61 NYC families have won housing lottery to become first-time homebuyers

NEW YORK (PIX11) — So far, 61 families in New York City have won a housing lottery to become first-time homebuyers. The program turns eyesores into new housing.

Tanese Orr, a 45-year-old mother of three, is a social worker going to school full time to get her doctorate. Born in Jamaica, her American Dream was to own her own home. Living paycheck to paycheck, that dream felt out of reach, until January 2023, when Orr got an email from the city that she won a city housing lottery.

Orr is among 61 New York City families that are first-time homebuyers selected through the Small Homes Rehab-NYCHA Program . The program has restored 61 homes in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, including 13 purchased by NYCHA residents buying their first homes.

It’s a partnership between NYCHA, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, the nonprofit Neighborhood Restore, and JPMorgan Chase.

Salvatore D’Avola, the executive director of Neighborhood Restore, said the secret to the success of the program is the support. His organization ensures each family gets financial counseling and even landlord training to make sure that they are supported for as long as they own the home.

For a list of open affordable housing rental lotteries on NYC Housing Connect, click here .

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