Community Development

Westhab works with local residents, businesses, government, and other nonprofits to improve the quality of life in the underserved neighborhoods where we build and preserve affordable housing. Based on the expressed needs of community members we provide free programs and services that enable individuals and families to gain skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their goals. In an effort to strengthen the community as a whole, we bring neighbors together to identify and prioritize local needs, connect with local leaders and develop solutions. We then help to martial additional resources through collaborations with government and other nonprofit entities. We have obtained county, state and federal funding to address issues such as public safety, open space, public services, and local business development.

Community Resource Center, 49 East 3rd Street Mount Vernon, NY
Westhab’s 49 East 3rd Street Community Resource Center in Mount Vernon offers employment services, youth programs and service referrals for Mount Vernon’s south side community. Westhab’s Employment Services staff is based at this location, as is the staff of Westhab’s youth program, the PEAK Center. The Community Resource Center also serves as a meeting place for civic, social and community groups that come together on local issues such business development and youth advocacy.

Community Resources Center, 103 Elm Street Yonkers, NY
Westhab’s Elm Street Community Resource Center in the Nodine Hill neighborhood of southwest Yonkers is a welcoming site for information gathering, referrals, onsite services, and a wide range of programs designed to meet community members’ expressed needs. It also brings neighbors together to tackle issues of importance to them as members of the Nodine Hill community. And it works in concert with Westhab’s youth community center just a few blocks away. Onsite services are provided by Westhab’s Housing Services casework and property management staff; Westhab’s Employment Services team; our Community Organizer and Community Services Advocate; and Family Services of Westchester. Our network of community partners also provides programs which include: cooking and nutrition; a food pantry; women’s health; mental health; public safety; insurance; immigration law; and family and youth services.

Highlighted Community Development Project

	Residents of Nodine Hill (Yonkers, NY) had long desired a safe space for small children to play. With the help of local artists and teens from our Youth Center Westhab returned this vacant lot to productive use. It now provides a quiet respite for young families.