Home and Business Fair tonight in Norwood will speak three languages

A number of nonprofit groups are coming together to host a resource fair for homeowners and small business owners this evening at the Mosholu Branch of the New York Public Library. In an effort to support the growing Bangladeshi population in Norwood, information will be provided in Bangla as well as English and Spanish.

Organized by University Neighborhood Housing Program, the resource fair will bring Queens-based Chhaya CDC and citywide groups such as the Legal Aid Society, the Parodneck Foundation and NYC Business Solutions together with local groups including the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition's Weatherization Assistance Program and the West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center.

Homeowners who attend the resource fair which runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, will be able to learn about foreclosure prevention options including loan modifications, find out about free legal assistance that may be available, and receive a free weatherization kit while learning how to cut energy costs. Additionally, attendees can find out about assistance with immigration and get help starting or expanding a small business, including getting certified as a minority or women owned business (MWBE). Resources will also be available for first time home buyers, as well as information on credit workshops and free tax preparation services.

The event will be held in the basement of the Mosholu branch of the New York Public Library (285 East 205 Street between Bainbridge and Perry Avenues). More information is available on UNHP's website, or by calling 718-933-2539.

Help for Bronx Homeowners this Thursday

Bronx Homeowners struggling to stay in their homes or just fighting to keep the costs of ownership down will find some much needed help this Thursday at the Northwest Bronx Homeowner Resource Fair.

With foreclosures at an all time high, property values dropping, unemployment in the double digits, and another double-digit water rate increase on its way, the resource fair will focus on lowering ownership costs through weatherization and energy-efficiency programs, in addition to foreclosure prevention counseling and legal services.

Registration and free dinner begin at 6:00 PM this Thursday at the Our Lady of Refuge Parish Center, 290 East 196th Street between Bainbridge and Briggs Avenues. All homeowners in attendance will will benefit from energy savings tips, a free weatherization kit, and a free rat-proof garbage can.

Homeowners facing financial hardship can learn about foreclosure prevention options, get help modifying their mortgage and receive free legal assistance. Representatives will be on hand from local organizations to explain services offered year-round.

This Homeowner Resource Fair is sponsored by University Neighborhood Housing Program, the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, the West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center and Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation. Other participating groups include the Association for Energy Affordability (providing the garbage cans), New York Legal Assistance Group, the Parodneck Foundation, and NYSERDA’s Energy $mart Communities program.

For more information or to RSVP, contact UNHP at 718-933-2539.