Paving Pathways to Accelerated Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
At Ascension Community Development Corporation (Ascension CDC), we are a Charlotte-based social enterprise structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds homes and develops mixed-income, for-sale communities designed to expand access to generational wealth through ownership. We combine mission-driven development with market discipline to deliver attainable housing that strengthens families and neighborhoods.
We serve working households earning 70%–120% of Area Median Income (AMI)—with a strong emphasis on families at 80% AMI and below, who face the greatest barriers to homeownership. By focusing on Charlotte’s “missing middle,” we bridge the gap between traditional affordable housing and market-rate homes. Through our flagship WealthPath Homeownership Program, participants receive financial education, one-on-one credit counseling, matched savings incentives, and a direct pathway into quality, for-sale homes—positioning them to become mortgage-ready, bankable, and prepared for long-term wealth creation.
“Affordable Housing” vs “Attainable Housing”
While “affordable housing” is often associated with subsidized rental or short-term solutions, we intentionally use the term attainable housing to reflect the dignity, aspirations, and economic potential of working families and the “missing middle”- households earning 70%–120% of AMI who are often overlooked by both traditional subsidy programs and market-rate development. These are teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and municipal employees who power our city yet struggle to access homeownership. We particularly focus on those at 80% AMI and below.