creating homeowners and strengthening entire communities.

As Mr. Johnson aptly summarized: “We would be happy to speak with you and give you more information.” Bronx NHS is more than a housing nonprofit—it’s a vital community resource, a defender of generational wealth, and a champion for equity in the housing market.

For more information about Bronx NHS programs and how you can get involved or benefit from their services, visit their website https://www.bronxnhs.org/ or attend one of their homebuyer orientation sessions. Your participation is crucial in their mission to continue building a stronger, more equitable Bronx.