A Home for the Holidays: Nataly’s New Beginning

Watch our Video on Nataly's Journey

Watch Bob’s Thanksgiving Message

This Thanksgiving, Nataly Angulo has more than a turkey to prepare — she’s celebrating something she once thought was unattainable: a place to call home. After experiencing homelessness for the past two years, including a challenging period living at Roberto Clemente Park, Nataly has moved into one of NJCDC’s brand-new Wayne Street Apartments, an affordable multi-family residence in the heart of Paterson’s Great Falls Neighborhood.

For Nataly, her new apartment represents much more than four walls and a roof. It’s a fresh start, a safe haven, and a foundation where she can create new traditions and lasting memories. To ensure her transition was seamless, NJCDC staff worked tirelessly to furnish her apartment with care and love, transforming the space into a warm, welcoming sanctuary — just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Building Brighter Futures Through Housing and Support

The Wayne Street Apartments, along with another new multi-family development, were built on vacant lots that NJCDC acquired in the Great Falls Neighborhood. These projects embody NJCDC’s mission to breathe new life into underutilized spaces while addressing Paterson’s pressing need for affordable housing. Supported by funding from the City of Paterson’s HOME program, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY), and New Jersey’s Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program, these developments are already making a profound impact on residents like Nataly.

NJCDC’s multi-family residences are more than just housing; they represent a bold vision to strengthen Paterson’s neighborhoods by providing individuals and families with stability, dignity, and hope. By transforming vacant lots into thriving homes, NJCDC demonstrates that affordable housing can serve as a catalyst for positive change.

The Impact of a Place to Belong

Nataly’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative role affordable housing plays in rebuilding lives. Her new apartment isn’t just a physical structure — it’s a cornerstone for her fresh start. This Thanksgiving, Nataly reflects on her journey and the community effort that turned her dream of stability into reality.

Reflecting on Nataly’s story, NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci shared, “Providing affordable housing isn’t just about constructing buildings; it’s about building futures. Nataly’s journey is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions to create stability and hope. This Thanksgiving, her story reminds us why we do this work — to ensure everyone has a place to call home and a chance to thrive.”

This Thanksgiving, Nataly’s new home stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together to ensure that everyone has a place to belong. As we embrace this season of gratitude, her story inspires us all to continue building brighter futures — one home at a time.