Chhaya Community Development Corporation – Chhaya CDC – 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. It advocates 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 need a wide range of services – such as affordable housing, vital information, career development assistance, economic help, rights awareness etc. The enable these needs Chhaya CDC has the following programs:
- Housing Preservation Program is aimed at protecting, preserving, and promoting affordable housing in New York City’s low-to-moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods.
- Economic Development Program aims to provide its clients with the tools and information they need to achieve long-term economic independence through career development, financial capability, and asset building.
- Advocacy and Organizing Program works towards immigrant empowerment, South Asian community engagement, mobilization, and leadership.
- Neighborhood Planning and Development Program works with New York City’s South Asian communities to identify shared needs and issues.
All Chhaya CDC services are offered in Bangla/Bengali, English, Hindi, and Urdu.
[Spelling variations: Chaya, Chaaya, Chayaa]