Our Story

For generations, this home has stood as a place of family, stability, and quiet generosity in Harlem.

It was originally purchased by a Guyanese immigrant with a simple goal: to house family, create opportunity, and establish lasting roots in the neighborhood. Over time, the home was passed down and is now in the care of an elderly matriarch who is deeply committed to keeping it in the family and within the local community.

This is not a corporate-owned property.
It is not held by a real estate investment group or outside entity.
It has always been locally owned and stewarded by the family who lives alongside the community it serves.

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A Home Built on Responsibility and Compassion

Throughout the years, this home has quietly supported members of the Harlem community during difficult times. Tenants experiencing financial hardship were often housed at below-market rent. Late or inconsistent payments were met with patience rather than pressure. Stability and dignity were prioritized over profit.

The current owner continued this tradition, even as maintaining the property became more challenging and navigating modern financial systems grew increasingly complex—particularly for an elderly immigrant woman operating without the protections afforded to institutional owners.

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When a Renovation Changed Everything

A renovation intended to preserve the home and improve living conditions became the beginning of a prolonged dispute with the bank. What should have been a manageable process evolved into years of legal and financial complications.

As the matter moved through legal channels, progress stalled. Instead of resolution, the family encountered delays, escalating costs, and a system that proved difficult to navigate without significant resources.

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An Elderly Owner Left Vulnerable

Relying on professionals and institutions meant to help, the matriarch entrusted others to guide her through the situation. Instead, she found herself overwhelmed by complexity, ongoing fees, and prolonged proceedings that benefited from delay rather than resolution.

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Why We Are Sharing This Story

We are sharing this story to invite understanding, partnership, and support.

We believe there are individuals who recognize the importance of locally owned housing and are open to forming equitable partnerships that help resolve outstanding issues while preserving long-term value.

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How You Can Help

Create an equitable partnership by helping resolve outstanding obligations and participating in the home’s future as a positive, long-term endeavor.

Support the cause directly by contributing toward the efforts required to finally bring this prolonged chapter to a close.

This home was created to shelter family, support neighbors, and remain rooted in Harlem.

With the right help, we hope it can continue to do so for generations to come.