CAMBA, Inc.

CAMBA is a community-based nonprofit that provides holistic social services to New York City’s most vulnerable residents. We offer a comprehensive approach to address the multidimensional nature of poverty, laying the groundwork for educational opportunities, economic stability, a safe and permanent home, and a better life.

Founded in 1977, CAMBA – then known as the Church Avenue Merchants Block Association – was a small non-profit with the limited charge of improving the retail corridor on Church Avenue in Flatbush. By 1982, there was an influx of immigrants and refugees that greatly diversified the

local population and economic landscape. CAMBA quickly adapted to the changes in the community, bringing together local merchants, recent immigrants, and long-time residents to assess concerns and develop creative solutions – from English classes to job-readiness training.

Today, CAMBA operates in all five boroughs and serves over 80,000 individuals and families a year. With a diverse and dedicated staff of nearly 1,800 employees, we have over 180 programs in an integrated set of six service areas: Economic Development, Education and Youth Development, Family Support, Health, Housing, and Legal Services. This equips us to respond to the full range of our clients’ needs, helping them overcome complex adversities — from homelessness to domestic violence to chronic illness — and connecting them to opportunities that enhance their quality of life. We give those recovering from substance use disorders a second chance, find permanent homes for special need households, and reengage youth who have left school without a diploma. We work to inspire resilience and self-sufficiency through job training, financial counseling, and educational programs for all ages. It is through this comprehensive approach that we strengthen New York City communities. In the past year alone, CAMBA:

· served 4,925 households at high-risk or very-high-risk for becoming homeless – completed 866 housing subsidy application packages and completed 549 Good Cause transfers;

· provided case management services to 3,096 tenants living in supportive housing;

· helped 4,109 youth with combined academic and career support, enabling 1,532 of them to collectively earn nearly $2.9 million through internships, career shadowing opportunities, and full and part-time jobs;

· supported 556 low-income students to graduate high school, with 69% of them entering post-secondary education, gaining employment, or joining the military;

· connected 594 unemployed or underemployed individuals to full-time jobs;

· provided mobile technology training to 14 business owners, 6 of whom achieved improved operations and 8 of whom saw increased sales;

· provided free legal services to 14,273 people, including individuals facing eviction or foreclosure, immigrants, victims of consumer fraud, and survivors of domestic violence;

· distributed nutritious foods to an average of 15,784 individuals every month;

· delivered culturally relevant diabetes prevention services to 53 individuals; and

· provided gun violence prevention services to 145 participating youth, 76 of whom received intensive job-readiness training.

Who We Are

CAMBA focuses on finding the best practices that lead to the best outcomes and impact. From CAMBA's earliest days in Central Brooklyn to our agency's current roster of 160 programs in five boroughs, we have worked to keep communities strong so that all New Yorkers thrive.