City Councilwoman Sandra Ung, State Senator John Liu, State Assemblyman Ron Kim partner with AAFE for this important community event

In response to rising economic pressures bearing down on local families, businesses and older adults Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) is bringing a first-of-its kind Financial Access Resource Fair to Flushing November 1. Held at AAFE’s One Flushing Community Center, the free event will provide immediate assistance to residents and small business owners struggling to pay rent, cover health care costs, put food on the table for their families and sustain small businesses. 

This Financial Access Resource Fair is a collaboration with AAFE’s small business affiliate, Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, and AAFE Community Development Fund, which offers support to first-time homebuyers. The fair is co-sponsored by Flushing’s local elected officials, City Councilwoman Sandra Ung, State Senator John Liu and State Assemblyman Ron Kim. 

For many months, rising prices, dwindling job opportunities, reduced funding for essential social services and, more recently, the federal government shut down, have made it harder for the low- and middle-income households AAFE serves to provide for their families. At the Financial Resources Access Fair, AAFE Community Services will offer assistance in applying for Medicaid and Medicare, help with medical billing issues, affordable housing applications and rental assistance programs. For homeowners and aspiring homeowners, there will be information and resources for financial literacy, access to mortgage assistance and home repair loans. From Renaissance, small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs will learn about low-interest loans to start or expand a business, free resources and credit building. 

“This is the first event of its kind solely focused on the financial well-being of our community,” said Jessie Lee, managing director of Renaissance and AAFE Community Development Fund. “We know a lot of people in Flushing are facing big challenges financially. Many of them come through our doors and receive assistance, but we wanted to make sure the whole community knows about everything we can do to help. Whether you’re a small business operator, a homeowner or a community member struggling to pay your household bills, our resource fair will give you the tools you need to provide for your family.” 

“Many of the low-income families and older adults we serve in Flushing are hurting right now, and anxious about potentially losing essential government benefits,” said Emily Rios, managing director of AAFE Community Services. “There’s growing concern in the community about the government shut down and the looming suspension of SNAP food benefits at the beginning of November. AAFE and our affiliates have a unique ability to address each household’s financial needs comprehensively. This free event will help preserve access to affordable health care, housing assistance and resources to aid families struggling to put food on the table.” 

AAFE’s Financial Access Resource Fair will take place Saturday, November 1 from noon to 3 p.m. at One Flushing, 133-29 41st Avenue. The event is free and open to anyone in need. Walk-ins welcome – no appointment necessary. And there will be lots of giveaways while supplies last!

Event supporters include the Asian American Bar Association of New York, Cathay Bank, Flushing Bank, Korean Community Services, LaGuardia Community College, Santander and Wells Fargo. 

Please see event flyers I’m multiple languages here.

About AAFE 

Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) advances racial, social and economic justice for all, regardless of background, through affordable housing development and management, an array of community services, small business lending and grassroots advocacy. AAFE has been an anchor in the Flushing community for more than 30 years, providing access to government entitlement programs, affordable health care, senior and youth programs and multilingual immigration services. AAFE co-developed One Flushing, the largest 100% affordable housing project in the Flushing community in decades. AAFE’s affiliate, Renaissance Economic Development Corporation, has dispersed millions of dollars in low-interest loans and grants to low-income and immigrant small businesses. For more information, please visit www.aafe.org.