Suffolk Charity Recognized By Bank of America With $200K Grant

WYANDANCH, NY — A Wyandanch non-profit that provides shelter for the homeless recently received a $200,000 grant to continue its mission.

Bank of America named Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corp as 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders, a program designed to help organizations expand and improve their services.

The Safe Center, a Bethpage organization that supports survivors of domestic abuse, was also a grant recipient.

As part of this program, each organization receives a $200,000 grant plus comprehensive leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, a release said.

“Long Island’s nonprofits are vital to filling gaps in basic needs and advancing equity on Long Island,” said Marc Perez, President, Bank of America Long Island. “The Safe Center and Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corporation help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including those experiencing abuse, violence, and homelessness, with comprehensive support.”

Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corporation provides affordable rental housing in its 27 houses for homeless, low-income families in Suffolk County, as well as supportive services to help program participants establish economic self-sufficiency. They will use their grant funding to establish a pilot program that addresses barriers to employment for low-income Long Islanders such as career training, transportation, and access to childcare.

“Providing stable, affordable housing can be life-changing for our homeless neighbors, especially when combined with supportive services that help people along the path to self-sufficiency,” said Ayesha Alleyne, Executive Director, Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corporation. “As a Neighborhood Builder, we look forward to equipping more Long Islanders with tools for a lifetime of security.”

On Long Island, 36 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders to date, with the bank investing over $7 million into these local organizations through the program since 2005. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and organizations are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Neighborhood Builders, a release said.

Through 2021 and across the U.S., Bank of America has invested over $280 million in 50 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,400 nonprofits and helping more than 2,800 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills.

The Safe Center and Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corporation join a network of peer organizations across the U.S., and 34 others on Long Island. The program continues to be the nation’s largest investment into nonprofit leadership development, a release said.

“Long Island’s nonprofits are vital to filling gaps in basic needs and advancing equity on Long Island,” said Marc Perez, President, Bank of America Long Island.

To learn more about Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corporation, click here.

To learn more about The Safe Center, click here.

To learn more about Bank of America Neighborhood Builders, click here.