New Roots, New Hope: Community Revival Fund

New Roots, New Hope: Community Revival Fund

The North End Halifax (New Roots) Community Land Trust's (NEHNRCLT) mission is to reclaim and revitalize a key parcel of land in the Cogswell Redevelopment area, which holds deep historical significance for the African Nova Scotian (ANS) community. This initiative aims to correct past injustices and restore a vibrant, self-sustaining community hub in the heart of Halifax. By developing Parcel D, we aim to create a space that honors the legacy of displaced ANS residents, supports economic growth, and fosters a strong sense of community.

Who Are We Serving?

The North End New Roots Community Land Trust (NEH(NR)CLT) is dedicated to serving the African Nova Scotian (ANS) community in Halifax's North End. Our mission is rooted in addressing historical injustices and empowering ANS residents through equitable land ownership, sustainable development, and community revitalization initiatives.

The Significance of Parcel D

Parcel D was chosen due to its profound historical importance to the ANS community. In the 1960s and 1970s, urban renewal projects displaced approximately 6,000 ANS residents from areas like Cogswell, with only 1,500 public housing units built to accommodate them. This led to significant economic losses, the dissolution of close-knit communities, and ongoing social and economic challenges. By securing and developing this land, we aim to restore a vital part of our community’s heritage and provide a space that reflects our culture and history.

Funding Future Projects

The revenue generated from the Cogswell project will be reinvested to further our mission of acquiring and developing additional land in the North End, where many displaced ANS residents were relocated. This will help counter the rapid gentrification and dispossession currently threatening these areas. Beyond Halifax, we aim to expand our reach, acquiring property to build and maintain community spaces that meet the needs and standards of ANS residents. This strategic reinvestment will enable us to ensure community control over development, maintenance, and the overall quality of living standards.

Addressing Community Challenges

Our project addresses three primary challenges faced by the ANS community:

What will My donation Impact?

Your donation will play a crucial role in supporting the North End New Roots Community Land Trust (NEH(NR)CLT) as we embark on a transformative journey to reclaim and revitalize our community. This funding will primarily be directed towards startup and soft costs incurred by the CLT, enabling us to establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth and impact.

Supporting Startup and Soft Costs:

Your generous contribution will assist us in covering essential startup expenses such as legal fees, administrative costs, and initial operational expenses. These resources are fundamental in laying the groundwork for effective governance, community engagement, and operational efficiency.

Facilitating Land Acquisition:

A significant portion of your donation will contribute towards securing a downpayment on a piece of land in the North End. This strategic acquisition will mark a pivotal step towards our goal of becoming a landlord and property owner within our community. By acquiring this land, we aim to create a tangible asset that will serve as a cornerstone for future development initiatives, including affordable housing and community spaces.

Building Capacity as Landlords and Advocates:

While awaiting the completion of our development projects, your support will enable us to build capacity as landlords, ensuring that we are prepared to manage and steward properties effectively. This interim phase will also empower us to advocate for equitable and sustainable development practices that prioritize community needs and aspirations.

Impact and Long-Term Vision:

By donating to NEH(NR)CLT, you are investing in a vision that goes beyond physical spaces. Your contribution will help preserve our community's heritage, empower residents through sustainable housing solutions, and foster economic resilience. Together, we can create lasting change and build a vibrant, inclusive future for all members of the North End community.

Empowering Community

Join us in this transformative endeavor to reclaim, revitalize, and empower our community. Your support will make a tangible difference, laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow where every resident has access to safe, affordable housing and thriving community spaces. Together, we can build a legacy of resilience and empowerment that will endure for generations to come.

Every and any contributation size is welcomed and appreciated!

Reclaiming Our Roots: The ANS Legacy Initiative:

We are launching “Reclaiming Our Roots: The ANS Legacy Initiative”, encouraging residents to donate land to the North End Halifax “New Roots” Community Land Trust. This initiative will help us expand our land holdings, ensuring that more ANS residents have access to safe, affordable housing and community spaces. By participating in this initiative, residents can directly contribute to the preservation and growth of our community, helping to secure a legacy for future generations.

The overall goal of this initiative extends beyond merely residing in the communities to which we were relegated due to historical racism and displacement, and now face dispossession through gentrification. We aim to create a brighter future for our community, where the worry of losing community spaces and the cherished memories associated with them is eliminated. This initiative isn’t just about preserving physical spaces or buildings; it’s about safeguarding the memories and cultural heritage they embody. Together, we can ensure that our community thrives, maintaining the integrity of our shared history and fostering new memories for generations to come.

Changing the Narrative:

At NEH(NR)CLT, we aim to engage diverse stakeholders from governments, local leaders, the private sector, and the community to facilitate dialogue, share best practices, and co-create solutions for equity-centered development. Our capacity-building initiatives are designed to empower the ANS community by creating pathways beyond traditional expectations, offering young people the tools and opportunities to explore entrepreneurship and innovative futures.

Our community-based incubation programs will support the development of local enterprises by providing resources, mentorship, and funding to young ANS leaders. This work will center the voices of the ANS North End Halifax Community, ensuring that our initiatives reflect their needs and aspirations. By actively involving local youth and community members, we tailor our programs to target areas and fields of interest, fostering an environment where diverse futures are possible.

An Invitation:

We invite you to support our mission to reclaim and revitalize the ANS community in Halifax. Your donations will help us cover startup costs and fund the acquisition and development of land, ensuring that the ANS community can thrive now and in the future. Join us in rebuilding our heritage and creating a sustainable, vibrant community for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference.

Your investment in "Reclaiming Our Roots: The ANS Legacy Initiative" will not only help secure the land but will also empower the next generation of ANS leaders and entrepreneurs. By contributing, you become a part of a transformative journey that honors our past while building a prosperous future.

Let's reclaim our roots and create a lasting more equitable legacy together, thank you!

CPED Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcW5zfd3hrY&list=WL&index=5&t=3278s (Start: 27:11)