After over 750 days of protests, legal battles, and organizing, tenants at 245 East 110th Street in East Harlem won a breakthrough victory against their landlord Ivan Sun and his management company, New York City Building Management LLC. Backed by the local nonprofit LSA Family Health Service and partner organizations TakeRoot Justice and Manhattan Together, the largely immigrant tenant community reshaped years of fear, neglect, and reported intimidation into a coordinated movement for justice. What began as isolated and hesitant complaints soon evolved into a compelling collective effort, as tenants—many of whom have lived in the building for decades—joined forces to confront the life-threatening conditions they had long endured. Their efforts led to a rent strike, culminating in the hard-fought legal and financial battle now coming to a close. Tenants have secured a settlement of nearly $133,000 and legally mandated repairs—restoring not just the safety of their homes, but their dignity and power.

The strike was born from years of experiences that exposed just how dangerous and neglected Building 245 has been. In one instance in January 2021, five people were hospitalized from a carbon monoxide leak caused by a broken boiler. One week later, a resident’s daughter noticed a second leak, triggering the family to immediately contact the fire department. 

Building 245 has over 30 units across 6 floors and has been owned by Sun and his LLC since 2004. As of March 2025, the building had 206 open violations in Housing Preservation and Development alone, with 94 of them being Class C (most of which must be cured within 24 hours).

The neglect goes beyond carbon monoxide leaks. Tenants have complained about rat infestations, with some losing sleep over the clawing of rodents through the walls. There have been reports of roach and bed bug outbreaks, a constant presence of mold, lead paint violations, and numerous faulty appliances and infrastructure issues, including an exploding stove from a defective gas line. Replacement equipment provided by Sun has often been used or of poor quality, leaving tenants to pay for their own new appliances, flooring, and improvements. 

One evening, building resident Humberto was taken to the ER after the ceiling collapsed on him during a shower. Humberto had also been among those evacuated during the carbon monoxide incidents. According to his wife, Magdalena, “ever since the ceiling fell, he’s had trouble sleeping. He has to use medication to sleep, and he always leaves the bathroom door open because he’s terrified the ceiling will fall again.” The couple, who have lived in the building for over 27 years, originally moved to the U.S. from the Mexican countryside to escape Mexico’s corrupt political climate in pursuit of a better, more stable life. Once in New York, Humberto worked washing dishes 6 days a week in 12-hour shifts at $140 per week. The couple has not been able to afford to move due to rent increases and has remained in a state of anxiety about the safety of their own home. “The problem is, Sun believes he doesn’t need to fix the apartments,” Magdalena continued, “because it’s not like we live on Fifth Avenue—we don’t do luxury here. But we aren’t asking for luxury. We’re asking for basic necessities so that we can live with dignity.”

Heating has also been a struggle, as Heat Seek records revealed temperature readings far below New York City requirements. Tenants have been regularly left to take cold showers and have experienced difficulty opening and closing faulty windows when needed—only worsening the rat problem, as the vermin enter the apartments through the open windows. 

Despite extensive violations and tenant complaints, many local housing inspections had little impact.  According to Magdalena, “When the authorities came to check on us, the manager hired a painter to paint only during their visit as a means of saying, ‘Look, I’m fixing it.’ And this would happen over and over again, and they’d keep coming to look at the same problem. I want the authorities to pay more attention and be more effective in their job.”

Magdalena and two other residents looked for backing to take on these conditions. LSA Family Health Service was a familiar partner, where most families in 245 had already participated in its health, education, and wellness programs. As LSA CEO Jonah Gensler explains: “We’ve always been here for families: from the basics, like food and clothing and access to services, to real community change through action. This rent strike speaks to the core of that; that the community themselves have the power, and our job is to accompany them.”

Through LSA, tenants were connected with lawyers, community service groups, and non-profit organizations TakeRoot Justice and Manhattan Together, providing vital access to resources and support during a time of uncertainty. As Magdalena remembers, “My neighbors didn’t want to unite because they felt there was no serious backbone to our fight. But when I presented it to Little Sisters, they felt there was something important there, there was a backbone, and immediately we saw a great change.” As more residents saw the strength and structure LSA offered, tenant participation grew: “Before people were afraid. Now we’re united. We know our rights. We know we can take videos. Before there were three. Now there are 15.”

