Charlotte Latin American Coalition celebrates major purchase. ‘Incredible milestone.’

For many Latino immigrants in Charlotte, the white two-story building at 4938 Central Avenue has been a constant beacon in their new country for the past 12 years.

But one thing is different, as of late October — the Latin American Coalition now owns its headquarters, making it the latest nonprofit organization in Charlotte serving the Latino community that owns its building.

“Just like many immigrants who have come to this country to make a better life for themselves and contribute to this nation, as an organization we have achieved an incredible milestone, radically changing our history,” president Jose Hernandez-Paris said. “Planting our flag as a community is ensuring that our children will have a place to call their own, to connect to their history, to their culture, to their ancestry... so that they can continue the legacy.”

The building was purchased for about $1.2 million with financing through PNC Bank, which regional president Weston Andress called a “tangible symbol of growth and stability for an organization that does so much for Charlotte’s Latino community.”

To celebrate the achievement, Mayor Vi Lyles also unveiled a new proclamation on Thursday, declaring Dec. 2, 2021 “Latin American Coalition Day.”

It’s a huge achievement for the organization — and a reminder of the fast-growing Latino population in Charlotte.

Mecklenburg’s Hispanic population, which stands at 169,922, has grown substantially, according to most recent census data. The Hispanic population in Mecklenburg County increased 52% from 2010 to 2020, far outpacing the increase of any other demographic.

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The Latin American Coalition has existed for 31 years in Charlotte, providing services like legal referrals, translation services, shelter referrals and health care navigation. During that time, they’ve served thousands.

Hernandez-Paris says making a permanent home for the coalition has been a goal of his since becoming director of the coalition. The coalition will work toward expanding its existing services through a partnership with University of North Carolina Charlotte architects.

“More than a quarter of all children in the school district are Latino. That’s the future of this city and this country,” Hernandez-Paris said. “For future generations to have a place of their own... to help them move forward and upward, that’s an incredible thing.

“This is just the beginning.”

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