A reliable and comfortable home is a basic need for everyone. Over a lifetime, people move between apartments and houses, making each space feel like home through routines, furnishings, and personal touches. However, for many, owning a home is an almost unattainable dream. This is where the non-profit consultation agency, Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens (NHSQ), steps in, providing housing and advisory services to Queens residents for decades. NHSQ’s mission is to preserve and revitalize underserved neighborhoods in the borough. Read on for more about this organization on queens.name.
History
The agency was established in 1994 in the Woodside area of Queens. In 2020, communities served by NHSQ were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. NHSQ responded by delivering food to hundreds of families who lost their jobs, focusing especially on the neighborhoods of Corona, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and East Elmhurst. Queens, in general, saw the highest number of infections and deaths in New York City. After the pandemic peak, in 2021, Hurricane Ida flooded the area, resulting in the tragic loss of ten lives and leaving many borough residents homeless.
The year 2022 was NHSQ’s most successful in terms of financial and programmatic impact. That year, the agency positively affected the lives of 8,851 families by providing training and consultation services to low- and moderate-income Queens residents on home purchasing, budgeting, credit rebuilding, home rehabilitation, rental options, and workforce development.
Available Services
Each year, NHSQ serves thousands of individuals and families, educating them on home-buying methods and offering financial consultations. NHSQ collaborates with government and business partners to meet the needs of local residents.
Through financing, financial literacy training, and housing counseling, NHSQ enables low- and moderate-income Queens residents to purchase and retain affordable housing. Customized education programs and consultation services are crucial to successful homeownership. Consultants can assist with: creating action plans, analyzing specific housing situations, presenting viable affordable options, communicating with mortgage servicers and other creditors, explaining the foreclosure process, and more.
In partnership with public and private organizations, NHSQ manages citywide programs that assist with home purchasing and repair. The agency directly offers mortgage loans, grants, and financial aid to help clients buy homes, complete essential repairs, and maintain ownership. They assist in resolving mortgage delinquencies, removing tax liens and arrears, and finding programs to cover utility costs. Emergency repair funding is provided by the New York City Council when housing conditions threaten the health or safety of its residents if left unaddressed.
The agency primarily serves the neighborhoods of Woodside, Sunnyside, Corona, Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights. According to 2020 statistics, about 14% of residents in these areas live below the poverty line, and 32% own their homes. NHSQ maintains strong community engagement to address the many housing issues faced by local residents.