HOWELL, Mich. — With support from Lake Trust Credit Union, a nonprofit here plans to build four single-family homes priced at $250,000 as part of a new community land trust designed to preserve affordable homeownership opportunities for lower-income residents.
Community Catalysts has announced the launch of Bethel Homes, Powered by Lake Trust Credit Union, a housing initiative that will begin with four newly constructed homes on Burkhart Road in Howell Township.
Construction is scheduled to begin in October, with the homes expected to be ready for occupancy in mid-2027, Lake Trust said. The application portal is scheduled to open Sept. 30, with applicants considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Two Home Designs
The development will include two home designs: a two-story, three-bedroom home with 1.5 bathrooms and a ranch-style, two-bedroom home with 1.5 bathrooms. The homes will range from 960 to 1,232 square feet, and each will have a full basement.
The homes will be priced at $250,000 and reserved for individuals and families who live or work in Livingston County and earn less than 60% of the area’s median income, according to Lake Trust.
Community Catalysts said the homes can be sold for about $100,000 less than their construction cost because of partnerships involving Lake Trust, Community Catalysts Development Company, Norfolk Homes, foundations and philanthropic funders.
First Community Land Trust
The project will also establish Livingston County’s first community land trust, or CLT, which is intended to keep the properties affordable for future buyers.
Under the model, a nonprofit owns the land while eligible buyers purchase homes on the property at below-market prices. When an owner sells, a shared-equity agreement limits the resale price so the property remains affordable for subsequent buyers.
Community Catalysts said the model is intended to serve residents who may earn too much to qualify for traditional subsidized housing but cannot afford a home at prevailing market prices.
Changing the Story
“Our goal in creating a CLT in Livingston County is to provide an opportunity for homeownership to people who live or work here and who would not otherwise be able to own their own home,” Eileen Zilch, CEO of Community Catalysts, said in a statement. “Bethel Homes, powered by Lake Trust, is how we begin to permanently change that story.”
Lake Trust Credit Union is providing support for the project, which Community Catalysts described as foundational to launching the development and community land trust.
The nonprofit said the four initial homes represent the first phase of an effort to create a permanent source of attainable homeownership in Livingston County.
Applications to be Accepted
Applications for the first four homes will be accepted beginning Sept. 30 through the Community Catalysts website. Because applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, the organization is encouraging eligible residents to apply early.
Community Catalysts is a Livingston County nonprofit focused on expanding attainable housing in the county. It also leads Housing Catalysts, a countywide initiative aimed at facilitating additional housing development.