Their work was not without obstacles: “At first, there was a lot of fear and hesitation,” said Chief Program Officer Ray Lopez, who has helped thousands of tenants in his two decades at LSA. “Many tenants were nervous about speaking openly in front of lawyers or outside organizations. Our role was to be that familiar, trusted face in the room—to help bridge that gap and make sure tenants felt seen, heard, and safe.” For building tenants, fear can take on many forms. Residents are fearful of standing up in a complex system, fearful of the real harm their home may cause them, and may even be fearful of retaliation or violence. In 2005, for example, Sun was arrested for assaulting a tenant as neighbors gathered to discuss building conditions. Tensions have continued ever since.

In March 2023, residents began their rent strike. As Magdalena describes it, the decision was a moment of “fear… but also excitement.”

Tenants assembled outside 245 in protest, holding signs about rats and roaches. One LSA employee, Santiago Salazar, even dressed as a rat. For Magdalena, “It was like, wow, this is the start of the pressure buildup on the landlord. And we kept building that up. The first months, he didn’t care, and then he started pretending like he cared about reaching an agreement. But for us, the protest was a way of telling him, ‘You do this, or we take action!’ It was incredibly important.” 

LSA helped by requesting rent history from the NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, which tenants had been struggling to access on their own. Then, LSA continued acting as a liaison between tenants and supporting organizations, providing translation, consulting, and, in partnership with ManhattanTogether, leadership development training sessions. LSA’s center served as a safe and welcoming space for strategic planning on the strike, as tenants were reportedly threatened when assembling within the apartment building itself.

In November 2023, LSA hosted a face-to-face meeting between property managers and tenants. CEO Jonah Gensler described the meeting as “a tense and powerful moment in the process: tenants were finally confronting management on their own terms, in a space where they felt safe and supported. It was a turning point.” A month later, Ivan Sun and his lawyer came to the building to meet with Ray Lopez and tenant representatives, a surprising turn of events given Sun’s history of avoiding direct communication. Tenants had been conditioned to expect Sun to send one of his family members or a representative in his place, rather than face them himself. 

“We’re still working closely with the tenants every step of the way,” said Ray Lopez, “But at this point, they’ve taken the lead. They know what they’re doing. They’ve built the tools, the relationships, and the confidence to advocate for themselves, and that’s the goal.” In the words of Magdalena: “Once we got Little Sisters, it became something real, something serious, with power, and that support has been incredibly important and continues to be incredibly important.”

That support has led to an April settlement of $132,804 and the mandated building repairs, securing the tenants’ reclamation of their building and their voice. This equates to roughly seven months’ rent per household, alongside rent reductions of up to 35% during the upcoming repair period, increased extermination services, and comprehensive work standards to be monitored by TakeRoot Justice. 

The experience gained through the rent strike may help with the next challenge on the horizon.  The Second Avenue subway extension work is now on their block, and the residents note growing tremors. Calls to authorities have gone unanswered. East Harlem buildings with foundations not up to code are a concern for resident safety.

LSA’s seven-decade commitment to safe housing continues. East Harlem families are in the top quarter of housing and health risks across the city.¹ The neighborhood has a level of carbon monoxide incidents six times greater than the NYC average, child asthma rates at double the average, and heat hospitalizations four times more often than the rest of Manhattan.² Patterns of landlord neglect and incomplete repairs can have a direct impact on resident health and safety. “We can do better than this,” claims Jonah Gensler. “East Harlem needs fair landlords who keep their properties up and residents who can put their hard-earned income into rent in exchange for a safe place to raise their kids. We all win in the end when families are housed with dignity.”

1. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/data/2015chp-mn11.pdf ︎
2. https://a816-dohbesp.nyc.gov/IndicatorPublic/neighborhood-reports/east_harlem/housing_and_health/ ︎

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Mark your calendars for a night of celebration, connection, and impact. Hosted by LSA’s Associate Board, the Masquerade Ball is our most important fundraiser—bringing together young professionals, volunteers, and supporters from across the city for an unforgettable evening in support of LSA’s work with families in East Harlem.

All proceeds go directly to programs that help children and parents access healthy food, quality education, safe housing, and compassionate care.

