Our Approach to preservation
The Capital Absorption Framework
The Capital Absorption Framework is a systems approach developed by the Center for Community Investment that enables affordable housing organizations to access and deploy capital for building improvements effectively.
Rather than treating each retrofit project as a one-off transaction, the Framework creates a structured pathway that helps organizations:
Move preservation initiatives forward more efficiently and effectively
Ensure financial sustainability through strategic capital deployment
Navigate complex financing and implementation systems
Influence the broader investment ecosystem while addressing local building needs
This approach recognizes that affordable housing organizations face unique challenges: limited staff capacity, competing priorities, depleting reserves, and the need to maintain operations while improving buildings. The Framework addresses these realities head-on.
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS AS PRESERVATION STRATEGY
For affordable housing organizations, building condition is directly tied to organizational sustainability. Comprehensive retrofits are not optional upgrades—they're essential preservation strategies that protect both properties and the organizations' ability to serve communities.
The financial reality is stark: many affordable housing portfolios face reserve depletion, rising maintenance costs, and properties operating at a loss. Emergency repairs consume staff time that should go toward tenant services and community programs. Without intervention, this trajectory threatens organizational viability.
Strategic building improvements reverse this cycle by:
Preventing financial collapse through reduced operating expenses and avoided emergency costs
Extending building lifespan by addressing deferred maintenance and aging systems
Freeing organizational capacity so staff can focus on services, not crisis management
Strengthening resilience against climate impacts, extreme weather, and economic volatility
Improving resident health through better indoor air quality and comfort
Reducing utility burdens for both residents and property owners
These aren't abstract benefits—they're the difference between organizational survival and decline.
Community-based affordable housing organizations serve as first responders during crises. Whether fires, floods, economic shocks, or pandemics, these are the institutions communities turn to when disaster strikes.
Without financial stability and operational capacity, organizations cannot fulfill this critical role. Building preservation, therefore, is community preservation. Investing in these retrofits is investing in the infrastructure of community resilience.
why this matters beyond buildings
Grant support to enable project development and implementation
Coaching and technical assistance throughout the process
Peer learning opportunities through cohort convenings
Financial coordination with lenders to smooth financing and leverage private capital
Community engagement strategies to ensure resident participation and ownership
Field Guide & Resources to support property owners at every stage
Financial coordination with lenders to smooth financing and leverage private capital
Community engagement strategies to ensure resident participation and ownership
Field Guide & Resources to support property owners at every stage
Grant support to enable project development and implementation
Coaching and technical assistance throughout the process
Peer learning opportunities through cohort convenings
OUR MODEL
Retrofit LA provides
Grant support to enable project development and implementation
Coaching and technical assistance throughout the process
Peer learning opportunities through cohort convenings
Financial coordination with lenders to smooth financing and leverage private capital
Community engagement strategies to ensure resident participation and ownership
Field Guide & Resources to support property owners at every stage
Retrofit LA is delivered by Sustento, a social enterprise specializing in market transformation for building resilience.
Sustento provides technical assistance, resource development, program operations, and the tools organizations need to navigate complex retrofit projects from planning through implementation.
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