Exclusive look at NYC efforts to help struggling homeowners

ST. ALBANS, QUEENS (PIX11) -- New York City workers are helping homeowners who are struggling to make ends meet, and PIX11 got an exclusive inside look.

Chris Wagner, an outreach manager for Mayor Eric Adams' Public Engagement Unit (PEU), led one of several teams scouring the St. Albans neighborhood on Tuesday. They went door-to-door offering resources to homeowners, including tax exemptions and assistance with paying heating and cooling bills.

"We will start the process right then and there," Wagner told PIX11. "Pull up the iPad and help them fill out the applications."

The homeowners getting this help are generally fixed-income seniors of color or people with disabilities. They have seen their property taxes balloon, along with everything else that has gotten more expensive due to inflation.

Eventually, Wagner ran into Ronald White, who was out walking his dog Sir Redford.

"That's great, because I actually have to pay my taxes first of April," White said, adding that he believes he may qualify for some of the help Wagner offered.

"It is great to see people out here in Queens in St. Albans," White said.

"Our staff is out in the community every day," said Adrienne Lever, the executive director of the Public Engagement Unit. "We make phone calls, we send text messages, we knock on doors. We try to reach New Yorkers where they are."

Part of the outreach effort also includes identifying vacant rental units and matching a struggling homeowner who may have a small apartment with a family holding a New York City housing voucher.

"This helps you have that stable income coming in, so you can stay in your home, and you're helping a NewYorker in need and helping yourself," said Zyneisha Green, who helps spread the word about vouchers for the PEU.

The homeowner tax exemption program for seniors has a deadline of Friday, March 15. For more information, click here.

For more information about New York City programs for homeowners, click here. Residents can also call a hotline for one-on-one help: 929-252-7242.