Questions? Contact Elaine Abrams at eabrams@lsafhs.org

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LSA Family Health Service is proud to share our 2024 Annual Report. Every page reflects not only our commitment to the families of East Harlem—but yours, too. As a donor, partner, volunteer, or friend, you’re part of this story. Thank you for walking alongside us.

The post Our Annual Report is Here! appeared first on LSA Family Health Service.

“The people’s pope,” Francis grew up in a working-class neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the son of Italian immigrants who fled fascist Italy. In their time of need, it was the Little Sisters of the Assumption who entered their home to care for his family when Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) was born — a gesture he never forgot, and a bond that continued throughout his life and ministry.

Today in East Harlem, families come to LSA seeking hope, health, and opportunity — often immigrants themselves, determined to build better lives and lift up their community. Inspired by the legacy of Pope Francis who was a staunch advocate of the Little Sister’s mission, we stand with them in solidarity — not only offering a supportive presence and services, but working for lasting change.

Pope Francis spoke of Father Stephen Pernet, founder of the Little Sisters of the Assumption, and how “deeds of charity lead us to place our cheek onto the cheek of those who suffer, in body and spirit.” This profound compassion guided Francis throughout his papacy — whether washing the feet of prisoners, advocating for immigrants, or speaking out for all those vulnerable and in need.

When Pope Francis visited East Harlem in 2015, he reminded our community that we are seen, loved, and called to action. His humility, courage, and unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable continue to inspire our work every day.

Pope Francis called us to care not just spiritually but in tangible ways —for our neighbors, our environment, and our shared humanity. He showed us that justice and mercy go hand in hand, and that building a more just and compassionate world is not optional—it is essential.

Today, as we mourn his passing, we also recommit ourselves to the mission entrusted to us by the Little Sisters of the Assumption which he championed. We honor his legacy by continuing the work of healing, uplifting, and transforming lives in East Harlem and beyond. The work is not finished—it is only just beginning.

With gratitude and hope,

Learn more about Pope Francis and the Little Sisters of the Assumption:

• Pope Francis’ Thoughts on the Little Sisters

• News from the Little Sisters

• Pope Francis’ 2015 Visit to East Harlem – New York Daily News

• Archive Files – History of Pope Francis and the Little Sisters of the Assumption

The post Honoring Pope Francis: A Legacy That Lives Through Our Mission appeared first on LSA Family Health Service.

Join us for a delicious, fun-filled event!

This year’s Flavors of East Harlem event will showcase and celebrate the variety of cuisines that shape East Harlem’s gastronomic scene. This event will feature tastings from several local restaurants, live music, and open beer & wine. All proceeds will support our programming for underserved families and children.

Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 6 PM–9 PM
Darlington Hall at Church of the Heavenly Rest | 1085 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128

Get your tickets now—including VIP tickets with early entry, a champagne toast, and special menus at select tables! Can’t attend? You can still support by sponsoring the event or purchasing a journal ad. Learn more and reserve your spot at the link. We can’t wait to see you there!

2025 Restaurant Lineup!

We’re excited to be supported by a variety of local restaurants! This year’s participants include:

Area Latina Bar & Grill
2117 3rd Avenue
Bringing the authentic tastes of Mexican American and Latin America cuisine to New York, Area Latina Bar & Grill offers a diverse selection of tantalizing dishes. The two owners, hailing from the same small town in Guerrero, Mexico, learned at a young age the importance of giving back to your community.

Cafe Azalea NYC
409 E 116th Street
A proud member of the East Harlem/ El Barrio community. The owners said “It was our intention to open a place we whole-heartedly hoped would become a safe, inclusive, nourishing third space for all the members of our community…We’ve been beyond fortunate to see so many relationships form and grow, all of the community that has been created over pancakes, lattes, and mimosas.”

Catrina Mexicana
163 E 116th Street
A vibrant fusion of Peruvian and Mexican cuisine, owned by immigrant entrepreneurs who proudly support their community and the work of LSA Family Health Service. Enjoy bold flavors, curated wines, craft cocktails, and refreshing aguas frescas. Available for private parties & happy hours. Where two great cultures come together—on every plate.

