After nearly 30 years of service, the University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP) celebrated a new milestone with the opening of the Northwest Bronx Resource Center on Thursday morning.

The Center is a joint effort with six established non-profits (led by UNHP) to provide Bronxites with free tax preparation, financial coaching, foreclosure prevention assistance and small business help all at one Bronx location, the Refuge House at 2715 Bainbridge Ave., near East 196th Street.

“Community work is a team effort,” said Jim Buckley, UNHP’s executive director.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, locals who have previously used UNHP’s free tax prep and other services praised the programs.

“There are no words to express what the Center has done in terms of helping empowering myself and educating myself,” said Aneudy Encarnicion. “This is another success for our community. On behalf of the community, thank you for having our backs.”

Editor’s note: UNHP is hosting their next free Neighborhood Resource Fair on Wednesday, July 25 at 6 p.m. around the corner from the Center at Our Lady of Refuge Parish Center, 290 East 196th St. between Bainbridge and Briggs Avenues. Free direct services from UNHP are available at the Center by appointment only. Call (718) 933-2539 or visit www.unhp.org for more information.