Newsletters

We’re pleased to celebrate an important step forward for affordable housing.

This month, the bipartisan 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law. This act is the most significant federal housing legislation in decades. For organizations like Community Home Trust and the families we serve, this represents meaningful progress towards expanding access to permanently affordable homes.

While no single piece of legislation can solve our nation’s housing affordability crisis, this law includes several provisions that strengthen the tools communities need to create and preserve affordable housing for generations to come.

Among the most important provisions for community land trusts (CLTs) and shared equity homeownership are:

• The first-ever federal definition of a community land trust, recognizing the proven model that CHT has advanced for more than 35 years.
• Reauthorization of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, a vital source of funding for affordable homeownership initiatives.
• New opportunities for local governments to use Community Development Block Grant funds for new housing construction.
• A pilot program supporting home repairs for low-income homeowners and small landlords, helping to preserve existing affordable housing.
• Additional flexibility and incentive for communities that are working to increase their housing supply, encouraging local innovation and investment.

These are practical steps that recognize what we have long known: lasting affordability requires long-term solutions.

CHT was founded on the belief that homeownership should remain within reach, not just today, but for generations to come. The federal recognition of CLTs affirms the effectiveness of a model that has helped hundreds of local families build stability and equity while preserving lasting affordability.

This legislation also reflects years of advocacy by CLTs, affordable housing organizations, and partners across the country.

As we celebrate this national achievement, our focus remains firmly on the work ahead here at home. Every permanently affordable home we create helps another family put down roots, build equity, and remain part of the community they love. Thank you for your continued support of CHT. Together, we are expanding opportunity today and preserving affordability for the future.

Kimberly Sanchez, President and CEO

P.S. North Carolina’s state budget has been finalized. Learn how the new budget releases much-needed housing funding across the state and what its policy changes could mean for local housing initiatives and affordability.