LATEST FROM ASCENDANT

Hello and Greetings from East Harlem!

We’re bursting with excitement to share some incredible news:

Our Las Raices project has officially closed!

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This means construction will soon be underway on 78 new, 100% affordable homes in East Harlem, plus over 10,000 square feet of community space.

This Thanksgiving, we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to create lasting change in our community. Las Raices represents more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the deep roots we have planted in East Harlem over the last 36 years.

This victory is truly a shared one.  Year after year, the unwavering support of Ascendant’s community has been the driving force behind bringing Las Raices to life.

This is a momentous occasion that has been years in the making – in fact, the initial request for proposals (RFP) for this project dates all the way back to 2014!  Since then, we’ve poured our hearts and souls into realizing this vision of a more vibrant and inclusive East Harlem.  Countless hours of planning, navigating complex regulations and approvals, and overcoming unexpected obstacles – including a global pandemic and city agency delays – have finally brought us to this incredible milestone.  We persevered, never losing sight of our goal, and now we’re thrilled to be breaking ground!

Here’s a quick overview of what makes Las Raices so special:

• A range of affordable homes: We’re creating studio, one-, two-, and even three-bedroom apartments, all affordable to households at a range of incomes, ensuring a diverse and thriving community.
• Sustainable and resilient: Our buildings meet the highest standards for energy efficiency and are designed to withstand the challenges of climate change, including flood-proofing measures.
• Community-focused: We’ve worked closely with local residents and stakeholders every step of the way, including collaborating with community gardeners to enhance the green spaces adjacent to two of the Las Raices sites. We’re also committed to maximizing local hiring and supporting minority- and women-owned businesses during construction.

Your support fuels our mission.

Every element of the Las Raices project – the hours of community outreach, the complex process of securing approvals and financing, the construction of four buildings providing 78 affordable, safe, beautiful homes – is made possible by the generosity of individuals like you.

As we approach Giving Tuesday, we invite you to invest in Ascendant Neighborhood Development – a small, passionate team of housing advocates, community organizers, and tireless workers who are dedicated to building a more equitable and vibrant East Harlem.

Here’s how your gift can help us continue this vital work:

• $— helps us provide essential resources and support to families transitioning into affordable housing.
• $—- allows us to advocate for policies that protect tenants and expand affordable housing opportunities.
• $—– helps us engage with residents, organize community events, and build partnerships that strengthen our neighborhoods.

With sincere gratitude,

Chris and Matthias

P.S. Stay tuned for updates on the Las Raices construction progress! We can’t wait to share more exciting news with you soon.