Who Are We?
The Parodneck Foundation has been a cornerstone of community development in New York City since its inception. Dedicated to fostering affordable housing, economic opportunity, and social equity, the Foundation has partnered with individuals, families, and grassroots organizations to build a more inclusive and sustainable city. From assisting low- and moderate-income homeowners to supporting senior citizens through innovative programs, our mission is to empower communities and ensure that everyone has a place to call home. Guided by values of equity, collaboration, and integrity, we work tirelessly to address the unique challenges facing New York’s diverse neighborhoods.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Through initiatives such as affordable housing preservation, financial counseling, and access to resources for aging in place, we provide tools and support that enable New Yorkers to thrive. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the city’s ever-changing landscape, the Parodneck Foundation continues to lead the charge in creating lasting, positive change. Together, we envision a New York where opportunity, security, and dignity are within reach for all.
Affordable Home Repair Assistance
Helping low- to moderate-income homeowners maintain safe and sustainable living conditions.
Empowering Communities Through Advocacy
Supporting neighborhood stability and housing preservation with personalized guidance and resources.
Tailored Financial Support
Offering grants and loans to assist with critical home repairs and housing needs.
Promoting Aging in Place
Providing resources and services to help seniors remain comfortably and safely in their homes.
Our History
Who is Meyer Parodneck?
Meyer Parodneck, born in Poland and raised on New York City’s Lower East Side, experienced the harsh realities of poverty and inadequate housing firsthand. Despite initially considering a career in engineering, he pursued law and became a successful entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of small businesses. During the Great Depression, he was struck by the widespread injustice of homeowners losing their homes to foreclosure. Inspired by his visit to Europe, where he observed the potential of cooperatives to counteract monopolies and trusts, Meyer joined the Consumer-Federation of America and became a staunch advocate for consumer rights.
His work culminated in the founding of the Consumer-Farmer Milk Cooperative in 1937, which directly connected upstate milk producers with downstate consumers, ensuring affordable milk for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.
As milk prices stabilized in the late 1960s, the cooperative transitioned into the Consumer-Farmer Foundation, which later became The Parodneck Foundation for Self-Help Housing and Community Development. The foundation focused on addressing the housing challenges of low-income New Yorkers by providing grants, advice, and low-interest loans to grassroots groups combating neighborhood abandonment. Meyer’s dedication to self-help, mutual aid, and community cooperation defined his life and legacy. Though he passed away in 1994, his early experiences with poverty shaped a lifelong mission to empower underserved communities.
Today, the Parodneck Foundation continues his work, championing equitable housing and sustainable community development in his name.
Our Staff
Thomasina White
Executive Director
Thomasina White is a dedicated professional with an impressive track record in the not-for-profit sector, showcasing over years of steadfast commitment to making a positive impact on communities. With a wealth of experience spanning more than 30 years in the non-profit sector, Thomasina has been a cornerstone of the Foundation since 1998.
As an individual deeply committed to the Foundation’s values, showcasing her leadership acumen and ability to guide the organization through transitions. Her extensive experience, coupled with a genuine passion for community service, positions Thomasina White as a driving force behind the Foundation’s continued success in making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves.
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twhite@parodneckfoundation.org
Harold DeRienzo
General Counsel and Director of Compliance
Harold DeRienzo led the Parodneck Foundation from 1982 to 2006 as President. Prior to joining the Foundation, Mr. DeRienzo was the founding executive director of the nationally recognized Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, Inc. Mr. DeRienzo holds a JD from the New York Law School, and a B.S. in Economics from Manhattan College. He has authored numerous articles on housing and social justice issues for New York Affairs, City Limits the National Civic Review, and other publications.
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hderienzo@parodneckfoundation.org
Victor Hosten
Victor Hosten worked at The Walt Disney Company for 20 years before arriving at The Parodneck Foundation in 2021. He began as part-time help assisting the Director of Finance in handling administrative clerical duties after the office reopened after the pandemic. Later that year, he was offered a full-time position in the fiscal department as a bookkeeper.
vhosten@parodneckfoundation.org
Tiffany Levy
Program Associate
Ms. Levy has worked for the Foundation since 2022.
Tiffany Levy began an internship with the Parodneck Foundation straight after High School. After attending college , Ms. Levy worked for other New York City Community-based Programs and gained experience as a Legal Secretary assigned to foreclosure cases, loss mitigations and other mortgages issues. Her compassion for helping others increased and in July 2022, she returned to the Foundation where she continues her work as a loan originator, processor and underwriter.
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tlevy@parodneckfoundation.org
Daizahnelle Bracey
Administrative Assistant
Daizahnelle Bracey began working for the Parodneck Foundation July 2023 as an Administrative Assistant. She has been active in the administrative field for 7 years. She started her Admin career at the Borough of Manhattan Community College which she attended during her time there. In June 2023, she graduated with an Associates Degree in Psychology. During her time there she worked as Admin Assistant to the Director of the CUNY Start program. Daizahnelle is passionate about helping her community grow and progress. She looks forward to continuing to use her skillset to help the foundation thrive, as well as continue her education.
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dmorales@catchnyc.org
Victor Hosten
Executive Director
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hderienzo@parodneckfoundation.org
Board Members
Irma Rodriguez
CHAIRPERSON, Executive Board
Harold DeRienzo
Treasurer, Executive Board
Dwayne Jones
Secretary
Tracey Wright
Board Member
Rick Roberto
Board Member, Executive, Board
William Hilton
Board Member
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