Who We Are | Mission & What We Do

	Mission \| What We Do
	Staff & Board
	Supporters \| Partners

Chhaya’s mission is to create more stable and sustainable communities by increasing civic participation and addressing the housing and community development needs of New York’s South Asians, new immigrants and their neighbors.

To develop innovative ways to meet the urgent need for housing assistance and social services in the New York Metropolitan area by means of strategic partnerships, individual counseling, legal assistance, tenant advocacy, and in-language education and outreach on housing rights and opportunities.
To promote active participation of South Asian Americans in the local, citywide, and regional planning of their communities.
To bring together existing and emerging leaders on an ongoing basis in order to form a clearer picture of the community development and social service needs.
To foster understanding within South Asian American and other immigrant communities of how civic institutions function and can be used to further socioeconomic development.

Chhaya Community Development Corporation is a community-based non-profit organization focused on improving access to housing opportunities, resources, and information for South Asian Americans throughout New York City and the metropolitan area. We advocate for community and economic development and justice within South Asian and other immigrant communities.

South Asian Americans, a group that includes immigrants from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Caribbean nations such as Guyana and Trinidad, are New York City’s second-largest Asian community. These newest New Yorkers have a wide range of service needs. All of our services are offered in Bangla/Bengali, English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Chhaya works in the following key housing and immigration-related areas:

Homeownership Education and Counseling: Chhaya offers free homeownership workshops and individual counseling to help clients through the confusing maze of purchasing a home. Before visiting a mortgage broker, financial or real estate institution, Chhaya provides clients with key information on how to understand and improve personal credit, how to choose the right mortgage product, where to go for assistance, and what to look for while applying for a mortgage.
Financial Fitness: Chhaya works with individuals on improving credit scores and budget counseling aimed at encouraging wealth development and good budgeting habits.
Tenant Rights Organizing, Education, and Counseling: When landlords are unresponsive to repair requests or attempt to evict tenants unlawfully, Chhaya provides mediation assistance helps file complaints, supports organizing efforts among tenants, and connects tenants to other resources available to them
Information on Illegal Conversions: Chhaya works with homeowners and tenants to inform them on New York City regulations governing illegally converted apartments and other types of informal housing. We are also actively engaged in systemic policy advocacy to streamline the ‘legalization’ process for both landlords and tenants.
Voter Engagement Chhaya conducts voter registration and encourages South Asian Americans to be active participants in their local communities as well as voice their opinions on public policies.
Assistance with Housing Discrimination or Harassment Chhaya assists buyers and tenants who have been harassed or discriminated against in their homes with filing complaints and accessing legal assistance.
Research, Policy and Advocacy: Chhaya partners with organizations around the city to document the needs and contributions of South Asian and other immigrants to ensure adequate resources are invested in supporting our communities.