July 2019
CHI Launches the Hand Up Fund
CHI launched a new initiative in late June which assists its homeless clients in gaining independence, the Hand Up Fund.
 
This fund, inspired by support from Charles Rutenberg Realty and The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation is a vehicle to allow donors to have a direct impact in bettering the life of another. The donations are used to allow families living in CHI's emergency housing to meet needs that allow them to become more self-sufficient. These small amounts, anywhere from $25 to $250, cover costs associated with employment, education, vocational programs, after school activities for children and transportation.
 
“To many of us, these small costs would be insignificant. But our clients, who have so little, can see the $100 cost of a uniform for a job as insurmountable and a barrier to success. The Hand Up Fund allows us to break down this barrier,” said Alexander H. Roberts, Executive Director of CHI. 
CHI celebrated the fund's launch by showcasing one of its first recipients, Mildred Stewart, at the agency's benefit dinner on June 26th. Ms. Stewart shared her experience with homelessness, CHI and the Hand Up Fund. She is currently completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications at Purdue University Global with aspirations to become a speech writer. Through the Hand Up Fund, CHI awarded Ms. Stewart a new laptop to allow her to complete her studies. (Pictured left: Alexander H. Roberts, Executive Director of CHI, with Mildred Stewart, and her children Nasan and Nyla.)
 
Some of the other early recipients have benefited from the generosity of donors to the Hand Up Fund by being able to sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam and recertification, Medical Assistant Exam, driving classes, uniforms for a new job, the fee to obtain a copy of a birth certificate to register for school or gain employment, and after school activities for children.
 
To learn more or to donate to the fund, please visit www.chigrants.org/handupfund . 
Thank you Nationwide Mortgage Bankers!
CHI's Homeownership Team accepted a $5,000 donation from Rohan Barnes, Vice President of the Community Lending Division of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers of Melville to support home buyer counseling and education.

We are proud to partner with Nationwide to ensure that our clients receive the best education they can get before, during and after the home purchase process.

CHI provides $25,000 down payment and rehabilitation grant assistance to qualified first-time home buyers. Join us at an orientation in September - dates will be posted soon - or submit your application.

Pictured: Rohan Barnes of Nationwide with Executive Director
Alexander Roberts, and Homeownership Team Julie Stern and
Tierra Monroe
Thank You To Our Supporters & Attendees
CHI's Annual Benefit, held on June 26th, was its most successful to date. We have all of you to thank for that!

Check out our generous sponsors. They make our work possible!

Your support enables CHI to meet the increased need for housing and services, especially to the children of our communities. 

Community Housing Innovations, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing housing and human services that support social and economic independence.

With offices in White Plains and Patchogue