WHO WE ARE
Essex Community Land Trust, Inc. is dedicated to providing permanent affordable homeownership by way of a 98-year ground lease and stewardship programming. Our mission is to strengthen communities by providing permanently affordable housing and financial empowerment opportunities for working families and individuals throughout Essex County, New Jersey, and beyond. At Essex Community Land Trust, we envision Essex County, New Jersey as a community of opportunity where regardless of income ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, people have a choice to live where they desire by having access to high-quality affordable housing.
Our
Story
The Essex Community Land Trust, Inc. (ECLT) was co-founded in 2011 by Britnee Timberlake and Harold Simon, the former publisher of ShelterForce Magazine, along with community advisors. For over a decade, ECLT has been a minority-led nonprofit organization committed to promoting housing affordability and sustainable development.
Our Goals
The goals of the ECLT are to provide permanent affordable homeownership opportunities for low-to moderate-income individuals; warn against predatory mortgages; facilitate homeowner and financial success education; diversify neighborhoods in terms of ethnicity and income; increase the length of deed restrictions; help communities around the state being displaced to preserve community ownership; and provide on-going stewardship over transformed abandoned homes located on CLT land.
Steps of Our Work in Action
Planning
Process
ECLT develops affordable homes, often in collaboration with like-minded entities. Utilizing the land trust model as a resource helps secure land affordability.
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We listen to the community, organizers, and neighbors to ensure the model is in line with what is desired on the grass roots level.
Implementing Ground Lease
A community land trust ground lease separates the ownership of the land from the home or community asset (such as gardens, recreation centers, and community centers). The land is owned by the community, and the lease includes a 98-year permanent affordability clause. This ensures that the home or community asset remains affordable for future generations, regardless of market changes.
Design & Construction
We act as developers and partner with small businesses and minority contractors to renovate or build high quality homes.
Stewardship Programming
Completion of our homebuyers club qualifies individuals for homeownership of one of our homes if there is availability.
Our Commitment
At Essex Community Land Trust, we are dedicated to making a significant and enduring impact on the lives of our homeowners, partners, and the people of New Jersey. Our mission goes beyond providing affordable housing; we also offer the tools and resources necessary for individuals to build wealth and attain financial stability, and to prevent displacement around the state. We take pride in constructing high-quality, eco-friendly homes that ensure a safe and secure environment for families. Our team is committed to fostering a supportive and empowering community where individuals and communities can work towards a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.
OUR
MEANING OF PAYING IT FORWARD
The Essex Community Land Trust (ECLT) is designed to provide low- to moderate-income (LMI) individuals with the opportunity to become homeowners by purchasing modern homes at a reduced price through a ground lease. This model significantly lowers the overall cost of the home, resulting in more affordable mortgages and the potential for capital gains.
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Our conditions are straightforward: homes must be owner-occupied, units in multi-family homes must be rented to LMI individuals, and upon resale, the home must be sold to another LMI individual at an affordable price.