Common Roots Housing Trust to host affordable homeownership sessions

WALLA WALLA/ WAITSBURG — Common Roots Housing Trust is hosting two information sessions for anyone seeking a path to affordable homeownership. Topics will cover how a community land trust model works to create permanent, affordable homeownership opportunities. Members from the trust will be on hand at the events to explain how to navigate the eligibility process and find resources, including financial counseling, for renters and first-time buyers.

Through the CLT model, Common Roots will be able to sell homes on their land for approximately $200,000, with an estimated monthly mortgage of around $1,000, making homeownership possible for more local families.

When a homeowner buys a home at a Common Roots’ property, they pay only for the house. The land remains under the ownership of the trust, which lowers the buyer’s purchase price. When a homeowner sells a house, the CLT retains the right of first refusal and resells the home to another qualified buyer. The home remains affordable throughout the CLT’s land ownership.

The land trust has purchased property and is preparing to offer homes in the next several years at sites in Walla Walla and Waitsburg.

The Waitsburg information session will be held at the Waitsburg Town Hall on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 5 p.m. The Waitsburg Town Hall is located at 121 Main St., Waitsburg.

In Walla Walla, the information session will be held at Pioneer United Methodist Church, located at 209 E. Birch St., on Tuesday, October 28, at 5:30 p.m. Both events are family-friendly and provide a light dinner.

Community members are encouraged to complete the short Homeowner Eligibility Survey to help CRHT identify potential buyers for its first seven homes in Walla Walla, as well as homes planned for Waitsburg later on.

The survey is available at https://forms.gle/9y6t1hamzRUyGcz1A.

“Homeownership is out of reach for too many families in our region,” said Kathryn Witherington, Executive Director of Common Roots Housing Trust. “These sessions are a chance to learn how the Community Land Trust model works, and how it can open the door to homeownership for more people in our communities.”

For more information, visit http://www.commonrootshousing.org or email info@commonrootshousing.org.

Who should come: Renters and first-time buyers who may want to apply for one of Common Roots’ first seven homes, along with neighbors, supporters, and partners curious about the CLT model.