Who We Are
Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization recently created as the result of a merger between two well-established not-for-profits based in the City of Schenectady, Better Neighborhoods Inc. and the Community Land Trust of Schenectady. BCNI has a critical role in Schenectady’s citywide and comprehensive smart growth plan as the lead organization focused on neighborhood renewal, capital development and related services including housing counseling and financial literacy. BCNI originated in response to expanding opportunities arising from the rapid economic resurgence of the downtown Schenectady’s central business district. In 2017, community leaders from existing development organizations, government, and philanthropy convened to design strategies to bolster and leverage the existing strengths of neighborhood based development efforts. A merger was carefully planned and executed resulting in the formation of a single stronger, strategically positioned organization serving the entire City of Schenectady, a rejuvenated Board of Directors, and financial commitments from local foundations.
Our Mission
“To build and support resilient neighborhoods where residents of all backgrounds can flourish.”
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It`s front page news! Thanks to @govkathyhochul and @nyshcr for recognizing the need for more housing assistance in #Schenectady.
Great partnerships lead to even greater impact. Together with our partners at the Capital Region Land Bank and the City of Schenectady, these funds will drive meaningful change in the neighborhoods and provide even more safe, decent and affordable housing options for our residents.
#BCNI ... at the intersection of change!
Read about it in the newspaper... 📰
https://www.dailygazette.com/news/schenectady-vacant-apartments/article_43da59b8-a859-11ef-bc43-d741bf56b87b.html
Thanks to our friends at @mlbconstructionllc for sponsoring BCNI in this year`s @albanybusinessreview 2024 Giving Guide! Click the link below to learn more about the important work BCNI is doing and how you can support our efforts!
https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/listings/12/item/17021
Today, we honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. We pay tribute to the bravery of first responders, the strength of survivors, and the resilience of families impacted by this tragedy. Let us stand together in unity, keeping alive the spirit of compassion, hope, and service that emerged in the face of darkness.
We will never forget. ❤️🤍💙
🏠✨ Ready to own your first home? BCNI’s Homebuyer Assistance Program is here to help! ✨🏠
Our Home Buyer Assistance Grant is designed to support low-income individuals in the City of Schenectady and Montgomery County with their homeownership dreams. If you qualify, you could receive financial assistance for down payment and closing costs, along with support for necessary rehabilitation work.
What’s Covered:
🔹 Down payment and closing costs
🔹 Rehabilitation work (must be completed within 6 months)
🔹 Pre-purchase assistance from a BCNI Housing Counselor
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make homeownership a reality. Contact our Housing Counseling Team to learn more and start your journey today!
🌍✨ Happy International Day of Charity! ✨🌍
At Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI), we believe in the power of giving back and making a difference in our community. Today, we celebrate the spirit of charity and the impact of collective efforts in fostering positive change.
Whether through volunteering, donations, or acts of kindness, every contribution helps build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. Thank you to all who support our mission and work alongside us to create a better future for everyone.
Let’s continue to uplift one another and spread kindness far and wide. Together, we can make a difference!
💪 Happy Labor Day from Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI)! 💪
Today, we honor the hard work, dedication, and contributions of all workers who help build and sustain our communities. Your efforts are the backbone of our neighborhoods, and together, we’re creating a brighter future for everyone.
Whether you’re taking a well-deserved break or continuing to push forward, know that your work matters and is deeply appreciated. Let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of our workforce today and every day.
At BCNI, we`re more than just a housing counseling agency – we`re your partners in building vibrant communities and empowering individuals to achieve their dreams. Here`s a glimpse of what we offer:
🔍 Housing Counseling: Our HUD-approved housing counseling services provide free and confidential assistance to individuals and families, covering a wide range of topics such as pre-purchase counseling, budgeting, foreclosure prevention, and more.
💰 Financial Literacy: We offer financial literacy programs and resources to help individuals improve their financial knowledge and skills, empowering them to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.
🏠 Homebuyer Assistance: Through our Homebuyer Assistance Program, we provide down payment assistance grants to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership within Schenectady County and Montgomery County.
🌟 Grant Administration: As a Grant Administrator for the State of New York, we oversee various grant programs that provide funding for emergency repairs, code violations, accessibility needs, and more, helping homeowners maintain safe and healthy living environments.
💼 Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community through outreach events, workshops, and partnerships, fostering collaboration and collective action to address local challenges and promote neighborhood renewal.
Ready to learn more about how BCNI can help you? Contact us today to explore our programs and services! 🌟
🏡✨ Ready to turn your dream of homeownership into a reality? BCNI is here to help with our Down Payment Assistance Program! ✨🏡
If you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to purchase in the City of Schenectady or Montgomery County, we offer down payment assistance and funding for rehabilitation work. Our program is designed to support low-income individuals and families in achieving their homeownership goals.
🔹 Assistance with down payment and closing costs
🔹 Support for home rehabilitation
🔹 Guidance from our Housing Counseling Team
Let BCNI help you take the first step towards owning your own home. Contact us today to learn more about our Down Payment Assistance Program and see if you qualify! 📞 518-372-7616
