Southeastern Connecticut Community Land Trust
***We’re hiring a new community organizer! See the job description here***
The Southeastern Connecticut Community Land Trust is a membership-based nonprofit organization that holds land for the development of permanently affordable housing, food production, green space, and facilities for community organizations. We are a grassroots organization by the people for the people, promoting social justice through the community holding land in trust.
SE CT CLT Board Meetings
Board meetings occur in person on the third Thursday of the odd months (January, March, May, July, September, November) at 5:30 PM. Meetings are open to members. If you plan to attend, please email president@sectclt.org.
New London Chapter Meetings
The New London Chapter meets in person once a month on the fourth Wednesday. We gather at 5:45 PM to share food and chat, and the meeting goes from 6-7:30pm. We meet at The Place, 74 Garfield Ave. Food is provided. We offer childcare, but if you plan on bringing kids, please email nlchapter@sectclt.org to confirm that we have coverage. Upcoming Meetings:
– October 23 (Movie Night!)
– November 20
– ***NO DECEMBER MEETING
Other Community Events
– October 19, 9AM-12PM: 30&32 Broad Street Grounds Volunteer Day | Meet in the driveway between the two addresses | RSVP to info@sectclt.org.
Mission of the SE CT Community Land Trust
The Southeastern Connecticut Community Land Trust (SE CT CLT) is a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that holds land for the development and stewardship of permanently affordable housing, land for food production, green space, and facilities for community organizations. SE CT CLT works to support access to affordable home ownership, advance community development, promote social justice, and further neighborhood revitalization across Southeastern Connecticut.
What is a Community Land Trust?
Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations that provide lasting community assets and permanently affordable housing opportunities for families and communities. Each CLT is governed by a board of CLT residents/lessees, general member representatives, and public representatives. CLTs are committed to the creation of homes that remain permanently affordable, providing successful home ownership opportunities for generations of lower income families. CLTs advance rural and urban agricultural projects, develop commercial spaces to serve local communities, create affordable rental and cooperative housing projects, and conserve land or urban green spaces. There are currently over 225 community land trusts in the United States. Join this rapidly growing movement.
The Need in New London County
Why have a community land trust in southeastern Connecticut? It is a matter of equity, stability, and strengthening local communities by reversing some of the disastrous policies and municipal decisions that have kept mostly poor and BIPOC people from accessing quality housing and home ownership, and that have even recently driven entire neighborhoods out of their homes for little appreciable benefit to the broader public.
Urban & Rural Agriculture
Our mission includes putting land in trust for urban agriculture, green space, as well as supporting permanently affordable farms in Southeastern Connecticut. Our first garden plot is on Ledyard Street in New London. FRESH New London improved the neighborhood by cleaning up the lot and adding a small greenhouse, fruit trees, and a raised bed of garlic.
Community
The Southeastern Connecticut Community Land Trust is a regional organization with local focus. The New London Chapter is the first to activate, and has already acquired and sold their first home to an income-qualifying homeowner. Local chapters seek to support projects and programs that are a priority to the community. There are several ways to be a supporting and active participant. Join the New London Chapter or start a chapter in your community!
Membership Based
We are funded through community gifts, partner organizations, and our members. As a membership-based nonprofit and a community land trust, our members are our reason for being. In addition to supporting the local community, membership also comes with benefits, including eligibility to purchase a SE CT CLT home or other holding. To learn more about the benefits our members enjoy and how to join us, please visit our Membership & Ways to Give page.
SE CT CLT Board of Directors & Staff
Board Members:
Lessee Representatives
Joanne P. Sheehan — President
Clayton Potter — Homeowner, Treasurer
Maya Nunez – Lessee, Ceiba Arbor
Membership Representatives
Sharmaine Gregor — Vice President
Jessica Hill
Jon Persson — Secretary
Public Representatives
Julie Garay
Clare Evento
Allison McGuire
Staff:
Mirna Martinez – Executive Director
Sky Hall – Bookkeeper
Jenn Farraher – IT Support
Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter!
Social Media
Address
539 Beach Pond Road
Voluntown, CT 06384
Click here to email us
Phone
860-772-4012