Chhaya CDC (community development corporation) is an organization whose goal is the maintenance of stable communities among New Yorkers of South Asian descent. In pursuit of this objective they conducted a needs assessment study of this community.

The current economic downturn has significantly impacted this community. For example, despite the fact that forty seven percent of surveyed individuals possessed college educations, only eight percent worked in professional or technical jobs. The language barrier has played a major part in this particular disparity. Other economic difficulties result from housing. Most of the community lives in rented spaces and many have been exploited. Renting without lease and therefore with risk of displacement and illegal price gouging are just two problems in a much bigger issue. Homeowners haven’t fared much better due to the recent housing crisis and bureaucratic issues.

Chhaya also suggested many initiatives to help combat these problems including increasing the number of English language classes, allowing prior certification to apply here and allowing immigrants more access to public programs.