Training and Technical Assistance
At its Neighborhood Training and Resource Center in Harlem, UHAB provides training classes to existing affordable co-ops ("HDFCs"), and to buildings in the city's Tenant Interim Lease program, under a contract with the city. Almost every day of the week, during working hours and in the evening, UHAB’s experienced staff runs training classes and seminars on all aspects of self-help housing, as well as other issues. Class topics include: Building Your Tenant Association, Financial Management, Managing Maintenance and Repair Needs, Becoming a Co-op, Drug Elimination, Leadership Development, Computers for Beginners.
These classes are required for buildings in the TIL program, but existing co-ops, especially new leaders, also find them useful. UHAB offers certificates to leaders completing a set of core classes. For a current schedule of classes, email sorce@uhab.org. UHAB also provides variations of these classes to buildings that are going through its co-op development process.
| “UHAB classes give you the knowledge you need to operate your building correctly. I encourage everyone to go to them.” ; Yolanda Toby, 544 West 157th Street, a tenant-owned co-op in Harlem. |
UHAB staff members also provided direct, one-on-one counseling and assistance to building leaders an average of 27 times per week - on issues ranging from organizing committees to repair planning and annual budgeting. Residents visited UHAB's Training and Resource Center more than 1,000 times during the year to make use of resources such as computers, copiers, fax machine and resource library.
Our consulting services solve the complex problems that resident-owned co-ops often face. This assistance includes:
- Expediting the correction of tax and water and sewer bills
- Obtaining financing for resolving debt or for repair and rehab needs
- Working out other mortgage, tax management or financial issues
- Obtaining J-51 tax abatements for buildings that have completed major capital improvements
UHAB usually charges a consulting fee for these services, although the cost can sometimes be paid by the city’s housing department. Fees for loans may be included in a loan, and payment may be reduced or waived based on need.
For more information about UHAB’s consulting services, contact Ann Henderson at 212-479-3311 or UHAB Help. To reach the Harlem Training and Resource Center, call 212-828-2670.
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