Affordable Housing Program in Queens Leaves Homeowners Dissatisfied

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Some homeowners in an affordable housing program in Queens, New York say they are facing a nightmare situation after moving into newly rehabbed homes through a Habitat for Humanity project. Residents report a range of problems, from roof damage to collapsing retaining walls, and claim Habitat has not adequately addressed the issues, despite the homes being sold "as-is." The city's Housing Preservation and Development department is investigating the complaints, while Habitat maintains it has provided ongoing support to homeowners.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges that can arise even with well-intentioned affordable housing programs, as homeowners struggle with construction defects and lack of support from the nonprofit organization responsible. It raises questions about the oversight and quality control measures in place for such projects, as well as the long-term implications for homeowners who are limited in how much they can sell their homes for due to affordability requirements.

The details

In 2017, Habitat for Humanity bought 23 formerly vacant and dilapidated homes from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and restored them for their Queens Phase II project. Prospective homeowners were required to put in hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" helping to build other Habitat properties, and then purchased the rehabbed homes in Queens at below-market mortgages about seven years ago. However, some of these homeowners are now reporting a range of issues, from roof damage to collapsing retaining walls, that they say Habitat has not adequately addressed. One homeowner, Micah Hunter, said part of his retaining wall collapsed, leading to an injury when he tripped and fell near the gap. Habitat claims the wall damage was caused by a New York City Department of Environmental Protection truck, but the city says it has no record of such an incident. Other homeowners, like Nicolette Parkinson and Cassandra Murray, question whether the homes were properly rehabbed and are frustrated by the ongoing problems.

• In 2017, Habitat for Humanity bought 23 formerly vacant and dilapidated homes from NYCHA.
• About seven years ago, the homeowners bought the Queens Phase II homes from Habitat and started paying below-market mortgages.
• Last summer, months after part of Micah Hunter's retaining wall fell, he tripped and fell near the gap and injured his leg while weed-whacking.
• Last fall, Habitat sent Hunter a $50,000 settlement offer, which would bar him from requesting any future repair payments and from publicly criticizing the nonprofit.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The HPD said its review of the alleged issues is ongoing, and it will continue to engage with both Habitat for Humanity and the homeowners as they work towards a resolution.