BCLT Celebrates Successful First Year

Photo Credit: Alamance Chamber/Access Alamance Magazine.

The Burlington Community Land Trust completed their first official fiscal year (2023-24) with positive momentum and excitement as their plans to establish affordable housing for low-income residents in Burlington, N.C. are coming to life.

“It’s been amazing to watch this volunteer-led non-profit evolve.”  We are grateful for the faith and enthusiasm our corporate donors and partners have shown for our vision,” said Dr. Toddie Peters, professor at Elon University and a founding member of the Burlington Community Land Trust. Together with the Morrow Town Community Group, Inc., the Burlington Land Trust set out with lofty goals, but with careful planning and sincere passion for the work in front of them. Veroncia Revels, Vice-Chairperson of the organization and CEO of Burlington Housing Authority, says the future holds much promise. “We know the need is there. We have the knowledge and a tested model to add positive solutions to the housing crisis in Burlington. Now we must obtain the resources.”

Pinnacle Bank, First Bank, the Hayden-Harmen Foundation, United Way, and the First Presbyterian Church Foundation have all provided support for BCLT in its first year. Elon University and Ebeneezer United Church of Christ have provided in-kind contributions, including interest and involvement from Elon students. One group successfully secured a small grant from the Doris Buffet Foundation on behalf of BCLT under the direction of Dr. Bud Warner, Associate Professor Emeritus of Human Service Studies at Elon University.

“We set a bold goal at the outset – to raise two years of operating expenses before hiring an executive director,” said Shineece Sellars, chair of the Board of Directors. “Going into 24-25, we are a quarter of the way to our goal. We are confident that we will reach our goal and be ready to prove our model hopefully in calendar year 2026.”