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Rooted attendees enjoy connecting at this year’s annual celebration. Photo Credit: Javier de Leon |
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This month, we're reflecting on the power of coming together.
We surpassed our fundraising goal, welcomed new leadership to our growing housing team, and continue building neighborhoods where residents don't just live—they help shape what comes next.
Thank you for being part of this movement.
IN THIS ISSUE 🌳 Rooted 2026: A Celebration of Community ❤️ Thank You for Helping Us Raise $120,000+ 🏘 Meet Our New Director of Community Housing 🤝 Resident Stewardship in Action 🎉 Save the Date: Somos NELA Block Party 🌎 LA Más Around Town
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We surpassed our fundraising goal thanks to amazing friends, partners and community members. Photo Credit: Javier de Leon |
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🎊 THANK YOU FOR ROOTING FOR LA MÁS |
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"Everything that we do is trying to answer the question: how do we get people who have been in the neighborhoods in Northeast LA to be able to stay rooted here?” — Helen Leung, LA Más Executive Director |
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What an incredible evening.
After postponing Rooted last month, we were grateful to finally gather with nearly 300 neighbors, partners, supporters, and friends to celebrate what we're building together across Northeast Los Angeles.
Rooted was a celebration of what's possible when communities lead. Together, we honored the partnerships, creativity, and shared commitment that are helping working-class neighbors remain rooted through community-led housing, local economies, and collective stewardship.
We're also thrilled to share that, thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our fundraising goal—raising more than $120,000 to invest in the people, places, and partnerships that make this work possible.
To our honorees, sponsors, host committee, volunteers, vendors, and everyone who joined us: thank you. Your generosity continues to strengthen a future where Northeast LA is shaped by the people who call it home. |
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HONORING PARTNERS WHO HELP US IMAGINE WHAT'S POSSIBLE |
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Rooted Honorees accept their awards on stage. Photo Credit: Javier de Leon |
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Building a different future for Northeast LA takes partners willing to invest in community leadership, embrace new approaches, and believe that working-class neighbors should have the opportunity to stay and thrive in the communities they call home.
This year, we were proud to honor three leaders whose partnership continues to expand what's possible. |
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| "LA Más has given me a way to use my specific talents to push for the change that I want to see in the community I call home.” |
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| | Chris Ko - Impact Strategist - |
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| "At the heart of solidarity is the desire to be with someone.This community is with you in a genuine and sincere way." |
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| | Rudy Espinoza - Inclusive Action for the City - |
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| "We choose to do this work because we still believe that justice is possible—that the future we all deserve is within reach." |
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THANK YOU FOR ROOTING FOR LA MÁS!
One of our favorite moments from the evening was choosing not to pause for a live fundraising appeal.
Instead, we spent our time celebrating community. If Rooted left you feeling hopeful—or if you weren't able to join us—we invite you to become a monthly donor.
Monthly giving provides reliable support that helps preserve affordable homes, strengthen neighborhood economies, and invest in resident leadership throughout the year.
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SOMOS NELA BLOCK PARTY RETURNS |
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| Friday, August 21 from 5–9 PM
Our second Somos NELA Block Party of the year is almost here! Join 40+ local vendors, live music, delicious food, art, and neighbors coming together for one of our favorite community celebrations.
Whether you're looking for your next favorite meal, handmade gifts, or simply a joyful evening in community, there's something for everyone.
Come celebrate. Support your neighbors. Shop local. |
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La Más team members at the annual Rooted fundraiser. Photo Credit: Javier de Leon |
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MEET OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY HOUSING + WE’RE HIRING! |
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| Ronnie Han, Director of Community Housing
If you've been part of the LA Más community, chances are you've already met Ronnie. For years, he's helped steward our programs, strengthen operations, and support every community housing acquisition we've completed. We're thrilled to welcome Ronnie into his new role as Director of Community Housing, where he'll oversee our growing housing portfolio, asset management, and resident partnerships. |
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Hiring: Finance & Operations Manager
As Ronnie steps into this new role, we're looking for a Finance & Operations Manager to help sustain the systems that power our housing work, neighborhood programs, and growing organization.
If you're a detail-oriented, collaborative problem solver who believes in community-led change, we'd love to hear from you. |
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Chapman residents after a successful resident committee meeting. |
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STEWARDSHIP BEGINS WITH NEIGHBORS
This summer, residents across our Arvia, Chapman, and Hancock community housing properties gathered for Resident Committee meetings to reflect, plan improvements, and make decisions together.
Across every meeting, we heard the same themes: "We're like family." "It's peaceful here." "We all know each other." "We look out for one another."
Housing is about far more than a roof over our heads. It's about belonging, relationships, and shared stewardship.
Residents are helping shape community agreements, prioritize improvements, and make decisions about the places they call home.
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Helen and her sister Linda, in front of their childhood home in “The River as a Playground”. Photo Credit: Matthew Scott |
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LA MÁS AROUND TOWN
🎙 Helen on the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast Hear how LA Más is preserving affordable housing through creative financing, community partnerships, and resident leadership. ➡ Listen
🌊 The River as a Playground Helen shares how growing up in Frogtown shaped her vision for keeping Northeast LA rooted. ➡ Read the Story
🏗 Celebrating the B.U.I.L.D. Incubator Helen recently completed the inaugural B.U.I.L.D. Incubator through The Center by Lendistry. We encourage affordable housing practitioners to apply for the next cohort. ➡ Learn More + Apply
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| LA Más partners celebrate at Rooted. Photo Credit: Javier de Leon |
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| Your support helps keep families rooted in Northeast LA. 🏘️
Make a tax-deductible donation to LA Más and be part of building a future where our neighbors can stay and thrive in the communities they call home. |
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LA Más is a community organization building collective power in Northeast Los Angeles to promote neighborhood stability and economic resilience for working class communities of color. |
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