Home ownership has been a goal for families in the
United States since before we became independent. The
community benefits as much as the individual as homeowners
are more likely to become involved in its activities.
Unfortunately, the dream of owning a home is becoming
less attainable for a large percentage of our citizens.
Housing prices have increased much faster than wages
during the last two decades. In some areas, particularly
along the coasts, and in resort and second home communities,
the "affordability index" is at an all-time low. For
example, on San Juan Island, Washington, where we live,
the average salary is $21,000 while the sales price
for a home is over $425,000. It is virtually impossible
for a teacher, medical worker, government employee
or sales person -- much less artists, musicians, and
young couples starting a family or business -- to ever
achieve homeownership Such individuals are unable to
plan for a long-term future within the community. The
result is a stratified society where the wealthy own
large homes and are "served" by people who stay a few
years then move on.
In order to address this situation and to preserve
more dynamic communities, many groups are using the
community
land trust model to provide forever affordable
homes within their communities. Using private donations
and government grants, these non-profit organizations
purchase land and build homes which are then sold to
low- and moderate-income buyers at reduced prices.
Ownership of the land itself is retained by the community
land trust. Purchasers enjoy all the rights of home
ownership. They can continue to occupy them independent
of future income level and can even will them to their
children. Should they decide to move, however, they
must sell the home to another qualified buyer at a
price set by a formula that keeps the homes affordable
for subsequent occupants. Owning such a home allows
families to plan their future knowing that their housing
is stable
Community land trusts have been established in many
areas of the United States. For a more complete description
of how they work and to see a listing of all existing
such organizations, please visit the Institute
for Community Economics website. Should you be interested
in starting such a group within your community, they
are there to help.
ALL of the profits from the sale
of Windfall Winery's AP wine are being donated to community
land trusts. A portion will support the San
Juan Community Home Trust , our local land trust,
while additional contributions will be made to sister
organizations wherever the wine is sold. At the present
time this includes the following organizations:
We invite you to contact these organizations directly
if you would like to become more involved. It is our
goal to expand both the number of land trusts and the
amount of that support as our sales grow.
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