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

Eduardo LaGuerre, MS

Elvira Barone

Chief Executive Officer

Shameeka Gonzalez-Gamboa, MBA

Shameeka M. Gonzalez-Gamboa

Chief Financial Officer

Richard Izquierdo Arroyo, MA

Richard Izquierdo Arroyo

Chief Operating Officer

Board of Directors

Elvira Barone

Victor Negron, Esq.

Chair

Rosemarie Torres

Rosemarie Torres

Vice Chair

Carmen Aquino

Carmen Aquino

Treasurer/Chair, Finance & Audit Committee

Linda Duke

Linda Duke

Secretary

Jason Caraballo

Member

Victor Negron

Yonette Davis, MD

Member

Elvira Barone

Barbara Gonzalez, LMSW, MS Ed.

Member

Elvira Barone

Cassandra Perry

Member

Martha Reyes

Member

Executive Leadership

Joanitha Groves, BA
Joanitha Groves

Executive Director of Human Resource

Gary Lee, BS
Gary Lee

Executive Director of Information Technology

Gary Lee, BS
Ana Maldonado

Executive Director of Facilities and Project Management

Gary Lee, BS
Manuel Perez

Executive Director of Finance

Luz Sanchez Bruno
Luz Sanchez-Bruno

Executive Director of Transitional Housing Programs

Elvis Torres, MAFM
Elvis Torres

Executive Director of Housing Services

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Marlen Valarezo, Esq.

Executive Director of Legal Services

Senior Management

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Kalvin Bethel

Director of Facilities and Project Management

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Ricardo Cosme Ruiz

Senior Director of Public Relations

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Melissa Garrido

Director of Housing Services

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Stephanie Peguero, Esq.

Director of Legal Services

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Precious Stephens

Director of Finance