Our Mission
At NOAHousing, we are committed to ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to housing opportunities—free from discrimination. Housing is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental human right. Everyone deserves a safe, inclusive, and welcoming home that aligns with their financial circumstances.
Our work is rooted in advocacy, protection, and empowerment. Just as we defend other essential human rights, we fight to safeguard housing access, ensuring that no individual is denied the stability and security of a place to call home.
What We Do
NOAHousing is dedicated to empowering individuals and families across New York City by offering complimentary housing services tailored to diverse needs. Whether you hold a housing voucher, are transitioning from a shelter, have a disability, or are a senior citizen, our mission is to guide and support you in securing safe and affordable housing.
Our reach extends beyond individual placements—we provide comprehensive housing education, advocacy, and landlord engagement to break barriers in the rental market and build a foundation for sustainable housing solutions.
Our Story: The Urgency of Housing Stability in NYC
Homelessness is a deeply rooted issue affecting thousands across New York City. As the largest metropolis in the U.S., NYC has long been a destination for immigrants seeking new opportunities, many of whom enter the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter system. The rising demand for affordable housing has placed overwhelming pressure on shelters, leaving countless families uncertain about their future.
NOAHousing has played an instrumental role in addressing this crisis by assisting both local homeless families and newly arriving immigrant populations. We work closely with DHS shelter nonprofit agencies, landlords, and housing specialists to ensure that clients with CityFHEPS housing vouchers have access to quality housing. Our team actively facilitates the completion of apartment packages on time for move-in dates, turning temporary shelter stays into long-term housing solutions.
Beyond direct placement assistance, NOAHousing provides critical information and free resources about shelter access through DHS’s emergency housing system. Every individual, from homeless families to single adults and pregnant women, deserves immediate access to safe shelter. We guide families through the DSS-DHS shelter intake process, including applications at the Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) center, ensuring they understand their rights and options.
At NOAHousing, we don’t just place individuals into housing—we restore dignity, promote financial stability, and create pathways for long-term success. Whether through education, advocacy, or direct assistance, our work drives lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.
About Me
Hi, I’m Josie A. Martinez, and my journey to founding NOAHousing Shelter2Home is both deeply personal and rooted in over 25 years of experience in the housing and mortgage industry. I have dedicated my career to navigating complex financial pipelines at institutions like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and honing expertise in underwriting, risk management, and compliance. Yet beyond the numbers and boardrooms, what has always driven me is a commitment to ensuring that every individual finds a safe, inclusive place to call home.
My mission was born out of a heartfelt moment—assisting a family friend who was sheltering with her two children. Even while I was transitioning from a long, meaningful career in corporate America to explore new horizons, I couldn’t ignore the glaring gap between accessible housing and those who needed it most. In just a few short months, I turned a CityFHEPS voucher into a secure, welcoming two-bedroom rental in The Bronx. This breakthrough ignited a determination that rapidly evolved into a community-wide calling, as shelter directors and clients began reaching out, and my support network expanded across all five boroughs.
I still remember a particular Sunday morning when my phone wouldn’t stop ringing with desperate calls for help. That day, I realized that my experience and skills could channel the energy and anguish of a community in crisis into tangible solutions. I began sharing invaluable resources—ranging from rental open house updates and voucher rights to credit repair tips and career development guidance. This grassroots outreach quickly cemented my reputation as someone who not only understands the intricate financial details behind housing but who also cares deeply about the human stories involved.
Witnessing firsthand the systemic obstacles faced by immigrants, families, and vulnerable New Yorkers in the shelter system, I knew there had to be a better way. I launched the NOAHousing Shelter2Home Program to champion this cause, combining my professional background with a heartfelt drive to dismantle barriers. Whether it’s guiding housing specialists through the often-frustrating CityFHEPS approval process or advocating for tenants who have been rejected by real estate agents unwilling to accept housing vouchers, I make it my mission to ensure that every client is empowered with the knowledge and resources they need to secure a stable future.
Even when personal challenges—like rigorous health setbacks and long nights of study and client work—attempted to slow me down, my resolve never wavered. Those moments of adversity only deepened my commitment, reminding me that every person in our community deserves dignity, respect, and a real chance at homeownership. Today, as a licensed real estate professional and an active advocate for equitable housing, I’m proud to say that my efforts have transformed countless lives and inspired partnerships among landlords, shelters, and housing agencies across New York City.
Inspired by the legacy of leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., whose belief in service over personal gain resonates deeply with me, “Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but for greatness, because greatness is determined by service,” I strive to foster positive change at both individual and community levels. I continue to push for a rental model that prioritizes tenant success. NOAHousing Shelter2Home is not just a program—it’s a movement born from years of professional insight, a heart full of compassion, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Together, we are building a future where safe, affordable, and equitable housing is not an aspiration but a living reality for every New Yorker.
There’s always more to explore—whether that’s innovative methods to improve tenant-landlord relationships, new strategies for community outreach, or evolving policies in housing rights. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and reimagining what home truly means.
By integrating my industry expertise, ethical values, and a service-oriented mindset, Neighborhood Outreach & Affordable Housing is uniquely positioned to drive significant and meaningful change for communities facing housing challenges. My journey—from managing multi-million-dollar portfolios to earning extensive credentials from federal agencies and training institutions—illustrates a steadfast commitment to combating homelessness and empowering underserved communities. The narrative of NOAHousing serves as an inspiration for the community at large, illustrating the potential impact of aligning passion, expertise, and service for a greater cause.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to partnering with you as we build a future of safe, affordable, and dignified living for everyone.
The mission of Neighborhood Outreach & Affordable Housing is to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities, free from discrimination. We believe that housing is a fundamental right, and everyone deserves to live in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment that aligns with their financial means. We are committed to defending housing rights as we would any other human rights.
