Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi has successfully allocated $250,000 for the Central Queens Y Young Men and Young Women Hebrew Association (Central Queens Y). The Central Queens Y provides an array of cultural, educational, and support programs that aim to meet individuals’ needs, facilitate personal growth, and build a sense of community. Assemblyman Hevesi, in partnership with New York State’s Regional Economic Development Program, combined a previous allocation by former Assemblyman Michael Cohen with an additional quarter million dollars to conduct environmental and accessibility renovations for the organization. The most expansive projects included repairing the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, restoring the pool’s plumbing, and modifying ramps to enhance handicap access. This funding will ensure its facilities continue to remain up-to-date and accessible to all individuals who use their services for years to come.

If you are interested in putting a down payment on your first home and are in need of assistance, the New York City Housing Preservation and Development (NYC HPD) offers a ‘HomeFirst Down Payment Assistant Program’ to all New York City residents. This program provides qualified homebuyers with up to $15,000 toward the down payment or closing costs on a 1-4 family home, condominium, or cooperative in one of the five boroughs. To see if you are eligible for this program, please visit the following website to review the requirements: www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/owners/homeowner-downpayment-assistance.page. The website also provides HPD-approved counseling agency contacts for each borough.