PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alysha Habib, Housing Counselor at Chhaya CDC
2:15:49
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126 sec
Alysha Habib, a housing counselor at Chhaya CDC, testifies in support of Intro 958, emphasizing the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers in New York City. She highlights the lack of affordable properties and the difficulties her clients face in purchasing homes in their communities.
- Out of 89 first-time homebuyers Habib counseled this year, only 6 were able to close on a home, with 4 relying on the Home First down payment assistance program.
- Habib stresses the need for more affordable housing options, as current HPD grant purchase price limits are insufficient in the current market.
- She argues that passing Intro 958 would help stabilize communities, keep multi-generational families together, and maintain New York City's diversity.
Alysha Habib
2:15:49
Good afternoon.
2:15:50
I'm Alicia Habib.
2:15:51
I want to thank the Lanier's chair, Rafael Salmonka Junior, for and the rest of the committee for the opportunity to speak with you.
2:15:59
I'm a hub certified pre purchased housing counselor at Chiyacdc, which was founded over 20 years ago to address the housing and economic needs of low income and immigrant South Asian and the Caribbean New Yorkers.
2:16:12
I support first time homebuyers through group education, one on one counseling, and housing resource fairs.
2:16:17
This year, I've seen 89 first time homebuyers.
2:16:20
However, only 6 clients were able to close on a home.
2:16:24
4 of those clients were only able to close using the home first down payment assistance program, 2 of which had won the affordable housing lottery, as well as one had purchased a coop.
2:16:35
Many clients, including those with sufficient savings, excellent credit and steady income are frustrated about their inability to begin their home buying journey due to the lack of affordable properties.
2:16:46
It has become increasingly difficult for first time homebuyers to find properties qualify under the HPD grant purchase price limits.
2:16:54
For an instance, for a single family home in Queens, the limit is 684,000.
2:17:00
The assistance the city provides to go towards a down payment and closing cost is not enough until there's an increase in affordable housing as well.
2:17:09
Buy clients continue to mention that they want to buy properties in their communities, but it has become unaffordable.
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They have to shop for properties in neighborhoods they aren't familiar with that are not close to resources that speak their languages.
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And if this continues, these communities will diminish, and New York City, the best part of New York City, is the diversity in our communities.
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The passage of this bill intro of 958 will make it possible for our clients to achieve their dreams of becoming a homeowner.
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Setting aside part of the municipal budget to increase affordable housing opportunities is critical for our first time home buyers.
2:17:47
It will also be able to stabilize New York City in keep our multi generational families together.
2:17:52
So I have more to say, but I'll submit the written testimony as well.
