Make the Road New York Community Center

NYCR-CDE provided $8 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing to help fund the construction of a dynamic new community center in Queens.

The capital was used for the construction of Make the Road New York’s new 24,000 square foot community center. Years in the making, the facility in the Corona section of Queens provides a permanent space for immigrant New Yorkers, providing vital resources and community support. The facility includes classrooms, a library, conference rooms, childcare space, office space as well as a commercial kitchen and food pantry that serves approximately 50,000 individuals per year. The center also features outdoor space, murals, and artwork, making it a cultural hub in addition to a place of advocacy and support. The community center, designed by Andrea Steele Architecture, aims to reflect the resilience and diversity of the community. With features like private consultation spaces for health and legal services and a 300-capacity auditorium, the center offers a vibrant environment for educational and leadership programs.

Make the Road New York (MRNY) is the largest grassroots immigrant-led organization in New York state. With over 23,000 members, MRNY works on issues of workers' rights, immigrant and civil rights, as well as environmental, housing, and education justice. MRNY is often a second home to tens of thousands of immigrant and working-class people of color. From nightly meals and community meetings to round-the-clock English classes and youth programs, MRNY’s programs are designed to support families over years and even decades, first tackling crises – like an impending eviction or debilitating hospital bill – and then supporting community members to get on their feet. The result is a resilient and tight-knit community that nurtures the self-sufficiency and leadership of each member.

“This space is so important. A place that is welcoming for immigrants, providing everything from legal services to community support, this center is truly incredible. I’m proud to support Make the Road, and it’s a testament to how thoughtful and vibrant this organization is in creating a space for us to come together.”

– New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan