Center for NYC Neighborhoods

Bed-Stuy, thank you for having us!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by Snacks and Solve at Je T'aime Patisserie on Saturday. It was great to connect with homeowners in the neighborhood and share trusted resources on protecting your home from scams, deed fraud, and foreclosure.

Stay tuned for our next events at Beach Dunes Eats and Arts on June 13th and Julia Jeans on June 20th!

Missed us? The Homeowner Help Desk is always available at https://homeownerhelpny.org/help-desk

Homeowners: Watch for misleading mail

Have you received a letter about your home that looks official but does not look right?

We are aware of misleading mail that mentions Sustainable Neighborhoods, our lending program, but it didn't come from us.

Before you call any number or sign anything, check with us first.

Call: 1-855-HOME-456

Please share this with a homeowner who may need it.

Know a homeowner in Bed-Stuy? Please share this! 👇

We're hosting a FREE drop-in event at Je T'aime Patisserie on May 9 and they're bringing expert resources right to the neighborhood.

Whether you're worried about scams targeting homeowners, concerned about foreclosure, or just want to know what protections exist for you, this event is for you.

🏠 Free. No appointment. Refreshments included.
📍 471 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11216
🗓️ Saturday, May 9 | 12–3 PM

First 50 attendees get a free croissant from Je T'aime! 🥐

Also, learn more about the Homeowner Help Desk! https://homeownerhelpny.org/help-desk

Big news for New York City homeowners.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani is creating a dedicated Office of Deed Theft Prevention, and Peter White will lead it. Deed theft targets Black, Brown, and older homeowners in neighborhoods with rising property values, stripping families of wealth they have built over generations.

This is exactly the kind of focused, citywide effort that can make a real difference for all New York homeowners. We look forward to working alongside this new office to protect New Yorkers before it is too late, and stand ready to connect homeowners to free help through our Homeowner Help Desk.

Learn more about the announcement: https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-establishes-mayor-s-office-of-deed-theft-preventio

Think you may be a victim of deed theft, or want to protect your home before it's too late? Free help is available. Visit homeownerhelpny.org/help-desk

Did you know that estate planning is not just for the wealthy? It is one of the most powerful tools any homeowner can use to protect their property and pass it on to their family.

We are excited to share that Sabrina Bazile from the Center for NYC Neighborhoods sat down with York Amsterdam News as part of their 6-part podcast series on housing and financial empowerment for New York City's Black communities.

She talked about the Black Homeownership Project, the real challenges Black homeowners face, and the free resources available to help you hold onto what you have worked so hard to build.

Listen now at amsterdamnews.com/solutions/, on YouTube, or Spreaker.

Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/avoiding-estate-planning-is-hurting-black-and-brown-homeowners--71495766

One bad flood can cost $30,000 or more. The Resilient Retrofits program helps New York homeowners cover flood vents, storm windows, energy-efficient heating, and more. You could get up to $50,000, with half forgiven if you stay in your home.

See if you qualify: https://bit.ly/resilientretrofits

New York homeowners: we will be at the Earth Day Festival this Sunday, April 19, at Union Square, 12-6 PM, and it is free!

Come visit our booth to learn how you could get up to $50,000 to protect your home from floods and storms, with half the money possibly forgiven. Tag a homeowner who should know about this.

Learn More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-2026-festival-tickets-1980669773611

🏠 Property Tax Exemption Deadline — March 16th

Are you a senior, disabled homeowner, or veteran who owns your home? You may qualify for a property tax exemption — and the deadline to apply or renew is coming up!

Three exemptions available:
🔵 Senior citizens (turning 65 by Dec 31st)
🔵 Disabled homeowners
🔵 Veterans

Senior and disabled homeowner exemptions must be renewed every 2 years. If you have one now, check when you last renewed — you could lose it on July 1st if you miss recertification.

📬 Ideally send your application by Friday, March 14th via certified mail. Waiting for USPS can be a gamble! Application links in the comments!

No one should have to bundle up indoors because their building won’t turn the heat on.

If you’re a renter and your apartment feels too cold, you have rights — and you have options.

Cold weather shouldn’t mean unsafe housing.

Learn more: https://bxbkenergyhub.org/en/blog/renters-do-these-3-things-if-your-heat-is-not-working

Congratulations to our CEO and Executive Director, Christie Peale!

Christie has been named to City & State’s 2026 Who’s Who in Affordable Housing in recognition of her leadership in affordable homeownership across New York.

We're so proud that our work together has received this recognition!

Read more: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2026/02/2026-whos-who-affordable-housing/411500/ -christie