The Town of Southampton, New York State’s first English colony, traces its history to 1640, when a small group of settlers from Lynn, Massachusetts, set out to form their own settlement. Eastern Long Island was then inhabited by Native Americans; on its westerly end where the settlers first landed, it was claimed by the Dutch. Today the Town measures 140 square miles bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and the north by Peconic Bay and dotted throughout with beautiful harbors, creeks and ponds. Open spaces, farmland, historic landmarks are hallmarks of the community. Hardworking families make up a culturally diverse community.
The Southampton Housing and Community Development Corporation will celebrate its 10th Anniversary in 2017. Throughout its history, the Southampton Housing and Community Development Corporation has changed and developed as events and the times have required. As a non-governmental community-based organization, it has responded to community and residents’ needs in the Town of Southampton.
The Board and staff leadership of Southampton Housing and Community Development Corporation determined that now would be a good time to look back at the past and use it as a base to plan and build a new future and Ascend Homes and Community Foundation was born. There is very real hope and excitement that ASCEND will remain a vibrant contributor to the Southampton Town community and beyond. Taking the time to think about, plan and build a new future has been a worthwhile and rewarding endeavor.