What if housing was affordable? For everyone.
Housing costs are through the roof, putting the dream of home ownership out reach for many. We want a different model.
Our Model
Community Land Trusts (CLT) are open, democratic organizations that cooperatively own land, homes, and other assets. A CLT holds onto land and leases the buildings on top of land to community members. A CLT stewards land for the benefit of people, not for profit.
We believe that a CLT can be of great benefit to the Northern Berkshires. Here, rents have risen dramatically, very little housing has been built, and, in some areas, a significant percentage of existing housing is owned by non-residents. Combined with an aging and shrinking population, it is difficult for young people to find a place to live here, take up employment, or start their own business. We have learned that relying on the market alone will not solve our housing problems.
Homes on a community land trust operate with a “pay-it-forward” model. A family buys a house on community land trust land at a discounted price, and, in return, agrees to sell it at a discounted price. The original family still builds equity and is rewarded for their care of the home, while the next family that moves in benefits from the discounted sale price, and the cycle continues.
What We Stand For
Our Mission
The mission of Northern Berkshires Community Land Trust is to make available permanently affordable housing and other community assets by acquiring and holding land collectively and democratically. Northern Berkshires Community Land Trust stewards land for people, not for profit.
Our Vision
We are working towards a future where the current and future residents of the Northern Berkshire region have access to safe, affordable, and decent housing. NBCLT will democratically manage housing and other assets that ensure a vibrant, stable, and thriving community.
Our Values
Democracy. We make decisions through a democratic and cooperative process representing the community members.
Access. We strive to give people in the widest possible range of economic situations and demographic backgrounds the opportunity to live and hold a stake in the community.
Stability. We will exercise responsible stewardship to ensure that its service to the community is sustainable.
Environmental Consciousness. We make choices with an awareness of how the community will affect and be affected by ecology and climate, both locally and globally.
