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| | Dear Neighbors,
We’re thrilled to announce that LA Más has officially closed escrow on our second property—a five-unit building in Lincoln Heights!
This comes just six months after our first acquisition at Arvia and marks another big step in our mission to keep housing in community hands.
Here’s what this means for Northeast LA: Five more units off the speculative market Eleven longtime residents staying in their homes Two new families moving in this summer
Every property we acquire is another chance to protect stability, keep neighbors rooted, and show what’s possible when community leads. |
| Staying put, on their terms |
| “I was so overwhelmed when I learned my home was on the market. I wish I could buy it myself, but the market is so expensive. Now I know I have stability with LA Más as owners.” — Rachel Contreras-Cuestas, lifelong Lincoln Heights resident
When Tommy Cuestas saw his Lincoln Heights building go up for sale, he was worried. After reading about LA Más in the LA Times, he reached out. He and his wife Rachel—a retired LAUSD librarian—have lived there for over 20 years, raising three children and building a life in the neighborhood.
Thanks to this acquisition, Tommy, Rachel, and their neighbors—all long-term, working-class residents—can stay in place. And two new families will soon join the community. |
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| | “LA Más’ deep roots in NELA made this an easy yes. Together, we’re showing how development and community can work hand in hand.” — Tim Quinn, Sr. Project Manager, Self-Help Ventures Fund
This $1.2 million project came together with the help of partners deeply committed to housing justice: We’re grateful to these partners for investing in a future where housing stays in community hands.
We also want to thank our realtor Sammy Lyon, fundraiser advisor Charlotte Milner-Barry, and our board’s Community Housing Committee for all their support! |
| Every contribution mattered |
| “Over the past decade, we’ve watched LA Más grow into a leader in community-rooted housing. Supporting this acquisition with our first Program Related Investment felt like a natural next step and a powerful way to deepen our partnership.” — Alyson Sattler, Executive Director, WHH Foundation
The WHH Foundation’s $200,000 Program Related Investment (PRI) wasn’t just a crucial part of the deal—it was a milestone. This was WHH’s first-ever PRI loan and LA Más’ first time receiving one.
WHH has stood with LA Más for over a decade: helping launch our affordable housing work, backing our transformation into a Northeast LA-focused community organization, and showing up through key transitions.
We’re proud that WHH chose LA Más for its first PRI—a testament to years of partnership and shared commitment to keeping housing in community hands. |
| SOURCES: $1,196,000 Self Help Ventures Fund equity: $910,400 LA Más equity (WHH PRI): $200,000 LISC LA grant: $40,000 Seller credit: $45,600 |
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| USES: $1,196,000 Property acquisition: $931,000 Due diligence and closing: $15,000 Operating reserves: $50,000 Rehab contingency fund: $200,000 |
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| Members of LA Más’ Community Governance Committee at recent Arvia Convivio |
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| This isn’t just real estate, it’s community-led action. Our 17-member Community Governance Committee, made up of Northeast LA residents, guided the process to ensure stability for current tenants and prioritize future residents with deep local ties. And because this project isn’t reliant on public funding, we can direct the two vacant units to families at risk of displacement. |
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| | We’re rolling up our sleeves for repairs: roof and foundation work; addressing leaks, mold, termites; and making the staircase safe. |
| | Join the movement, attend our next Community Housing Meeting on Tuesday, May 27 from 5:30-7:30pm. RSVP with melissa@mas.la
👉🏽 Learn about our Community Housing efforts and events!
💌 Connect with Helen Leung for information about this acquisition at helen@mas.la. |
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| Help us keep families ROOTED in NELA |
| In partnership with Self-Help Ventures Fund, we’re working towards raising another $12 million this year to acquire more properties and keep families in Northeast LA—one building, one block, one relationship at a time.
🗣️ Help spread the word Forward this email or share on social media! Together, we’re proving that housing justice is possible—and it starts right here in Northeast LA.
🫶🏽 Support the Nuestra NELA campaign Curious what it means to sell property to a community-based organization like LA Más? Through Nuestra NELA, we’re showing homeowners how they can create lasting change in their communities. Visit us and adopt a sign of support for your home!
🌳 Join us for ROOTED — June 26
An evening of handcrafted food, live music, and celebration of what’s possible when neighbors lead. Contact ronnie@mas.la to become a sponsor! |
| | | | Your support ensures our neighbors can continue to call Northeast Los Angeles, home!
Join this work by making a tax-deductible donation to LA Más. |
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