Changarrito del Barrio
238 E 116th Street
The culmination of Rebeca Gonzales Rosales, a Mexican immigrant and mother. After working tirelessly, Rebeca realized her dreams and opened Changarrito del Barrio, a juice bar serving smoothies and traditional Mangonadas, while also offering valuable services such as money transfers.

Delicias Mexicanas NY
2109 3rd Avenue
Guadalupe Lucero is proud Oaxaqueña and owner, who came to New York 35 years ago with a dream. Today, her vibrant restaurant celebrates the flavors and traditions of her homeland, with fresh dishes made daily and beautiful decor inspired by Oaxaca.

Hot Jalapeño
219 E 116th Street
Featuring authentic Mexican dishes cooked with passion and love by owner and chef, Jacky Martinez, an immigrant born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, Hot Jalapeño’s dishes will transport you to the streets of Puebla.

King’s Carriage House
251 E 82nd Street
Nestled in a charming original carriage house building on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Elizabeth King (LSA Board Member) is proprietor and executive chef, and has spoiled guests with exceptional modern cuisine, elegant surroundings and warm hospitality for more than 30 years.

New Level Juice
2244 1st Avenue
Nestled in the heart of East Harlem is a vibrant oasis dedicated to nourishing your body and elevating your mind. New Level Juice Bar is a minority-owned, all-natural juice bar committed to crafting fresh, nutrient-packed juices using the finest locally sourced and organic fruits and vegetables the city has to offer.

Nocciola Ristorante
237 E 116th St
Blending classic dishes with bold new flavors. Offering homemade pastas, a vast wine selection, and a variety of Italian classics, Nocciola Ristorante brings authentic Italian Cuisine to the heart of East Harlem.

Sevilla’s Bakery
East Harlem
Owned by Maria Isabel Sevilla, an immigrant from Mexico, Sevilla’s Bakery is a made-to-order business that showcases Maria’s passion and creativity in baking. From custom cakes to galletas, panes, and a wide variety of pastries, Sevilla’s has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Beverage Sponsor!
Brooklyn Brewery
79 N 11th Street, Brooklyn
An independent craft brewery located in Williamsburg, The Brooklyn Brewery draws inspiration from its diverse local community to spread the culture of craft beer to 30 states and over 30 countries on 5 continents.

Join us on May 1st and get a taste of these amazing local gems!

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Support Our Runners!

Click on a runner’s profile below to learn more about their journey and donate to their fundraising efforts. Your support fuels their miles and strengthens our community!

The post LSA Named Charity Partner for the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon! appeared first on LSA Family Health Service.

In these uncertain times, we are committed to providing hope, support, and empowerment to our community members through our programs and services. Read more about our commitment to immigrants at the webpage below.

Want to get more involved? Join us in making a difference. Reach out to help@lsafhs.org to learn more and support our work. Become a donor or volunteer using the buttons below.

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This isn’t just any trivia night—our Associate Board, a group of dedicated young leaders, has generously underwritten the event, ensuring that every dollar raised directly supports LSA’s vital programs for East Harlem families.

Brooklyn Brewery Tasting Room | 79 North 11th Street, Brooklyn, NY
Tickets include food and a 3-hour open bar!

As an extra incentive, the first 15 ticket buyers will receive 15% off their next LSA Associate Board event ticket—so don’t wait! Get your tickets now and support a great cause. We can’t wait to see you there!

The post Join LSA’s Associate Board for Trivia Night! appeared first on LSA Family Health Service.

In December, we kicked off with several impactful events. Our first health clinic offered FREE screenings, including height, BMI, vision, and blood pressure checks, giving residents essential insights into their health. We followed this with an MD-led Lunch+Learn session (the first of many!) focused on hypertension management and prevention.

More clinics and workshops are on the horizon- stay tuned!

For questions or more information about Connect2Care, contact Carolina Tenecela at ctenecela@lsafhs.org.

The post Advancing Health Equity: Connect2Care Partnership with United Way appeared first on LSA Family Health Service.

Thank you to Carolina Tenecela for sharing her story.

Directed/Produced by Christian Carvajal.

Cinematography by Alysa Jette.

Edited by Joseph Garst.

The post LSA Family Health Service Video – Opening Doors (2024) appeared first on LSA Family Health Service.