Community Land Trusts in Virginia (CLTs)
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) offer a powerful way to create permanently affordable homeownership, especially in places where rising costs have made it hard for working families to stay. In this model, the land is owned by a nonprofit, and the home is owned by the resident, allowing families to build equity while keeping homes affordable for generations to come.
For churches interested in supporting long-term community stability and equity, CLTs can be a meaningful partner. Below you’ll find CLTs active across Virginia, including both regional and statewide initiatives.
Charity Means Love Foundation (In Development)
Located in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, this emerging CLT initiative is gathering partners to launch a new community land trust focused on affordable homeownership and equity. Faith-rooted and community-led, they are working toward becoming operational soon.
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New River Home Trust: Community Housing Partners
Operating as part of Community Housing Partners, New River Home Trust provides affordable homeownership opportunities in Blacksburg and Montgomery County. Their CLT program ensures homes remain affordable for future generations while supporting resident equity.
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Lighthouse Beloved Community CLT
Lighthouse Beloved is developing a new CLT neighborhood in Lynchburg City. Inspired by faith and justice, their work focuses on building an inclusive, affordable community rooted in shared values and long-term neighborhood stability.
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Piedmont Community Land Trust
Serving the Charlottesville region, Piedmont CLT promotes homeownership opportunities for lower-income families through affordable housing held in trust. They help preserve affordability while allowing families to build equity in partnership with the community.
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Maggie Walker Community Land Trust
Based in Richmond, Maggie Walker CLT works to create and steward permanently affordable homes throughout the region. Their model supports first-time homebuyers and mixed-income neighborhoods, and they frequently collaborate with mission-aligned partners.
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Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust (VSCLT)
VSCLT works across Virginia to bring permanently affordable homeownership to areas without an active local CLT. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Virginia, they help reduce housing costs and preserve affordability through shared equity. Featured in the PBS documentary Life in the Heart Land.
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