By Nathan Duke
Rev. Mitchell Taylor of Long Island City's East River Development Alliance was joined Friday by elected officials and financial institution representatives to announce the creation of a new program to help western Queens public housing residents become financially literate and achieve home ownership.
The program-ERDA Homes Homeownership Initiative-will serve residents of Queensbridge Houses, Astoria Houses and Ravenswood. Taylor said the initiative will educate public housing residents about how to build wealth, gain homeownership, repair credit and become financially savvy.
“This program will take people from the conceptualization of the American Dream to the realization of the American Dream,” Taylor said at the program's kickoff. “We're not leaving anyone behind. It is about giving people the educational tools to build wealth and create financial stability. Some people become complacent and don't realize they can move on to the next level, but you could own a home, you can buy a co-op or a condo.”
Taylor was joined at Long Island City's Center of Hope International for the announcement by Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Long Island City), U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria), Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, state Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Astoria), Assemblyman Darryl Towns (D-Brooklyn) and representatives from Chase Home Finance and Freddie Mac, all of whom praised the initiative.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by email at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
