About Us

At NAICA, experience shapes community transformation.

Our Values

Our Vision

NAICA’s vision of creating safe, affordable, and inclusive communities means every family deserves stable housing and the support to thrive in their neighborhood.

NAICA's Mission

Our Mission

NAICA’s mission is to provide culturally & linguistically client-centered housing, legal and social support services, with excellence, that promote self-sufficiency and improves the quality of life for individuals and families in New York.

Our Values

Integrity

Upholding the principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability

Unity

Committed to connection and collaboration with one another and the community

Service

Dedicated to helping those experiencing hardship to improve their quality of life

Compassion

Providing comfort, kindness, and understanding during difficult and challenging times

Our History

50+ Years of Community Solutions

For more than five decades, NAICA has transformed challenge into opportunity, emerging from the devastating 1970s Bronx fires that galvanized community leaders to address urgent housing needs.

What began as neighbors coming together in crisis has grown into one of New York City’s most trusted organizations, providing comprehensive housing, legal, and social services across the boroughs of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens & Manhattan. Our 50+ year legacy is built on cultural understanding and linguistic accessibility, ensuring every family we serve feels heard, respected, and empowered in their own language. Today, NAICA stands as proof that when communities unite with purpose, extraordinary and lasting change is possible.

NAICA's History
Our Leadership

NAICA brings together a passionate team of multilingual professionals committed to creating safe, inclusive communities through culturally responsive service.

Our dedicated board and staff leads comprehensive programs that empower clients, volunteers, and community partners to achieve self-sufficiency and build brighter futures together.

Chief Officers

Elvira Barone

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Izquierdo Arroyo

Chief Operating Officer

Shameeka M. Gonzalez-Gamboa, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Ululy Martinez, Esq.

Chief Administrative Officer

Board of Directors

Barbara Gonzalez, LMSW, MsEd

Chair

Rosemarie Torres

Vice Chair

Carmen Aquino

Treasurer

Linda Duke

Secretary

Rev. Cassandra Perry

Member

Jason Caraballo, MPA

Member

Yonette Davis, MD

Member

Rosemarie Rosa, CASAC-MC

Member

Carlos Vega

Member

Executive Leadership

Elvis Torres

Executive Director of Housing Services

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.

Executive Director of Legal Services

Gary Lee

Executive Director of Information Technology

Felix Cruz

Executive Director of Facilities and Project Management

Angie Gonzalez, MS

Executive Director of Transitional Housing

Ricardo Torres, MSW

Executive Director of Development

Mark Khim Baguio, CMA, MBA

Executive Director of Finance

Tampra Williams

Executive Director of Human Resources

Stanley De La Cruz

Executive Director of Public Relations

Transparency

Our Impact & Financials

We are pleased to present the significant progress we have achieved over 50+ years and to offer you an overview of the promising initiatives ahead. Our recent Annual Reports and Financial Statements are available below.

  • NAICA Annual Report: FY 2024 (Coming Soon)

  • NAICA Annual Report: FY 2023 (Coming Soon)
  • NAICA Annual Report: FY 2022 (Coming Soon)

  • NAICA Audit: FY 2024 (Coming Soon)

  • NAICA Audit: FY 2023 (Coming Soon)
  • NAICA Audit: FY 2022 (Coming Soon)

  • NAICA Form 990: FY 2024 (Coming Soon)

  • NAICA Form 990: FY 2023 (Coming Soon)
  • NAICA Form 990: FY 2022 (Coming Soon)

NAICA Leadership
Who We Are

Our Leadership Reflects Our Community

At NAICA, cultural and linguistic diversity drives our success. Our multilingual team represents the full spectrum of New York’s communities, blending fresh perspectives from recent graduates with the wisdom of 40-year veterans to create innovative solutions rooted in proven practices.

Shelter Units for People in Need

Total Growth Since 2011: 1,689%

Recognition of Work

Platinum Transparency 2025 - Candid
NAICA has earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency

with @CandidDotOrg! All potential donors & supporters can see our goals, metrics, and achievements.
We rely on our profile to gather support; it enables funders and donors to find us and learn about our impact. We’ll keep our profile up to date so you can see what your donations help us accomplish. Get updates on our impact through our #NonprofitProfile

NAICA Leader in Housing Placement
DHS Recognizes NAICA as a Consistent Leader in Housing Placement

Our Transitional Housing Programs (THP) have earned recognition from the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) for maintaining exceptional housing placement results, reflecting our commitment to helping clients transition successfully from temporary shelter to permanent homes.

NAICA has earned the New York Bar Foundation Grant!
NAICA has earned the New York Bar Foundation Grant!

On behalf of the New York Bar Foundation and our Board of Directors, thank you for your dedication in providing legal services to those in need.

Forbes Nonprofit Council Member 2025
Forbes Nonprofit Council Member 2025

NAICA’s Chief Operating Officer serves on the Forbes Nonprofit Council, an invitation-only community of senior-level nonprofit executives. This membership provides our leadership with exclusive access to industry insights, best practices, and strategic connections that strengthen our ability to serve New York’s communities.