About Us
From the beginning, Homes and Hope CLT (HHCLT) prioritized inclusion: communities and homes that would be accessible to people at all ages and stages of life and abilities; homes that would be flexible for people of many different cultural and faith traditions; homes that would utilize emerging technologies to reduce maintenance and utility costs; contracts that would prioritize local contractors and manufacturers; and neighborhood features that would encourage neighborly conversations. HHCLT also prioritizes the preservation of green, semi-wild spaces and native plantings to help restore the local ecosystems. The mission statement reflects these priorities and commitments:
Homes and Hope Community Land Trust fosters, builds, and stewards vibrant, sustainable communities with permanently affordable homes and neighborhood features.
Western Washington is home to some of the oldest Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in the US and the oldest regional CLT peer-support coalition. Through the early 2000s, more communities were starting a CLT to improve homeownership options, but not in Snohomish County. So, in 2017, a group of affordable housing and homeownership practitioners began hosting community meetings to increase interest and support for starting a CLT. A “Start-Up Committee” was formed with local people who also had multiple years of affordable housing experience; the director of a neighboring CLT agreed to assist, as did the former homeownership director of Washington’s largest CLT. Together, this group of eight people implemented the nationally-recognized documents and tailored policies to the needs of Snohomish County residents. Homes and Hope Community Land Trust incorporated in January 2018.
HHCLT owns two parcels in South Everett, both with salmon streams and beaver ponds, as well as second growth cedars. One parcel, located a block off Evergreen Way, is in the permitting stage to build 11 small homes on a pier out over the forest floor, helping to maintain natural vegetation. The other parcel has an approved plan for 23 homes suited to larger families and includes community garden space and a dog yard. Both properties should start construction before the end of 2024.
We are partnering with a family in Lake Stevens to pilot a reverse mortgage alternative program. The Community Elders Program will guarantee the homeowners’ equity is not diminished, but the safety of their home is improved, so they can age in place. On the horizon is the rapid acquisition of existing duplexes/fourplexes to add permanently affordable homes to communities with little or no remaining buildable land. Our Community Legacy program invites homeowners, especially rental property owners, to donate 10-25% off the sales price, so that HHCLT can convert the homes to permanent affordability.
In response to a need in the Casino Road community, HHCLT is also participating in a Mercy Corps program that fosters community ownership of commercial spaces. Many CLTs -nationally and internationally- have acquired commercial spaces in order to better anchor communities and reduce the need to travel long distances for essential shopping and services. This project started in January and will begin community engagement Summer 2024, with property acquisition expected before the end of the year. Stay tuned for an invitation to participate in this innovative program, as it is open to all South Everett residents!
HHCLT invites any and all residents of Snohomish County to consider becoming a member, so that our decisions are informed by the greater community. We meet annually in March to review accomplishments and goals, as well as elect board directors. Other ways to become more involved are to become one of the “Dirt-e-Dozen” by making a monthly contribution and to volunteer at some of our mortgage readiness classes and summer festival events. You are the “Community” in Homes and Hope Community Land Trust! Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as here–on our website!