Atenedoro Gonzalez to Bring Tenant Rights Expertise to HELP USA

Dominican Bar Association Board member and former General Counsel for NYC Council’s 15^th District will add informed perspective during expansion of services and sites.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HELP USA announced the appointment of Atenedoro (AT) Gonzalez, Esq. to its board of directors. Gonzalez will serve on the Transitional Housing and Governance Committees to lend guidance 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, 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 services for New Yorkers.”

A South Bronx native, Gonzalez began advocating for his community as an attorney with the Tenants’ Rights Coalition at Bronx Legal Services. From 2021 – 2022, Gonzalez served as General Counsel and Policy Director for NYC Council 15th District, representing 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.

"Joining this board 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 the 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. "His commitment to social justice and expertise in rental law will be invaluable as we enter a period of rapid expansion, adding 300+ affordable and supportive apartments to our portfolio this summer alone.”

Gonzalez received a BA in Philosophy, History, and Literature from John Jay College and his J.D. from St. John's University School of Law.

About HELP USA
HELP USA works to ensure everyone has a place to call home by building affordable homes, providing shelter for people in crisis, and strengthening vulnerable communities. For more information, visit www.helpusa.org.