News 12 is partnering with Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services for its Rebuilding the Bronx series starting 2026.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit provides forgivable loans, free tax preparation and other housing services.<\/p>\n
For the first Rebuilding the Bronx story of the year, News 12 spoke with a Bronx man who received $100,000 through the organization to help him purchase his first home.<\/p>\n
The American dream of homeownership once felt out of reach for Carlos Valerio.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted a house, but I felt like I could never buy one because it\u2019s so expensive,\u201d Valerio said.<\/p>\n
After years of renting, Valerio decided to buy a condominium, but the deal fell through. He then began searching for programs that could help him navigate the homebuying process. That\u2019s when he discovered Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had so many questions,\u201d Valerio said. \u201cThe bank was asking me things I didn\u2019t understand. Just having someone available to answer those questions made the process much easier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Valerio began orientation with the nonprofit in June 2024. After a year of classes and training focused on first-time homeownership, he received a $100,000 grant to help with the down payment on his home.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s basically equity,\u201d Valerio said. \u201cThat $100,000 didn\u2019t come out of my pocket. It came from them, and now it\u2019s mine. You can\u2019t go wrong with that. It was a process, but every step was worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gladstone Johnson, executive director of Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services, said the program is designed for low- to middle-income residents. Before grants are awarded, applicants are screened through pay stubs, credit scores and other financial documents.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of these homes are worth $600,000 to $800,000 today,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cLow- and moderate-income families can\u2019t qualify without help. We\u2019re here to fill that gap.\u201d<\/p>\n