Resident Gardens

In 2015, YES Housing, Inc. embarked on a journey into the Healthy Living domain with the inception of The Imperial Building.

This move was catalyzed by our engagement with the Health and Human Services Community Economic Development Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant, revealing that our planned development, The Imperial Building, was situated in a Food Desert. A food desert signifies an area where residents face challenges in accessing affordable and nutritious food, particularly fresh produce like fruits and vegetables. Notably, Downtown Albuquerque, NM, where The Imperial Building stands, did not have a supermarket for over five decades. Our vision for Imperial included incorporating a commercial element, with a focus on utilizing a significant portion of the first floor.

The innovative concepts and subsequent triumph of these endeavors underscored the vital and successful strategies employed to combat food insecurity and foster small business growth. By integrating the cultivation of produce to supplement our tenants’ food resources and nurturing small businesses within our developments, we not only addressed immediate needs but also created a platform for entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the broader community.