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
Elvira Barone
Chief Executive Officer
Shameeka M. Gonzalez-Gamboa
Chief Financial Officer
Richard Izquierdo Arroyo
Chief Operating Officer
Board of Directors
Barbara Gonzalez, LMSW
Chair
Rosemarie Torres
Vice Chair
Carmen Aquino
Treasurer
Linda Duke
Secretary
Jason Caraballo
Member
Yonette Davis, MD
Member
Rosemarie Rosa
Member
Ana Banegas
Member
Carlos Vega
Member
Cassandra Perry
Member
Executive Leadership
Angie Gonzalez, MS
Executive Director of Public Relations
Felix Cruz
Executive Director of Facilities and Project Management
Elvis Torres
Executive Director of Housing Services
Gary Lee
Executive Director of Information Technology
Mark Khim Baguio, CMA, MBA
Comptroller
Ricardo Torres
Executive Director of Transitional Housing Programs
Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Executive Director of Legal Services
Senior Management
Alejandra Rivera
Regional Director of Transitional Housing Programs
Kalvin Bethel
Director of Facilities and Project Management
Mabel Calderon
Regional Director of Transitional Housing Programs
Melissa Garrido
Director of Housing Services
Precious Stephens
Director of Finance
Stephanie Peguero, Esq.
Director of Legal Services