The Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs, Inc., (NAICA) is a designated tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation established under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) and has been providing housing intervention and assistance services to residents of the Bronx since 1974. NAICA’s mission is to provide culturally & linguistically client-centered housing, legal and social support services that promote self-efficacy and improves the quality of life for individuals and families in New York.

Our primary focus is geared towards single adults, families, and seniors who are indigent and/or homeless or at risk of losing their homes. NAICA is a not-for-profit, multi-service, family-oriented housing and human service agency that provides culturally sensitive services to children, youth, seniors, and families.

The agency’s core methods of service include affordable housing development & construction, housing management, legal assistance and representation, homeless prevention & stabilization, case management/casework, eviction prevention, supportive housing, tenant advocacy, rapid rehousing, and community education and development.

As part of the overall transformation, NAICA has played a major role in rehabilitating run-down buildings, developing tenants’ associations, addressing building code violations, and developing new housing throughout the Bronx. NAICA continues to build and expand its commitment to the economic, social, and cultural resurgence of Bronx neighborhoods.

In 1989, NAICA was designated a Neighborhood Preservation Company by the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Since then, NAICA has received annual administrative awards to provide a variety of housing-related services and develop affordable housing opportunities in the Bronx. For the last 20 years, DHCR has provided funds to NAICA for the purpose of helping Bronx residents with their housing needs.

As a designated Neighborhood Preservation Company, NAICA offers services to residents, building owners, businesses, and community stakeholders to ensure that their housing needs are met, without displacing current community residents.

Chief Officers

Eduardo LaGuerre, MS

Elvira Barone

Chief Executive Officer

Shameeka Gonzalez-Gamboa, MBA

Shameeka M. Gonzalez-Gamboa

Chief Financial Officer

Richard Izquierdo Arroyo, MA

Richard Izquierdo Arroyo

Chief Operating Officer

Board of Directors

Elvira Barone

Barbara Gonzalez, LMSW

Chair

Rosemarie Torres

Rosemarie Torres

Vice Chair

Carmen Aquino

Carmen Aquino

 Treasurer

Linda Duke

Linda Duke

Secretary

Jason Caraballo

Member

Victor Negron

Yonette Davis, MD

Member

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.

Rosemarie Rosa

Member

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.

Ana Banegas

Member

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.

Carlos Vega

 Member

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.

Cassandra Perry

 Member

Executive Leadership

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Angie Gonzalez, MS

Executive Director of Public Relations

Gary Lee, BS
Felix Cruz

Executive Director of Facilities and Project Management

Elvis Torres, MAFM
Elvis Torres

Executive Director of Housing Services

Gary Lee, BS
Gary Lee

Executive Director of Information Technology

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Mark Khim Baguio, CMA, MBA

Comptroller

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Ricardo Torres

Executive Director of Transitional Housing Programs

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Marlen Valarezo, Esq.

Executive Director of Legal Services

Senior Management

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Alejandra Rivera

Regional Director of Transitional Housing Programs

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Kalvin Bethel

Director of Facilities and Project Management

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Mabel Calderon

Regional Director of Transitional Housing Programs

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Melissa Garrido

Director of Housing Services

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Precious Stephens

Director of Finance

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Stephanie Peguero, Esq.

Director of Legal Services