ICYMI: Raise the Roof

Oct 26

TND’s Executive Director Rafael Mares & honorees made the case for investing in affordable homes within communities of color.

TND’s Raise the Roof took place on September 15th at Chelsea’s waterfront. The Host Committee is thrilled to announce a record-breaking milestone, raising $232,500 for home stabilization.

We had a wonderful evening of networking, live music featuring Meryeme and Latin Roots, dance performances by Cultura Latina Dance Academy, and delicious food from Tambo22.

*Photo caption: TND staff, Board members and community members.*

“We are tremendously thankful to all of our sponsors, partners, and guests who joined us on Thursday that helped us reach this milestone”, said Rafael Mares, Executive Director of TND. “We’re elated and humbled to see Raise the Roof grow each year and inspire community members and partners to join TND’s mission of bringing a home and a secure foundation to many families in Chelsea, Revere and Everett.”

Raise the Roof’s Host Committee would like to extend a special thanks to the event’s presenting sponsor Eastern Salt, and matching gift sponsor Cambridge Savings Bank. Click here to view a list of all sponsors that help grow Raise the Roof’s commitment to home stabilization year after year. We look forward to raising the next roof with your support.

This year Raise the Roof recognized two huge supporters of affordable housing, Chelsea City Manager Tom Ambrosino and WinnResidential Vice President Celines Sanjurjo.

TND's relationship with Tom Ambrosino began in 2009 when he was the Mayor of Revere. Tom welcomed us into the community, and since our first introduction, TND has opened 137 affordable apartments in the city of Revere.

When Tom became the City Manager of Chelsea in 2015, he continued a strong relationship with TND. He welcomed more discussion and dialogue around affordable housing within the community and led the city to build more of it by using city, state, and national funds to keep families in their homes.

Photo caption: Chelsea City Manager Tom Ambrosino

There is so much more that goes into the building of affordable apartments. One key component is working with a strong property management team that is willing to go the extra mile to turn an apartment into a home. TND is fortunate to have WinnResidential in our corner, with Vice President Celines Sanjurjo leading the team.

Celines and her colleagues work tirelessly to provide a great home for our residents. They handle move-ins, collect rent, provide clean and well-kept buildings, support tenant activities side-by-side with the TND Resident Services team, and much more.