Better Neighborhoods, Inc. (BNI) strives to revitalize neighborhoods and improve housing opportunities for low and moderate income persons in the Central State Street, Hamilton Hill, Downtown, and Mont Pleasant neighborhoods of Schenectady.

BNI is a state-sanctioned NPC; a HUD-designated CHDO as well as HUD-certified housing counseling agency. We develop, construct, and manage residential property for sale and rent to clients of modest means.

In addition, BNI provide housing counseling for pre-purchase clients, foreclosure mitigation assistance and rental clients.

Community Land Trust of Schenectady, Inc., is a non-profit Corporation, was formed in 1991. We offer affordable housing opportunities to City of Schenectady residence. Our mission: "Community Land Trust of Schenectady’s mission is to foster healthy communities through the creation, stabilization, and preservation of quality long-term affordable housing. Our service area includes the Mont Pleasant, Bellevue, North Schenectady and Stockade neighborhoods in Schenectady which is specifically considered our Neighborhood.

As a Community Land Trust (CLT), the focus is on providing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families to become homeowners as well as support existing homeowners to keep and remain in their homes.

Our services include targeting homeowners and renters who need work that will focus on assisting people to remain in their homes.

Through the RESTORE program we address emergency home repair situations and work that eliminates hazardous conditions in homes owned by seniors who occupy and live in their homes. These repairs address such things as roofing leaks, structural deterioration, plumbing, electrical, and heating issues, and correct code violations that pose life, health or safety threats.

Access to Home Medicaid allows accessibility modifications for low-income residents in the City of Schenectady with disabilities. Target service populations include veterans and the frail elderly. Accessibility improvements are be tailored to meet individualized needs of the residents served.

Other Services;

CLTS also offers Housing Rehabilitation: Owner Occupied units, repairs that would bring the unit up to code and deal with health and safety issues. These grants a funded through the City of Schenectady and range between $20,000 and $60,000

Rental Management: CLTS owns and maintains 11 rental units. These apartments are rented to low income tenants at affordable rates.

Credit Counseling: To assist homeowners, renters and new home buyers with action plan development and creating budgets to stabilize housing needs.