Mission

Chhaya Community Development Corporation is an anti-poverty non-profit organization based in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. Founded in 2000, Chhaya is committed to breaking down the barriers to the economic, social, and political advancement of low income South Asians. Chhaya – a Sanskrit word meaning “shelter or shade” – aims to protect and promote affordable housing in New York City. Chhaya has helped prevent hundreds of foreclosures; assisted first-time homebuyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance; played a critical role in the ongoing effort to legalize basement apartments to expand the pool of safe and affordable housing; provided individuals with key immigration services to better navigate daily life; empowered families with financial management tools and skills; and fostered the civic engagement of thousands of South Asian New Yorkers.

What We Do

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:

1. Homeownership education and counseling
2. Financial fitness, credit counseling and budgeting cunseling
3. Tenant rights organizing, education, and counseling
4. Information on illegal basement apartment conversions
5. Voter engagement
6. Assistance with housing discrimination or harassment
7. research, policy and advocacy