As we work to make our communities healthier and greener, GreenRoots works to ensure our community does not become displaced. Residents who have and continue to work for quality of life and environmental improvements must be able to see those benefits come to realization without being forced out of our communities due to increasing housing costs. Learn more about Comunidades Enraizadas Community Land Trust!

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    Comunidades Enraizadas

    Incubating, launching and supporting Chelsea’s first community land trust, Comunidades Enraizadas.

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    Chelsea Anti-Displacement Roundtable

    Facilitating the Chelsea Anti-Displacement Roundtable to prevent immediate displacement and long-term gentrification.

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    Affordable Housing

    Supporting the creation of new affordable housing.

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    Chelsea’s Housing History

    Launching a community-engaged process to understand, review, and redesign Chelsea’s zoning, which was impacted by historic redlining that prevented immigrants and people of color from gaining wealth through land ownership.

A woman with her hair pulled in a bun wearing a navy blue blazer and colorful top by a set of stairs next to greenery.

A home is a necessity, not a luxury; it is a right. I moved to Chelsea because it's a city of immigrants, and I wanted to dedicate my life to organizing for stabilized communities. Comunidades Enraizadas Community Land Trust has been my political home for many years.

Patricia Ebanks

Program Events

More events will be posted soon.

News

  • We Are In It For the Long Haul

    GreenRoots reaffirms its commitment to supporting Chelsea and East Boston communities through challenges posed by climate, environmental, and social injustices. With a focus on resilience and empowerment, GreenRoots will continue advocating for residents' rights, organizing against harmful policies, and fostering inclusive community solidarity.

  • How researchers hope to combat urban heat island effect in Boston

    • In the News

    Extreme heat can feel even hotter in Chelsea due to the urban heat island effect.

See All News

Contact Us

  • A woman in a beige tank top and white pants standing in front of a light background.

    Mónica Elias-Orellana

    Director of Health Equity and Mobility

    she, her, hers

    MonicaEO@greenrootsej.org

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    Mónica Elias-Orellana (she, her, hers)

    Mónica, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, brings a community-focused approach to policy development, advocacy, and organizing. With a robust background in DEI awareness, social justice strategy, and non-profit administration, she is dedicated to leading transformative campaigns in health equity, transit justice, and anti-displacement.

    In her previous roles, she ensured equitable access to services for Multilingual Learners at Boston Public Schools. Transitioning to The Neighborhood Developers as the Chelsea Community Building Manager, she adeptly identified community needs, oversaw impactful programs to bolster housing and economic self-sufficiency, and played a role in fostering community leaders. She now works as the Director of Health Equity and Mobility of GreenRoots.

    Mónica's dedication extends to her volunteer work, including event planning for Concert of Hope and serving on boards such as the City of Chelsea Board of Library Trustees. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2016, with a minor in Asian American Studies.

    Mónica's leadership and commitment have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Young Adult Dreamers and Achievers Award. With her expertise and passion, Mónica continues to drive positive change, making a tangible difference in her community and beyond. 

  • A woman with long, curly hair and wearing a black top and red scarf standing in front of the Chelsea Creek.

    Caroline Ellenbird

    Director, Comunidades Enraizadas Community Land Trust

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    CarolineE@ceclt.org

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    Caroline Ellenbird (she, her, hers)

    Caroline is an artist, educator and community activist who has worked to strengthen the connections between people and place for over 20 years. In San Francisco she ran experiential education programs for K-12 students, and led efforts to protect a community-owned open space. In Chelsea she has organized with neighbors to create a community land trust in Chelsea, taught at La Colaborativa and Bunker Hill Community College, served on the Community Preservation Committee, and worked as Anti-Displacement Organizer at GreenRoots, where she guided the transition of Comunidades Enraizadas Community Land Trust into an independent nonprofit. She now works as director of Comunidades Enraizadas. 

    Caroline has a Masters in City Planning degree from MIT and a California teaching credential in art. She lives in Chelsea with her partner and two daughters. She loves spending time with friends and neighbors, making art and music, biking with her family, and spending time outdoors.

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    Ana Vanegas-Rivera

    Program Coordinator, Comunidades Enraizadas Community Land Trust

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    AnaVR@ceclt.org

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    Ana Vanegas-Rivera (she, her, hers)

    Ana is a dedicated and passionate community organizer in Chelsea, where she lives with her husband and son. She immigrated from Guatemala in 1997. Ana sees Comunidades Enraizadas as a powerful tool to give low-income people dignity and control over their own housing and a voice in the city. Ana also works at the First Congregational Church in Chelsea, serves as a Trustee for the public library, volunteers with the GreenRoots Urban Farm and was active in the Chelsea Pandemic Response Team. Ana was active in the working group that helped incorporate Comunidades Enraizadas as a CLT and now has joined the staff of the CLT as a Program Coordinator.

Your support is crucial in ensuring our work continues.

For 30 years, GreenRoots has restored acres of urban salt marsh, created new parks, increased public access to the waterfront and improved the water quality of Chelsea Creek.

Our organizing model is rooted in base-building and community, and your help makes us a stronger force. A contribution to GreenRoots means an investment in the futures of Chelsea and East Boston!

Donate Now

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