Queens, NY – With predatory scams and foreclosure threats increasingly putting historic minority-owned property at risk, Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman and State Senator Leroy Comrie organized a massive, unified front to defend local homeowners. Held at the Eagle Academy for Young Men, the urgent Homeowner’s Workshop provided hundreds of local residents with direct, confidential legal interventions to block deed theft, navigate complex inheritance loops, and halt foreclosure.

Recognizing that the threat to Black and Brown generational wealth in Southeast Queens has reached a crisis point, the initiative drew an unprecedented wave of support across every level of government. The defensive coalition was co-sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, District Attorney Melinda Katz, Senator James Sanders Jr., Assemblymembers Clyde Vanel, Khaleel Anderson, and Larinda Hooks, City Council Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams, and Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers and Ty Hankerson.

"Protecting the generational wealth of Southeast Queens is one of my top priorities," said Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman. "By bringing this unprecedented coalition of housing and legal advocates directly to Eagle Academy, we are building a fortress around our community’s assets and ensuring our families have the frontline resources they need to secure their futures."

“Too many residents are navigating complex housing and property issues, including disputes over ownership, inheritance and unclear legal standing. These situations can quickly escalate, leaving families overwhelmed and at risk of displacement,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “At the same time, we know deed theft continues to be one of the most harmful threats facing homeowners, particularly seniors and long-time residents, stripping families of generational wealth and stability. In our communities, a home is more than property. It represents security, legacy, and opportunity for the next generation. When that is put at risk, the impact is felt across entire neighborhoods.”

“Partnerships like Preserving Your Legacy: Housing Empowerment Workshop affirm that Southeast Queens housing is a priority for all of us,” said Assemblymember Clyde Vanel. “This event provided critical information on foreclosure prevention, deed theft awareness, and resources available to help residents safeguard their homes for generational wealth. Together, we are ensuring that our communities are not only informed, but equipped to protect what they’ve worked so hard to build and pass down for generations to come.”

Throughout the evening, attendees had direct access to experts from top city and state agencies alongside community defenders who tabled the event. Participating organizations that provided these frontline resources included Chhaya Community Development Corporation, Hands Off New York, Neighborhood Housing Services of NYC (NHSNYC), NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), Queens Legal Services, Build Up Justice NYC, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the NYS Attorney General’s Office, and the NYS Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators.

“The homeowner preservation workshop was a wonderful opportunity to reach homeowners with information and resources that help to protect them,” said Amy Hammersmith, Senior Staff Attorney for the Queens Legal Services Homeowner and Consumer Rights Project. “Communities of color have long been a target of predators who want to steal their intergenerational wealth, and education is one of the best ways to fight against that theft and preserve hard-earned assets for the next generation.”

“The best time to prepare for estate planning and foreclosure prevention is before you need it,” added Nadine Morency-Mohs of Jaymore Realty, LLC. “Proactive decisions today create protection and peace of mind for tomorrow.”

The Office of Assemblywoman Hyndman extends a massive thank you to all the partners, advocates, and neighbors who showed up to support the district. The office remains fiercely committed to providing District 29 with the hands-on support required to keep Southeast Queens a thriving, affordable, and accessible place to call home.