Press Release: Atenedoro Gonzalez, Esq. to Bring Tenant Rights Expertise to HELP USA Board

Dominican Bar Association Board member and former General Counsel and Policy Director for NYC Council’s 15th Council District will add informed perspective as the nonprofit housing agency plans expansion of services and sites.

Atenedoro Headshot 2023

NEW YORK, NY– (May 2, 2023) HELP USA, the renowned national homeless services provider and low-income housing developer, today announced the appointment of Atenedoro (AT) Gonzalez, Esq. to its board of directors. Elected at the March board meeting, Gonzalez will serve on HELP USA’s Transitional Housing and Governance Committees, working closely with fellow Trustees and senior leadership to ensure the highest standards of tenant/landlord interactions at HELP facilities and expanding relationships with City agencies and elected officials. 

Anthony Williams, Esq., HELP USA Chairman of the Board, stated, “Atenedoro’s understanding of the challenges facing low-income residents of New York City, as well as his legal expertise, will provide a unique, informed perspective as we work with Mayor Adams’ administration to answer the call for more housing and more services for New Yorkers.” 

A South Bronx native, Gonzalez began advocating for his community as a housing attorney with the Tenants’ Rights Coalition at Bronx Legal Services. From 2021 – 2022, Gonzalez served as the General Counsel and Policy Director for the New York City Council 15th District, which represents the Bronx neighborhoods of Fordham Road, Belmont, and Tremont, where HELP USA’s highly successful homeless prevention program Homebase is headquartered. Currently, he serves as General Counsel to the Children’s Arts & Science Workshops Inc., an education-based nonprofit that provides services to youth in predominantly underprivileged communities of color.  

“Joining the Board of HELP USA when homelessness has reached new heights and affordable housing within our boroughs is scarce, will allow me to contribute to change at scale,” said Gonzalez. “I have long admired this organization’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations and its dedication to client rights. I am ready to do all I can to support HELP USA’s mission.”  

With the election of Gonzalez, HELP USA further strengthens its Board of Directors, which already includes industry leaders, advocates, and experts in the housing industry.  

“AT has a deep knowledge of the critical issues facing those in need of affordable housing,” said Arthur Mirante, HELP USA Trustee and Chair of its Governance Committee. “The Board unanimously agreed that his commitment to social justice and expertise in rental law will be invaluable as we enter a period of rapid expansion, adding 300+ new, affordable and supportive apartments to our portfolio this summer alone.”  

Mr. Gonzalez received a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, History, and Literature from John Jay College and his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law. 

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About HELP USA 

HELP USA works to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. We build affordable homes, provide shelter for people in crisis, and strengthen vulnerable communities. Every day, we address the root causes of homelessness at our 44 residences and over a dozen prevention and support programs. For more information, visit www.helpusa.org

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