What We Do
Ascent led the region’s first NOAH preservation investment in 2019 and has innovated new private sector solutions and public policy tools to create impactful affordable housing strategies. Ascent structured one of the first projects in the country that integrates NOAH preservation with permanent supportive housing. In addition, in its role as co-founder of Housing Impact Fund, Ascent has pioneered the creation of new rental subsidies for 30% AMI and below households by working with local governments to put property tax revenues in the hands of those most vulnerable to housing insecurity.
Ascent is the co-founder and operating partner for Housing Impact Fund, responsible for the identification, deal structuring, acquisition, renovation and operation of prospective investments. Ascent works directly with a myriad of partners on each investment ranging from lenders, property management teams, general contractors, supportive service workers, housing referral partners, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Our Growth
Who We Are
MARK ETHRIDGE
Mark Ethridge is the Managing Principal of Ascent Housing and a Partner of Ascent Real Estate Capital. Ascent Housing has been a leader in Charlotte’s response to the affordable housing crisis, leveraging over $225 million to preserve 1,500 units of naturally-occurring affordable housing (NOAH) since 2019. Prior to joining Ascent, Mark was a Vice President at Bellwether Enterprise Real Estate Capital where he arranged debt and equity financing for multi-family, mixed-use, office and retail projects. Mark currently serves on the boards of Housing Impact Fund, Roof Above, Housing Collaborative and Renaissance West Community Initiative. He co- chaired the City of Charlotte’s Source of Income ad hoc advisory committee in 2021/2022 and has served on a variety of multi-sector initiatives addressing housing affordability and homelessness in the Charlotte region. Mark is a Charlotte native and graduated from Princeton University in 2010.
ADELAIDE MARTIN
Adelaide Martin oversees Impact and Operations for Ascent Housing, leading the coordination of supportive services, housing programs and operations. Ms. Martin has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and social impact space. Prior to joining Ascent, she was the Chief Operating Officer for United Way of Greater Charlotte, overseeing the financial and strategic operations of the organization. In addition, Ms. Martin oversaw the leadership, HR, IT, and general operational areas of the organization. She also served as the Chief of Staff and Director of Community Impact, investing $20M+ in nonprofits with nonprofits throughout the region to address economic mobility. Ms. Martin worked as a Client Strategist for Change.org in San Francisco, and in Washington D.C. for Refugees International. Ms. Martin grew up in Charlotte, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She has been active in a number of organizations in the region, including Roof Above, Belk Foundation and Girls on the Run.