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

Elvira Barone
Chief Executive Officer

Shameeka M. Gonzalez-Gamboa
Chief Financial Officer

Richard Izquierdo Arroyo
Chief Operating Officer
Board of Directors

Barbara Gonzalez, LMSW
Chair

Rosemarie Torres
Vice Chair

Carmen Aquino
Treasurer

Linda Duke
Secretary

Jason Caraballo
Member

Yonette Davis, MD
Member

Rosemarie Rosa
Member

Ana Banegas
Member

Carlos Vega
Member

Cassandra Perry
Member
Executive Leadership

Angie Gonzalez, MS
Executive Director of Public Relations

Felix Cruz
Executive Director of Facilities and Project Management

Elvis Torres
Executive Director of Housing Services

Gary Lee
Executive Director of Information Technology

Mark Khim Baguio, CMA, MBA
Comptroller

Ricardo Torres
Executive Director of Transitional Housing Programs

Marlen Valarezo, Esq.
Executive Director of Legal Services
Senior Management

Alejandra Rivera
Regional Director of Transitional Housing Programs

Kalvin Bethel
Director of Facilities and Project Management

Mabel Calderon
Regional Director of Transitional Housing Programs

Melissa Garrido
Director of Housing Services

Precious Stephens
Director of Finance

Stephanie Peguero, Esq.
Director of Legal Services