Empowering Community, Securing Homes: How Community Land Trusts Can Be a Pillar In The Affordable Housing Crisis Solution

October 5 2023

In the face of a mounting affordable housing crisis, finding feasible solutions to help residents stay and thrive in Etobicoke has become paramount. The surge in housing costs and the alarming scarcity of affordable options have left many struggling to secure suitable homes. However, a glimmer of hope shines through the fog of this housing challenge—Community Land Trusts (CLTs). These non-profit organizations stand as a beacon of hope, offering a promising path to address the crisis and help our community afford to stay and live in our cherished area.

Community Land Trusts (CLTs): A Brief Overview

Community land trusts, or CLTs, are nonprofit organizations driven by the community, working to acquire and manage land for the collective benefit of the community itself. Their primary goal is to ensure that the land remains permanently affordable and serves the community's long-term needs.

The Power of Collective Action

One of the key strengths of CLTs lies in their ability to bring the community together. By pooling resources and leveraging collective action, residents can acquire and maintain land, thereby protecting it from the unpredictable fluctuations of the real estate market. This, in turn, allows for the preservation of affordable housing options for both current and future generations.

Securing Affordable Housing

With affordable housing being at the core of their mission, CLTs typically develop a variety of housing options, from rental units to shared-equity homes. These options are made available at rates that remain stable and affordable, preventing displacement and fostering a sense of stability and security within the community.

Promoting Equitable Development

Community land trusts enable communities to have a say in how their neighborhoods are developed. This leads to more equitable and sustainable growth, ensuring that development projects prioritize the needs and desires of the residents, rather than merely being profit-driven endeavors.

The Future of Etobicoke: A Collaborative Effort

The rise of community land trusts holds immense promise. By embracing this model, we can collectively address the housing affordability crisis and shape a future where housing is a right, not a privilege. It's about coming together as a community, leveraging our collective strength, and safeguarding affordability for generations to come.

In South Etobicoke, a promising initiative is taking shape to further the cause of affordable housing—the South Etobicoke Community Land Trust Working Group.

This newly formed working group, born out of LAMP and other local organizations, is set on a mission to establish a Community Land Trust in the area that the organization has been part of for decades. This collective effort is a beacon of hope, aiming to address housing affordability challenges in our local neighbourhoods. It's about working collaboratively to secure a brighter future for South Etobicoke—a future where everyone can afford to live and thrive in this wonderful area.

Check out this link for more information and how to get involved https://lampchc.org/2023/09/28/south-etobicoke-land-trust/

As we stand at this critical point in time, let us unite, educate ourselves, and take proactive steps towards creating a community-driven legacy of affordability and inclusivity in Etobicoke. Together, we can build a brighter and more equitable future.

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