The East New York CLT formed just prior to the COVID pandemic to provide new opportunities to the residents of East New York and Brownsville, the majority of whom earn less than 65% of the citywide median income and are, therefore unable to afford to live in even the “affordable” housing being developed in those neighborhoods. With CCF support, this young organization is seeking to acquire a City-owned vacant lot to build deeply affordable housing with their development partner, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. East New York CLT has taken stock of every vacant parcel in their community and has identified 18 potential development sites.  The land under the new development would be owned by the Community Land Trust ensuring permanent affordability. The organization is also working on establishing a preservation pilot program to model alternatives for tax-distressed homeowners to help them avert foreclosure, retain ownership of their homes and to maintain the affordable housing in perpetuity.  East New York and Brownsville are disproportionately burdened by tax liens on small homes. Both projects rely on East New York CLT’s organizing power, partnerships and community buy-in.