Building foundations for affordable homeownership
Our Mission:
The Urban Builders Coalition (UBC) is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support organizations and individuals focused on improving housing conditions and neighborhoods in the greater New York City area. We work to raise public awareness, and support affordable housing, community beautification, and urban sustainability. We firmly believe everyone deserves a home, and a sense of pride in their community.
Our Founders
Julian Silverstein
Growing up in New York City, Julian Silverstein was keenly aware of the housing crisis and its impact on quality of life. At age 16, eager to become a catalyst for change, Julian decided to merge his philanthropic spirit with his network of peers to grow his mission, and formed the Urban Builders Coalition. By creating partnerships through outreach with local and regional organizations, Julian and the UBC team strive to make a difference for their generation and those that follow. He brings a diversity of strengths, resources, and micro-solutions to the overwhelming challenge of housing insecurity.
Julian’s hope is that everyone has access to affordable housing in a neighborhood they’re proud to call home.
Reese Teramo
Reese Teramo, 16, joined UBC with a heartfelt mission to support affordable housing missions and beautify neighborhoods in and around New York City. Driven by a deep commitment to social equity and urban revitalization, she sees the potential for lasting impact through community-focused projects. Combining her interests in architecture, preservation, and housing justice, she works alongside Julian, their peers, and community members to promote access and services for the unhoused, contribute to disaster relief efforts, and enhance urban spaces through fundraising and hands-on building projects.
Reese believes in the power of our built environment to further economic mobility, urban culture, and collective well being.
Ryan Croman
Driven by both compassion and ambition, Ryan Croman joined the Urban Builders Coalition to unite young people around practical, lasting solutions to the housing crisis in New York City. Through partnerships with regional nonprofits and grassroots organizations,
Ryan and his team focus on repairing homes, supporting policy initiatives, and empowering youth volunteers to strengthen their neighborhoods. His vision is a city where every resident has access to affordable housing and feels a shared responsibility for its future.
Community Development
At UBC, we are dedicated to driving positive change in our community. Our leadership team and volunteers are committed to tackling the housing crisis from multiple angles through creative initiatives and partnerships: educating ourselves and the public about housing legislation and the vast need in our city; dedicating time and muscle to hands-on projects at building sites, and developing our pipeline of youth volunteers to help improve housing conditions and neighborhoods in the greater New York area. We believe in the power of these incremental steps to further sustainable progress.
Neighborhood Revitalization
Our focus on neighborhood revitalization and beautification aims to enhance thriving, inclusive communities that reflect the city’s diversity and vibrant culture. We work closely with grassroots organizations and individuals to elevate neighborhoods and enhance quality of life for residents by planting gardens, repainting facades, repairing infrastructure, watering trees, cleaning up public lots, and picking up trash.
Get Involved
We encourage youth, community members, and donors to join our initiative as we work to ease the effects of the housing crisis in the greater New York City area. Local students can sign up below to become part of a micro-solution. We'll keep you informed about upcoming builds and events. Projects may include assisting in home construction, revitalizing community spaces, street cleanups, gardening, collecting or distributing essentials to unhoused New Yorkers, fundraising, and awareness-raising campaigns. Your participation enables the Urban Builders Coalition to make a positive impact on our city.
Organizations we work with
