FundaveNYC
FundaveNYC (pronounced fund-av-eh NYC) is a nonprofit (est. 2021) whose mission is to accelerate asylum seekers' and immigrants’ transition into becoming thriving New York City residents. We do this through four areas of focus:
1) HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE: We provide emergency aid and necessities alongside partners, as well as connect people to health insurance and community groups.
2) WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: We help navigate the system through our Navigator Mentoring program, work permit application assistance, and connecting to free OSHA training.
3) AFFORDABLE HOUSING: We assist in obtaining affordable housing as HPD-certified Housing Ambassadors.
4) COMMUNITY BUILDING: Our sports teams, affinity groups, professional development and cultural events unite us in pursuing self-actualization.
OUR STORY
In 2016, founder Leo Uzcategui escaped from Venezuela’s sociopolitical crisis and arrived to New York City. Like many, he had no contacts or connections. Thanks to the generosity of a fellow Venezuelan, he found shelter, necessities, health services and employment.
When his father joined him, Leo experienced how difficult it was to find safe and adequate housing, despite having spent two years working up to 16-hour daily shifts. The NYC Affordable Housing program changed their harsh reality.
FundaveNYC emerged from the shared experiences of Leo and our founding members in 2021. Their groundwork proved key for our quick and effective response to the 2022 wave of asylum seekers and migrants. Today, FundaveNYC's family includes over 200 volunteers from around the world, and our programs have assisted thousands.
WHO WE ARE
FundaveNYC is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and New York City Housing Ambassador organization certified by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Our team is majority immigrant, many Venezuelans and South Americans who risked their lives to escape persecution and difficult conditions in their home countries.
We strive for the advancement of our community by paving the way, providing resources, and building tools for positive development.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We know the advancement of immigrant communities have always been key to the growth and development of New York City. We also understand we cannot wait for, nor solely depend on, the city’s stretched resources to provide necessary support and opportunities for our community.
FundaveNYC is stepping in to empower our global family to build a solid foundation here.
WHY FUNDAVENYC
The intimate, first-hand understanding of our global family’s needs sets us apart in providing effective short-term assistance and building long-term solutions for asylum seekers and migrants.
Our additional emphasis on relationship-building ensures creation of a strong community, which contributes significantly to resolving struggles our city faces (i.e. post-pandemic lockdown workforce shortages).
OUR VISION
FundaveNYC remains committed to offering programming supporting holistic wellbeing. We seek to support not only vulnerable populations like asylum seekers and the elderly, but anyone in need across the five boroughs. We also aim to become the top provider of HPD-certified Housing Ambassadors.