Eastern Kentucky Community Land Trust works to create permanently affordable, community-controlled housing and land in Eastern Kentucky. We steward land for the common good, ensuring homes remain affordable for generations while allowing residents to build stability and dignity. Grounded in Appalachian values of care, cooperation, and place, we believe land should serve people—not speculation. Through community ownership, democratic governance, and long-term stewardship, we advance housing justice, strengthen local communities, and protect Eastern Kentucky’s future as a place where people can stay.

In 2026, Eastern Kentucky Community Land Trust will focus on building the foundation for long-term, community-owned housing across Eastern Kentucky. Our core programs include organizing community members into a strong, representative CLT membership; developing democratic governance and board leadership; advancing land acquisition and predevelopment planning; and deepening community education through workshops and cultural organizing. We will strengthen partnerships with tenants, students, and local institutions to build support for permanently affordable housing and prepare for the development and stewardship of our first CLT homes. We are building capacity and looking to buy our first property.

In 2025, Eastern Kentucky Community Land Trust focused on establishing the groundwork for permanent, community-owned housing in Eastern Kentucky. We incorporated as a nonprofit, built a diverse founding board, and developed core governance documents and policies. We engaged residents through community meetings, educational workshops, and cultural organizing projects that connected housing, land, and Appalachian identity. We advanced early site exploration and partnerships while beginning fundraising and capacity building efforts, positioning the organization to move from planning to land acquisition and development in 2026.